Famed architect Mario Botta once said, “A museum is a spiritual place. People lower their voices when they get close to art.” Anil Sahoo, a native of Dashapalla in Nayagarh district, is a keen collector of rare artefacts for his proposed museum. Possessing a penchant for exploring antique pieces, he also happens to be a former navy sailor. In a tête-à-tête with Chaitali Shome of Orissa Post, he threw light on his incredible collection and future plans.
What drives you in your exploratory endeavours?
I had a hobby of collecting various stamps in my childhood. Later, I was into a lot of conversations with various pen pals which inspired me to collect rare artefacts even more. Besides, I have always wanted to spread awareness about our rich culture. This prompts me to preserve these items.
What are the highlights of your makeshift museum?
My temporary museum houses 30,000 stamps from 169 countries. Old coins, which are in the denominations of 1000, 150, 125, 60, released by Govt of India, paper money of 64 countries, match box covers, Papayrus of Egypt, antique cameras, gramophones, record player, antique radios, games like Pasha, Ganjpa, Kanjia, Pata, Maska of Purulia Chhau, Sadheikala Chhau and old toys among others feature in the museum.
Tell us about the support you received from your family and local people.
My entire family is very supportive of my work. My father Sukrasen Sahoo, wife Geetanjali Sahoo, Manoj Sahoo and Prasant Sahoo are taking care of my proposed museum in my absence. Localities have also extended their hearty support in my endeavour. They help me a lot to locate local artefacts.
You are currently employed in the Indian Railways. How do you manage time for your museum?
I do not require much time to collect items as I gel with everyone. Currently, I am working in Indian Railways. However, I never shy away from taking some time out to collect any artefact when I come to know about one.
Exploring artefacts is costly business. How do you finance your collections?
I finance all my endeavours by my own money since Std VIII. I do not believe in charity.
Is your temporary museum visited by any renowned personality?
Internationally renowned photographer Ketaki Sheth (author of Bombay Mix) and Cinematographer of movies like Yalgar, Swapna Sagara and Dora Sudarshan Sahoo have visited the place. Apart from that, many administrative officials of NAC including the first blind OAS officer Sanyasi Behera have visited our museum to encourage us.
Have you received any assistance at all for the preservation and restoration of your artefacts?
Sunil Kumar Sahoo (former Art Restorer -INTACH) and former INTACh member Biswa B Sahoo have always offered their selfless support and guidance to volunteers during caring and cleaning of deteriorated palm leave manuscripts at my makeshift museum. Sripada Das from Puri has also assisted me in restoring palm leave manuscripts in a traditional manner.
Tell us about your future plans.
My only objective is to focus all my efforts towards setting up the Dashapalla Educational Museum under the project of ‘Veda Uddhar’. I would give all my collections for this proposed museum.
