Staff Reporter
Tourism and Archaeology Department (TAD) is all set to inaugurate Ram Pyari Museum in Gujrat city. Adviser to Chief Minister on Tourism and Archaeology Asif Mehmood will be the chief guset of the inaugural ceremony to be held on April 19 tomorrow.
This Masterpiece of the Victorian era was renovated by experts from the Archeology Directorate.
According to historical accounts Hindu contractor of Gujrat Sundar Das Choppra constructed this building in 1918 in his wife’s name Ram Pyari.
The road where this RamPyari Mahal is situated was also known as Ram Pyari road which is now called circular road.
Adviser to the CM said that after 1947 when his wife left for India, the building was used for school purposes.
As this was not enough this heritage site was also used as a girls college hostel till 2002.
When the University of Gujrat was established it was again used as a girls students hostel for UOG. Later on it was used as a hostel for girl students of a college.
“These unfortunate administrative decisions caused severe blows to Ram Pyari building”, regretted the Adviser.
Asif Mehmood said that in 2017, it was handed over to the Archeology Directorate to make it a Museum. “However, said the Adviser, no solid work was started to achieve the target.
From 2017 till 2020 it remained an empty building”. Mr. Mehmood told that on directions by current Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar renovation work started on solid steps.
Now it has been renovated from outside and inside. Secretary TAD Ehsan Bhutta said that beautiful architecture is mesmerising and attractive for visitors.
Similarly, Archeology Directorate officers Deputy Director Hassan Iqbal, Atique Ahmed, Ms. Shahbano have arranged artefacts in newly renovated showcases.
“In the upper portion of the building three galleries have been set up. Gujrat Gallery having information about heroes of City (Poets, sports persons, Nishan-e-Haider holders, writers etc), said Mr. Bhutta.
One gallery will be reserved for kids information through interesting decors/ technology. Outside a long room is being renovated as an auditorium for documentaries/ extention lectures / discussions on heritage, history and culture.
The Secretary said that with the potential help of Deputy Commissioner Gujrat, illumination at night has also been completed. This will be a gift for Gujrat’s people as previously there was no museum in this whole region, he said.
He thanked Brigadier Ehsan of Pakistan Army who presented a gift of portraits of Nishan e Haider holders, Maj. Aziz Bhatti Shaheed, Maj. Maj. Shabeer Sharif and Maj. Akram all from district Gujrat.
