Tue Nov 05 16:42:21 UTC 2024: ## ₹400 Crore Abhay Prabhavana Museum Opens Doors in Pune
**PUNE, INDIA -** The grand Abhay Prabhavana museum and knowledge centre, a massive undertaking costing ₹400 crores, was inaugurated in Pune on Tuesday by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. Located on the outskirts of Parwadi village in Maval taluka, the museum is spread across 50 acres along the banks of the Indrayani river.
Founder Abhay Firodia, who celebrated his 80th birthday on the same day, proudly described the museum as the largest of its kind in India. The 3.5 lakh square foot facility showcases the essence of Jain values through meticulously curated galleries, artifacts, and immersive experiences. Visitors can explore 30 galleries filled with high-tech audio-visuals, animations, virtual reality installations, interactive systems, and over 350 artworks and sculptures.
The museum is the brainchild of the Firodia Institute of Philosophy, Culture and History, a division of the Amar Prerana Trust. Mr. Firodia highlighted the dedication of the team, including scholars, thought leaders, and artists from around the world, who worked tirelessly for the past 10 years to bring the project to life. He chose Pune as the location due to its proximity to the 2,200-year-old Pale Jain caves and its role as a city of opportunity, attracting students and professionals alike.
The museum’s impressive features include 35 projectors, 675 audio speakers, 230 LED TVs, 8,000 lighting fixtures, and a five-kilometer HVAC ducting system. The waiting lobby welcomes visitors with eight Pichwai-style paintings depicting the Jain concept of cosmos and the 24 Tirthankars.
Visitors will embark on five distinct “journeys” within the museum, covering topics such as philosophy, the evolution of Jainism, the path to happiness, eternal Indic values, and a nature trail. The museum is expected to attract over 2,000 visitors daily and will charge approximately ₹1,500 per person per journey.
A separate children’s museum is also planned for the 50-acre campus, offering a simplified experience for younger visitors. The museum is wheelchair accessible and incorporates insights from Mr. Firodia’s extensive research on museums across the globe, including the University of Berlin.
During the inauguration, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari emphasized the importance of social responsibility and long-term vision, praising the project as an inspiration for generations to come. The event was attended by notable figures, including Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Justice Dalveer Bhandari from the International Court of Justice, and several spiritual leaders.
The Abhay Prabhavana museum is set to open to the public by the end of November, promising to become a global cultural landmark.
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