The Himachal Darshan Photo Gallery, established by noted photographer and Himachal culture lover, Birbal Sharma, located at Bindrawani, near Mandi will cease to exist from May 24.
The gallery, established by Sharma about 28 years back remained a place of attraction since its inception as tourists, students and people desirous of having a glimpse of Himachal visited the gallery in a large number.
Founder of the gallery, Birbal Sharma, who is also a veteran journalist said, “All my efforts to save the place from demolition for the construction of four-lane widening project, proved futile, disheartening him and thousands of its admirers.”
He said, “ This photo gallery is being demolished for the second time in a row for the four-lane project, within a span of a few years , as national highway authorities have been building constant pressure on me to demolish it, days are just numbered .”
Sharma said, “An arrangement is being made to maintain its huge collection at a suitable place; the state government and concerned departments including Mandi district administration have been requested to provide as suitable place for housing the artifact.”
He lamented, despite offering the collection without any consideration, he has not received any response till now.
Thanking well wishers of the gallery , Sharma said he will try to reestablish the Himachal Darashan Gallery at some other place.
Nearly, six lakh visitors from India and abroad visited the gallery as people and art lover thronged to enjoy rare pictures and precious artifacts under one roof, which will lose its entity within a few days, leaving it’s founder, Birbal Sharma quite emotional .
