Bhubaneswar: Thermocol sheets stitched together with artistic acumen, giving shape to mini Sun Temple, was the cynosure of all eyes at the Heritage Sites of India exhibition, inaugurated at Regional Museum of Natural History (RMNH) in Odisha capital yesterday.

It took Debanjan Rout and Suryakant Nayak, students of B K College of Arts in the city, four days to complete this model.

"I have tried to make it look real with the eroded portions with irons rods that are now being preserved. Plywood dust coloured green has been used to show grass," Suryakant said.publive-image

There are also posters on different heritage sites in Odisha and other eastern states of India like Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and West Bengal. Andaman and Nicobar Islands can be spotted among these, too.publive-image

The display on Odisha speaks about various tourist destinations, including Bhitarkanika National Park, Jagannath Temple in Puri, Sun Temple in Konark, Lingaraj Temple, Shanti Stupa, Bramheshwara Temple, Udaygiri and Khandagiri caves, and Chausathi Yogini Temple of Hirapur.

From socio-economy perspective, heritage sites are enriched with traditional craftsmanship and provide livelihood to locals and thus, the exhibition stressed the need to preserve them. Boards on nature and biodiversity and conservation of heritage sites have also been put up.publive-image

Gaurav, scientist in-charge of RMNH, said plans for organizing this exhibition began in November 2017. The display on heritage sites aims at helping the present generation understand their past.

"We hope young minds come here and learn something about these regions and understand the efforts put in by tourism departments in conserving these sites," he added.publive-image

A new booklet on interesting specimens at the museum, in Odia, Hindi and English languages, was also launched on the occasion.