A five-day exhibition on the life and works of Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened at the Indian Museum in Kolkata on Wednesday, coinciding with his 75th birthday on September 17.

The exhibition, which will remain open till September 21, highlights Modi’s 25-year journey as an administrator, from his time as Gujarat Chief Minister to his current role as Prime Minister, his ideas, vision, and commitment to making India self-reliant and globally respected.

Inaugurating the exhibition, state BJP president Samik Bhattacharya described PM Modi as the pride of the country. “Narendra Modi is the symbol of humanity, leadership and self-belief. The country will move forward on the path charted by him,” he said.

Bhattacharya praised Modi as a “Vikas Purush” (development man), contrasting his development philosophy with the state government’s approach.

Indian Museum deputy director Dr Sayan Bhattacharya highlighted the museum’s modernization efforts under PM Modi’s guidance, aligning with the “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision.

“On behalf of the Indian Museum, it is my great privilege to extend our warm and all heartfelt welcome to all of you on this historic occasion. The exhibition — The life and times of Narendra Damodar Das Modi, Prime Minister of Bharat — celebrates the extraordinary journey of the prime minister, from his humble beginning to his transformative leadership of our nation, it highlights his ideas, his vision and his commitment to making Bharat self independent, strong and globally respected,” he said.

“Today, it is my privilege to inform you that under the visionary guidance of Narendra Modi ji, the Indian Museum aligning with the Viksit Bharat 2047, is undergoing a process of modernisation of its gallery by embracing modern technologies to transform its to match the global standard while continuing to preserve our priceless heritage. This exhibition is a shining example of that vision where tradition meets innovation and history speak to the present and future alive, under his esteemed leadership, Bharat has reemerged on the world stage as Vishwa Guru, his initiative suggest such as Brihattar Bharat, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Ek Desh, Ek Dharohar and the road map towards Viksit Bharat 2047, inspire us all to imagine a stronger, more united and self sufficient nation that will stand as bacon of hope and progress of the world. Before I conclude, I would like to place on record our sincere gratitude to the bacon of this exhibition,” Sayan Bhattacharya added.

During the event, Samik Bhattacharya used the platform to criticise the state government, calling for a change in Bengal’s political landscape. “Wait, just nine more months, a new child will be born! Don’t let Bengal become Bangladesh again,” he said.
He cited FDI statistics, noting that Gujarat’s FDI is 39.6% while Bengal’s is only 0.6%, and blamed the state government for lacking an industrial-friendly environment and also advocated for farmers to have a share in industrial projects.
Bhattacharya also alleged that the state government is ignoring the presence of abundant natural resources like oil mines in Ashoknagar and Ranaghat and manganese reserves in Puraba Medinipur, claiming that the Prime Minister’s Office had written to the state three times regarding the Ranaghat oil mine with no cooperation. “We have everything we want here – sea, rivers, talent – we just lack goodwill,” he said.

BJP leader Locket Chatterjee said that the exhibition highlights different phases of the PM’s life. “There are photos of his young days. Different phases of his life, from a tea vendor to an RSS volunteer, have been showcased in the exhibition,” she said.

BJP national council spokesperson Shatarupa and her team attended the ceremony.