Subject: Request for Establishing Computer Museums in India

Respected Prime Minister,

There are nearly 70 Computer Museums spread over 17 countries.  Computer Museums serve as a knowledge and resource centre with special emphasis on computer, information science and technology. Display of Computers of different generations inspire children. The museums will bring computer history to life through on-site tours, exhibition galleries and travelling temporary exhibitions. The Computer Museums have collection of computing artefacts acquired from around the world, computer hardware, software, documentation, graphics and manuscripts, photographs and histories, and moving images. Currently India has several types of museums including Science Museums but no dedicated Computer Museum. 

We, the members and supporters of the Computer Museum Society (CMS), are proposing to remedy this situation. The CMS has been formed in Chennai comprising of a team of academicians and computer science professionals. CMS desires to establish India's First dedicated Computer Museum at Chennai. 

We  also wish that every state in India should have at least ONE computer museum. We request Hon’ble PM and Government of India to initiate steps to establish multiple computer museums in India and showcase to the world the contribution Indians have done to the field of Computer Science which is revolutionizing the world. Please Build computer museums in India on urgent basis before the required Artifacts vanish.  

The computer museums are required to present stories and artifacts of India's Computing Revolution and its impact on society.  These Computer museums also serve as an educational resource for students and the general public.  Each computer museum will be a living museum and a place of learning encouraging Girl Students and from marginalized societies to get inspired and become future computer engineers and digital scientists.

India has made notable contributions in the areas of Hardware and software development, IT services, and computer science research.

In any foreign country today, Indians are seen and respected as IT experts, 

It is essential to preserve the history of this field for future generations with dedicated Computer Museums and reduce the digital divide. 

SIGNIFICANCE OF COMPUTER MUSEUMS

The establishment of computer museums would serve several purposes.

-  provide a platform for the preservation and display of the historical artifacts and technologies showcasing India's significant contributions to the field. 

-  serve as an educational resource for students and the general public by showcasing the various technologies and devices and provide a hands-on learning experience that would complement their classroom education.

- serve as a tourist attraction promoting the country as a hub of innovation and technology. 

In conclusion, the establishment of computer museums in India is an essential step that needs to be taken without much delay.

NEED FOR INVOLVEMENT BY GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

Establishing Computer Museums is highly challenging.

1. It requires collaboration and participation by state Governments, Industries, Academic Institutions and Professionals.

2. Huge funds are required for creating the infrastructure. 

3. A team of trained specialists are required for ongoing maintenance and operation.

4. ARTEFACTS need to be located, collected / bought and installed.

A study has been already done by the Computer Museum Society  in the year 2019. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a typical Computer Museum at Chennai has been prepared by Thiru K G Kumar, Former DG of NCSM (National Council of Science Museums) and Director of VITM (Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum). The CMS has approached the Government of Tamil Nadu for the allotment of 10 acres of land for the museum. . The building will have a covered area of approximately 10000 sq. mtrs, out of which 6000 sq. mtrs. shall be indoor exposition, Innovation Hub, Virtual Archive, exhibition of Tamil Language computing and the remaining 4000 sq. mtrs for visitor’s activity area, office, exhibit development laboratory etc. The remaining land will be developed into an aesthetically designed green science park with interspersed outdoor exhibits, picnic area etc.  A presentation has been made to Tamilnadu Government in October 2019.The cost of the project will be approximately Rs. 190.00 crore. Out of this Rs. 120 crore shall be for building and Rs. 70 crore for the exhibition galleries/ visitor activities etc. The CMS envisages to create a corpus fund of Rs. 50 crore through membership drive, corporate funding, philanthropic support, Government support etc. for  the proposed Chennai Computer Museum (CCM). 

The requirement for other major cities of India could vary to some extent.The DPR of Chennai Computer Museum could be a base document for GOI / other state governments.   The total fund allotment by GOI for multiple Computer Museums could be in the range of Rs. 1000 - 2000 Crores. Land has to be provided by the state governments. Industries and Institutions could participate as sponsors / partners. 

OUR REQUEST  

We would like to request you to initiate action for establishing computer museums in India by creating a strategy, policy and funding for building computer museums in India. We would like to offer three specific suggestions:

1. Please ALLOT special funds & distribute to all the state governments to encourage them to establish dedicated Computer Museums. 

2. A centralised body such as National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) could provide guidance and special support. Alternatively a similar new body is to be created. 

3. Provide incentive to each state for allotment of suitable land to an independent body. The IT ministries in State governments could coordinate the establishment and management of computer museums jointly with a consortium of  IT Industries.

An early ACTION by you will help in preserving the history of computer science and technology in India, promoting the country as a hub of innovation and technology and educate students and general public about the same. 

Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to your positive response.

Sincerely, 

Dr. B. Govindarajalu, President - CMS, Chennai. (Author of the Book, IBM PC AND CLONES: Hardware, Troubleshooting and Maintenance) & Other Members of Computer Museum Society. SUPPORTED by people from all walks of life.

cc: Minister of Finance - GOI, Minister of Culture - GOI, Minister of Electronics and Information Technology - GOI.