Sullia: Environmentalist Dr. RK Nair’s work at Smritivan Earthquake Museum wins UNESCO award

Team Udayavani, Jun 16, 2024, 10:31 AM IST

Sullia: The Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum in Bhuj, Gujarat has been chosen to be among the seven most beautiful museums in the world under the prestigious Prix Versailles Award.

Interestingly, the Smritivan has a connection to Dakshina Kannada, particularly Sullia.  It was Dr. RK Nair, an esteemed environmentalist from Sullia, who transformed the Smritivan into a green haven by planting 4.60 lakh trees, creating a lush environment in memory of the victims of the devastating earthquake.

Every year, UNESCO recognizes the world’s seven most outstanding places and monuments in the fields of architecture, nature conservation, and design with the “Prix Versailles” award. This year, Dr. Nair’s work at Smritivan was selected for this esteemed recognition, highlighting the project’s significance and impact on environmental conservation.

Dr. RK Nair, originally from Jalsur in Sullia taluk, is not only a businessman but also a renowned environmental expert based in Gujarat.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed happiness over the inclusion of the Smritivan Earthquake Museum in the World Selection for the Prix Versailles Museums 2024.

In a post on ‘X’, he said, “Smritivan in Kutch is a tribute to those we lost in the tragic earthquake of 2001. It is a reminder of human resilience and courage as well.”

“Glad that this museum has found a place on the World Selection for the Prix Versailles Museums 2024,” Modi added.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also hailed the listing of the Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum in Bhuj among the seven most beautiful museums in the world under the prestigious Prix Versailles Award.

In a post on ‘X’, Shah said the listing of Smritivan under the prestigious Prix Versailles Award will spread worldwide the fragrance of the memories of those people who lost their lives in the 2001 earthquake in Bhuj.

“It is a touching moment for all of us as Smritivan in Kutch finds a place in the prestigious World Selection for the Prix Versailles Museums 2024.

“Envisioned by PM Shri @narendramodi Ji, Smritivan is a museum that preserves the memories of the people we lost in the devastating earthquake in 2001. Its inclusion in the World Selection for the Prix Versailles Museums 2024 will spread the fragrance of their memories worldwide,” he said.

(With PTI inputs)