Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan, on April 1, 2018, inaugurated a world-class Interpretation Centre and tourist facilities at Konark Sun Temple at Konark. It coincides with Utkal Divas celebrations in Odisha.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Pradhan complimented The IndianOil Foundation (IOF), a non-profit trust fully funded by Indian Oil Corporation (Indian Oil), under the aegis of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, for developing the visitor-friendly infrastructure and associated facilities including a state-of-the-art Interpretation Centre that showcases the unique architectural features of Konark Sun Temple.
He said, that the Konark Sun Temple is Odisha’s pride and it is important that the world is made aware of this architectural marvel and the Interpretation Centre is a step in that direction. He also complemented Padma Vibhushan Raghunath Mahapatra for recreating the sculptural wealth of Konark sun Temple at the Iinterpretation Centre for the benefit of both national & international visitors. He further said that the modern amenities that have been developed at the temple complex would attract more tourists in future, according to a PIB release.
Other dignitaries present on the occasion included Shigeru Aoyagi, Director & UNESCO Representative to India, Adwaita Charan Gadanayak, Director General, National Gallery of Modern Art, Sanjiv Singh, Chairman, Indian Oil, J C Nakra, CMD, Engineers India Ltd, Padma Shri Sudarshan Sahoo, Padma Shri Prabhakar Maharana, and Ranjan Mahapatra, Director (HR), Indian Oil.
Speaking on the occasion, Shigeru Aoyagi, Director & UNESCO representative to India, said that UNESCO is continuously working for the preservation of heritage monuments like the Sun Temple at Konark, across the world. He hoped that the Interpretation Centre will not only educate the tourists about the rich history of the temple but will also throw light on the natural and cultural heritage of Odisha.