World Telugu Samskrithika Niketan opens today

The state-of-the-art museum showcases ancient and modern history of Telugus

Visakhapatnam: The World Telugu Samskrithika Niketan, the first of its kind museum showcasing the ancient and modern history of the Telugu, which is located atop picturesque Kailasagiri Hills, will be opened to the public on Thursday.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will open the museum in the presence of Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu, who will be chief guest on the occasion, ministers and members of World Telugu Federation.

Samkrithika Niketan is a joint venture of World Telugu Federation and Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA). VUDA has contributed Rs 6.27 cr apart from providing five acre land to the museum while the rest was pooled by the federation.

The museum-cum-folk arts presentation centre showcases 30 episodes in audio – an hour each, depicting the colourful history, culture and fine arts of the Telugu people. Renowned art director of Indian cinema, Thota Tarani has design inputs to the museum apart from some art work.

The ace art director, who reviewed works on Wednesday, suggested last minute changes. Speaking to The Hans India he said that he could have done wonders if he was given more scope and time. “A lot more can be done. As an artist, you can never be satisfied even if, you have done your best,” he added.

Woman behind the project and president of World Telugu Federation, VL Indira Dutt said an amphitheatre and a training center to groom the younger generation in folk arts would come up in the premises soon.

“A state-of-the-art audio-visual system is installed so that the visitors can choose the language and item of their choice,” Indira Dutt said, while detailing about some of the special features of the museum.

Thotha Tarani’s signature can be easily seen at the entrance and exit. He arches reflect Kakatiyan style while the ceiling is painted in Dasavarataralu (10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu) in Kalamkari style.

The lobby displays medallions of 70 prominent persons from both Telugu speaking states and the officials of the museum said that ceiling of the lobby, which portrays 10 large Lepakshi style paintings will be a major attraction.