About 80 kms from the state capital Gangtok, is Rhenock. Not holding much of prominence in the state, the location does not have much to offer beside a majestic temple of Lord Ganesha which the government recently built. But hidden from the popularity and fame, which it surely deserves is Ram Gauri Sangralaya, a museum which houses beautiful, unique and rare collection of items.
Started in 1970, the museum has a variety of collections ranging from philately, paper currency and coins, antiques, driftwood, artistic stones, old documents and manuscripts and many more. Presently being run by Mr Ganesh Pradhan, aged about 50, he says that this collection has been going on since the time of his father, Ram Pradhan who was a magistrate during the 50s in the kingdom of Sikkim. The then documents have been preserved in the museum.
Mr Ganesh spoke to APN informing that he along with his family, comprising of his wife and two sons, have been running this museum which was officially registered in 2001. Amidst currency, the museum houses coins from the time of Sikkim monarchy, error minted/printed currency of the India, currency from different nations and many more.
Mr Pradhan also mentioned about collections of old newspapers and magazines like Sunchari which had once been one of the most popular newspapers in its time. Antique pieces like utensils, weaponry also don the walls of the museum, which the family has set up in their own home not having a separate building for the museum.
A 60- year old bonsai is one of the treats to watch which Mr Pradhan says to have been planted by his father.
When asked about any funds from the government, Mr Pradhan refused that no funds from the government have yet been received though he has requested for the government to fund for a permanent museum to be built. Mr Pradhan says that tourists and students frequently visit their home- based museum to look at the collections.
Mr Pradhan has also received a State Award for his efforts in his field and taking his collections, he has represented the state in various exhibitions around the country. Being awarded the gold medal in the state, his son also presented their exhibit in a Philately Exhibition in Arizona, USA.
Stating his aim, Mr Pradhan proudly tells that he wants that the newer generation gets to know about the older culture and tradition. Collection of items has been a tradition since the time of his father and he wants this traditional to continue in the future which his sons are fulfilling dutifully. He also dreams of constructing a permanent museum to house the exhibits which he believes not only will help Rhenock progress but also boost the state tourism in large.
Started in 1970, the museum has a variety of collections ranging from philately, paper currency and coins, antiques, driftwood, artistic stones, old documents and manuscripts and many more. Presently being run by Mr Ganesh Pradhan, aged about 50, he says that this collection has been going on since the time of his father, Ram Pradhan who was a magistrate during the 50s in the kingdom of Sikkim. The then documents have been preserved in the museum.
Mr Ganesh spoke to APN informing that he along with his family, comprising of his wife and two sons, have been running this museum which was officially registered in 2001. Amidst currency, the museum houses coins from the time of Sikkim monarchy, error minted/printed currency of the India, currency from different nations and many more.
Mr Pradhan also mentioned about collections of old newspapers and magazines like Sunchari which had once been one of the most popular newspapers in its time. Antique pieces like utensils, weaponry also don the walls of the museum, which the family has set up in their own home not having a separate building for the museum.
A 60- year old bonsai is one of the treats to watch which Mr Pradhan says to have been planted by his father.
When asked about any funds from the government, Mr Pradhan refused that no funds from the government have yet been received though he has requested for the government to fund for a permanent museum to be built. Mr Pradhan says that tourists and students frequently visit their home- based museum to look at the collections.
Mr Pradhan has also received a State Award for his efforts in his field and taking his collections, he has represented the state in various exhibitions around the country. Being awarded the gold medal in the state, his son also presented their exhibit in a Philately Exhibition in Arizona, USA.
Stating his aim, Mr Pradhan proudly tells that he wants that the newer generation gets to know about the older culture and tradition. Collection of items has been a tradition since the time of his father and he wants this traditional to continue in the future which his sons are fulfilling dutifully. He also dreams of constructing a permanent museum to house the exhibits which he believes not only will help Rhenock progress but also boost the state tourism in large.
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