The Minister of Tourism and Culture of Uttarakhand, Satpal Maharaj, inaugurated the George Everest Cartography Museum in the picturesque town of Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, on the occasion of World Tourism Day.
What is Cartography?
Cartography is about exploring and making maps. It uses science, art, and technical skills to show real or imagined places in a way that helps us understand where things are located.
Restoring Sir George Everest’s Historic Residence: The Park Estate Museum
The museum is situated in Park Estate, which used to be the residence of the famous surveyor Sir George Everest, known for whom Mount Everest is named. This estate can be found in the Hathipaon region of the hill town. Sir Everest lived in this house from 1832 to 1843, and it was one of the first houses built in Mussoorie. With the assistance of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the tourism department has recently refurbished it, with a budget of Rs 23.5 crore.
Honoring a Mathematical Pioneer
The minister also named a helipad at the George Everest estate after the brilliant mathematician Radhanath Sikdar. Sikdar’s historic accomplishment was no less than calculating the height of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, for the first time in history. This remarkable feat laid the foundation for subsequent mountaineering and surveying endeavors in the Himalayas.
Acknowledging the Legacy
In his address, Minister Satpal Maharaj expressed his admiration for the pioneering work of George Everest and Radhanath Sikdar. He underlined the significance of their contributions to mountaineering and surveying, emphasizing that their efforts paved the way for a deeper understanding of the Himalayas and its peaks.
The George Everest Cartography Museum
The newly inaugurated George Everest Cartography Museum is a one-of-a-kind institution dedicated to preserving the rich history of cartography, surveying, and mountaineering.
The museum boasts an impressive collection of exhibits, showcasing the Great Trigonometric Arc Survey initiated by George Everest himself. Visitors can also explore the extensive survey records of various Himalayan peaks undertaken by Indian mountaineers.
The museum is not only a treasure trove of historical documents but also an educational resource. Information about the diverse instruments used in these groundbreaking surveys is thoughtfully presented, allowing visitors to delve into the methods employed by these pioneers.
Recognizing Sarmoli Village
During the ceremony, Minister Maharaj proudly shared that Sarmoli village in Pithoragarh district had received the prestigious Best Tourist Village award in the Government of India’s tourism village competition. This recognition is a testament to the remarkable strides made by the village in promoting tourism and community participation in the sector.
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