The Birla Industrial and Technological Museum (BITM) in Kolkata is one of those places that will immerse you in nostalgia, while simultaneously challenging your mind. During their Science Carnival, held from October 18 to 30, BITM introduced several new features to its existing galleries, enhancing the interactive science learning experience. Subhabrata Chaudhuri, the director of the institute, said, ‘We have six galleries and each gallery has a storyteller who will open your mind to science in a way that will prompt you to question various facets of life from a scientific perspective.’ One such gallery is the Transport section, where visitors can view a model aircraft carrier, different types of watercrafts and even early locomotive systems. A series of moving models make up the display — showcasing the evolution of locomotives
All photos by Amit Datta
The Motive Power section is another area within the Transport gallery, featuring moving models of James Watt’s steam engines and various other engines, including a Walschaerts valve gear, invented in 1844. With several engines on display, visitors can clearly observe how the evolution of engines over the years led to the development of the internal combustion engines used in modern cars. ‘One of my favourite features of our Transport gallery is the Underwater Metro display. Kolkata is the first city with both underground and Underwater Metros, and we have a unique exhibit that demonstrates how the mechanisms work 33 metres below the Ganges,’ said Chaudhuri, the director
On the top floor of the museum is the Communications Gallery, known as Vintage Voyage, where visitors can explore nearly every piece of technology that led to the phones we carry today. The gallery features a broadcast section showcasing the Re-o-kur recording machine and the magnetic recorder and reproducer — a device credited with helping save 700 lives on the Titanic. There is also a Swadesh Connect section displaying communication tools used by Indians in the fight for freedom, including the Motwane Chicago microphone used in broadcasting messages across the country. The biggest attraction in the Communications Gallery is the Morse Code translator, which is a computer that allows you to type any message and generate the corresponding Morse Code — a crucial tool for information exchange during the World Wars
The Mathematics gallery at BITM aims to showcase how maths is used in creativity, inspiration and practical application. It features a tablet illustrating the origins of Hindu-Arabic numerals, showing exactly how each number evolved into the forms we recognise today. This gallery also provides practical demonstrations of concepts like the number line, decimal numbers, and binary numbers. Further along, visitors can observe how arithmetic and geometric progressions work, along with interactive displays of geometric shapes and their properties. A visual display explains the Pythagorean Theorem in a way that even those unfamiliar with mathematics can understand. As part of the Science Carnival, there is also an exhibit detailing the dimensions of Platonic solids
BITM is also an inclusive space. Visitors can observe the World of Darkness gallery that offers an exceptional form of interactive learning for those with visual impairments. The Braille section features various models of the solar system, globes, and even constellations. Each display is equipped with Braille imprints, along with buttons that, when pressed, announce the name of a constellation, or the name of a country
The communication system exhibit demonstrates how communication has evolved over the years, with the image on the left showing the first form of notification. Although the telephone was invented first and allowed calls to be made, a major issue was alerting the receiver to an incoming call. This device, connected to a gramophone, would ring a bell when a call was coming in. From the days of the telephone operator, responsible for patching calls through, to the Ericofon — the first phone that could be carried from one end of the house to the other. The USP of the Ericofon was its variety of colours and its unique design with the dial pad located at the bottom
The Physics gallery features interactive models that perfectly illustrate the laws of motion, inertia, escape velocity, and Brownian motion. A life-sized model of Sir Isaac Newton sitting under an apple tree serves as a symbolic tribute to the man who defined the three laws of motion. Another intriguing display in the Physics gallery is a model of a nuclear power plant. The gallery also includes a section dedicated to the doyens of Indian Physics
The Popular Science gallery features various interactive displays showcasing science across subjects like physics and chemistry. This is likely the area children enjoy most, as it resembles an amusement park with attractions like the Musical Corridor and the Frozen Shadow Room — both sparking great curiosity. You can even see how the concept of momentum works. Near the exit is a massive three-dimensional model of the Periodic Table, usually seen only as a chart. Don’t miss the models of Aditya L1 and Chandrayaan 3, and do take a picture with the Gagan Yaatri space suits to remember your visit to BITM
