Raipur, Feb 22: Supreme Court Judge Justice Surya Kant on Sunday visited the country’s first digital tribal museum at the Tribal Research and Training Institute in Nava Raipur, describing the facility as a unique national asset. Emphasising the importance of cultural preservation, he stated that every citizen of the country must be made aware of the rich tribal history and heritage that forms the bedrock of Indian civilisation.
Justice Surya Kant spent significant time inspecting various galleries dedicated to the historic movements and heroic tales of Chhattisgarh’s tribal freedom fighters. During the walkthrough, he observed that the meticulously preserved memories of tribal resistance would serve as a powerful inspiration for modern society to unite and stand against exploitation and injustice.
Tribal Affairs Department Principal Secretary Sonmoni Borah welcomed Justice Surya Kant along with a high-level judicial delegation. The visiting dignitaries included Justice PS Narasimha, Justice Prashant Kumar, Bilaspur High Court Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha, and Rajasthan High Court Chief Justice Kalpathi Rajendran Sriram. The judges were honoured with traditional floral garlands and presented with intricate murals depicting tribal life as mementos of their visit.
During the extensive tour, Borah provided detailed insights into the socio-political background of various tribal rebellions and the legends showcased in the galleries. He explained the innovative use of symbolic trees—such as Sal, Saja, and Mahua—which have been integrated with digital technology to narrate stories of struggle. The interactive displays are designed to resemble an elder recounting history through motion visuals, bridging the gap between ancient oral traditions and modern technology.
The CJI expressed deep appreciation for the vivid depiction of the 1910 Bhumkal rebellion of the Bastar region. Led by the legendary 20-year-old tribal leader Gundadhur, this uprising was a landmark resistance against colonial forest policies, external interference, and exploitation by local landlords. Justice Surya Kant also examined several historical artefacts, including the traditional sword belonging to the martyr Veer Narayan Singh.
A significant highlight of the visit was the symbolic digital temple of Goddess Danteshwari. Justice Surya Kant, moved by the spiritual depiction, rang the ceremonial bell as a mark of reverence. He expressed a keen desire to visit Bastar in the future to offer prayers at the original, revered shrine of Goddess Danteshwari in Dantewada.
The digital museum, which has quickly become a major cultural landmark, was dedicated to the public by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 1 November 2025, coinciding with the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Chhattisgarh State Festival. The project was completed under the strategic guidance of Principal Secretary Sonmoni Borah, following specific directives from Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
Officials of the Tribal Affairs Department monitored every stage of the project, from its conceptual construction to the final inauguration. Given the museum’s growing popularity among tourists and researchers alike, the state government is currently preparing plans for a second phase of expansion. The institution is expected to serve as a lasting source of inspiration by preserving the valour and sacrifices of tribal ancestors for future generations.