VISAKHAPATNAM: Former UPSC Member and Dravida University vice chancellor, Prof. K.S. Chalamurged the state government to set up a state museum in the newly built palace on Rushikonda hill. In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Prof Chalam highlighted the lack of a government museum in Andhra Pradesh as the current small museum in the city belongs to the Navy. He stressed the need to return sculptures, works of art and Buddha Relics they were supposed to be transferred to the state after partition but are currently in Hyderabad.
Prof. Chalam highly appreciated Chief Minister Naidu for his recent speech in which he mentioned that the proposal to Andhras to increase the population reflects the foresight of a visionary. As an economics professor and researcher, Prof Chalam has long written on this issue and expressed satisfaction that the Chief Minister recognizes the importance of population growth for Andhra Pradesh to ensure better budgetary allocations. central governmentespecially in the Finance Commission.
According to Professor Chalam, the Rushikonda site has the potential to become a significant attraction for foreign tourists from countries such as Japan, Vietnam, China, Thailand and Sri Lanka. He noted that there are enough premises for the museum, which can be called East Coast Museumand central government could be approached for funding. Professor Chalam also highlighted the historical significance of the region, noting that in the past Telugu people lived along the entire eastern coast and even now fishermen from Puri to Rameshwaram speak Telugu.
In addition, Professor Chalam suggested that the museum could be developed into a high-level institution for the government and people by providing facilities for international seminars and research. He highlighted the historical significance of Visakhapatnam, especially the Visakha and Srikakulam (Ganjam) districts in the erstwhile Madras State, which were part of ancient Trikalinga. This region contains sacred places like Bavikonda, Thotlakonda, Pavuralakonda and Rushikonda, which are of great importance to the Telugu people and predate the Amaravati period. The presence of Buddhist and Jain religions in the area further enhances its historical and cultural value.