Opening a window to the rich history of Indian trade and commerce over the past several centuries, the Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode (IIM-K) opened a National Museum of Indian Business History on its campus at Kunnamangalam here on Saturday.
Union Minister for Human Resource Development M.M. Pallam Raju inaugurated the museum, reportedly the first such in the country.
IIM-K sources said the museum, with an area of 23,000 sq ft, was opened to acknowledge the role played by India’s eminent business leaders and corporate players in the making of the country. It would also strive to inculcate in the youth a spirit of innovation and business entrepreneurship.
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The museum showcases a vast and exclusive collection of artefacts, sculptures, photographs, documents, letters, miniature models, and digital resources which throw light on the wealth of the country’s business history. There would be a second-phase expansion, sources said.
In the first phase, IIM-K had spent Rs.1.5 crore on the museum. It covered all works related to various theme-based sections such as ancient, medieval, colonial, and pre- and post-independence periods. Over half a dozen top-level corporate firms offered their support to set up their exclusive pavilions.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had announced the theme of the museum on August 18, 2011 in the presence of IIM-K Director Debashis Chatterjee.
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The support of various sponsors also helped the early completion of the first phase, sources said.