Summary
The gallery features over 75 vintage artefacts that have fostered connectivity through the ages and showcase stories of the societal impact of such technologies
Prof Abhijeet Chakrabarti, a Member of the Governing Body of the National Council of Science Museums and Chairman of the Executive Committee of BITM Kolkata, inaugurated the gallery in the presence of Mr Subhabrata Chaudhuri, the Director of BITM
Birla Industrial and Technological Museum, Kolkata, launched a permanent gallery ‘Vintage Voyage-Communication Technology’ commemorating International Museum Day on May 18 2023. The Telegraph Online Edugraph, as the event's digital media partner, was present at the venue to cover the occasion.
The gallery features over 75 vintage artefacts that have fostered connectivity through the ages and showcase stories of the societal impact of such technologies. Tracing the journey of communication technology, the gallery features restored and fully functional display units such as morse key, fire alarm with cranking system, semaphore, rail signal apparatus, and many more.
Edugraph
Prof Abhijeet Chakrabarti, a Member of the Governing Body of the National Council of Science Museums and Chairman of the Executive Committee of BITM Kolkata, inaugurated the gallery in the presence of Mr Subhabrata Chaudhuri, the Director of BITM.
Speaking to Edugraph, Prof Chakrabarti stated, “Communication is one of the most important aspects of life nowadays. So a gallery on the evolution of communication is very motivating to young minds. The major idea behind science museums is to motivate young minds towards science, both study and research. This gallery will undoubtedly help them develop their knowledge about the evolution of communication and they would be motivated to do better work in the field of communication technology.”
Prof. Abhijit Chakrabarti inaugurating the gallery Edugraph
“Galleries with working artefacts are very rare. Here we have ensured that people can interact with the technology of yesteryear. That is our USP,” said Mr Subhabrata Chaudhuri.
The displays in the gallery have been segregated into 4 distinct sections:
- TRANSMIT contains artefacts that were used to send messages over specific channels
- BROADCAST contains artefacts related to broadcast media
- SWADESHI CONNECT contains artefacts that showcase Indian innovations and discoveries in communication technology
- TETHER contains artefacts that fostered interpersonal connections through wires
Edugraph
Each display article has a story linked with them, that visitors can access with their smartphones by scanning unique QR codes next to their names.
The gallery is open to all visitors of BITM Kolkata, which is open every day from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm.
Last updated on 18 May 2023
