Kolkata, May 21 : A landmark step towards preserving and showcasing the ecological and cultural legacy of the Sundarbans was witnessed on International Museum Day as the soft launch of the upcoming Sundarban Museum was successfully held at iLEAD on 18th May 2026.
The event unveiled the vision, galleries and immersive experiences of the international-quality museum being developed on Gosaba Island in the Sundarbans. The museum aims to present the biodiversity, heritage, livelihoods and environmental significance of the world’s largest mangrove forest and UNESCO World Heritage Site through an engaging and technology-driven experience.
The soft launch ceremony was graced by Guest of Honour Lt. Col. Anant Sinha, Director, The Asiatic Society, Kolkata, Guest of Honour, Mr Prabir Mahapatra, Seretary, Tagore Society for Rural Development and Guest of Honour, Mr Sayantan Kanjilal, grandson of Padmashri Tushar Kanjilal and member of Tagore Society for Rural Development and iLEAD Chairman Pradip Chopra, along with distinguished guests, academicians and conservation enthusiasts. Prominent academicians like Ms. Simran Sanghera, Principal, Asian International School, Kolkata, Ms. Madhumita Maiti, Principal, La Martiniere for Boys Middle School and Ms. Shuktara CCA Coordinator of Jyotirmoyee Girls High School were present along with eminent members of the Press.
During the event, guests were introduced to the museum’s planned 14 galleries, each dedicated to different aspects of the Sundarbans. The galleries will cover themes including the boats and ships of the Sundarbans, stories of pirates, tribal communities, forest products, handicrafts, cyclones, climate change, conservation efforts, local livelihoods and the future challenges facing the region.