Inside the world of India’s mobile Independence and Partition Museum

In first of its kind initiative, a museum demonstrating freedom movement and post-partition migration was inaugurated by the Minister Transport, Housing of West Bengal, Janab Firhad Hakim to commemorate the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence. The virtual inauguration was done under the presence of Minister Transport, Housing of West Bengal, Janab Firhad Hakim. Rajesh Sinha, Transport Secretary and Rajanvir Singh Kapur, MD, WBTC.
Interestingly, the event also witnessed the presence of Lord Meghnad Desai and Lady Kishwar Desai, who joined the occasion virtually from London. Speaking on the occasion Firhad Hakim said, “India is a country of peace. Bengal believes in harmony and unity in diversity. This museum reflects the ethos of Bengal. It also dwells into the Freedom struggle in which Bengal played a major role. The Museum on Wheels beautifully depicts the efforts of our freedom fighters and also the impact of division of Bengal and Punjab on the national psyche.” Salient features about the museum The Museum on Wheels comprises two designed trams. The first car showcases the rising resistance against the British Raj from the 1900s. It depicts key moments during the period of 1900 to 1947, leading to independence and how the borders were drawn.The second car focuses on the mass migration and rehabilitation that took place post-partition. The Kolkata museum is the world’s first museum on wheels. Prior to this, the Partition Museum, Amritsar, is the world’s first Museum on the subject. With this Museum on Wheels, the Eastern dimension to the freedom struggle and partition has completed a full circle.