The history of human civilization highlights that mankind has never been content with whetting physical appetite alone. This eternal human urge to look beyond the bare necessities of food, shelter and clothing had culminated in generating various sources of entertainment. Mankind's infinite urge to learn, explore and discover the unknown and unseen, purely for aesthetic pleasure has resulted in development of tourism.
In keeping with this inextricable human urge, people of Guwahati and Assam are increasingly seen to be traveling across India and abroad with a view to explore the world, to have a look at various historic monuments, experience different cultures and other timeless human achievements and architectural brilliance, among other things. However, true to the saying -'nearer the Church, further from God', many of us have not cared to visit the magnificent car museum that has a mind blowing collection of priceless vintage cars, four wheelers and motor bikes at Medhikuchi' village, near Sonapur, which is approximately fifteen kilometers away from Guwahati on the National Highway 37.
In the backdrop of lush green surroundings and captivating natural beauty, the first car museum of Assam and North east stands with all its splendour. As one enters the grand antique collectibles museum, one is simply flabbergasted by the sight of a number of helmets that are magnificently embellishing and adorning the entry gate. It transpires that these helmets were used by the soldiers during Second World War. The endeavour and tenacity to procure such invaluable items showcase the innovative thinking and artistic bent of mind and passion of the man who is the architect, behind this magnificent museum.
The connoisseurs become euphoric when they see the huge collection of classic cars that range from a 'Skoda' vehicle manufactured way back in 1899. I must put on record that 'Skoda' remains one of the five oldest car producing companies in the world with an unbroken record till date. Vintage cars like Plymouth( 1928), Volkswagen Beetle ( 1936), Morris Minor( 1952) and Vauxhall( 1936) delight the vehicle lovers.
The sight of an 'Oldsmobile' of the 1897 model and a 'Baby Austin' of 1924 speaks eloquently about the quality of the car museum. Many more antique cars are available numbering approximately 55. The splendid museum, in a way, provides an opportunity to view the evolution of vehicles from the nascent stage.
Moreover, the abundance of vintage two wheelers enriches the classic gallery of the museum. The iconic 'Albion Motor Cycle' named as 'Bell Drive' manufactured in 1901 is also there on display. 'Royal Enfield Bikes' of different varieties, which were used during Second World War, are an added attraction especially to the adventure loving connoisseurs. The museum houses nearly 50 iconic motorbikes manufactured in ten decades starting from 1902. In addition, approximately, twenty classic scooters can be seen.
The collector's passion for vintage and priceless things does not stop with automobiles alone. The exhibition of old watches, gramophone and last but not the least telephones (in a chronological sequence) makes the visit truly remarkable. A replica of a telephone invented by Graham Bell is yet another scintillating asset of the museum.
No accolade or eulogy is enough for the single handed effort of Pickloo Deka, the man behind this awesome collection of vintage cars, two wheelers and artifacts. The collection magnifies his selfless dedication and passion for the timeless and priceless objects. Deka has done everything on his own-- from collecting the various items to setting up the infrastructure. He has spent his own hard earned money for the entire project that was his dream.
Many of us have passion. We dream. But to translate the dream into reality one needs unflinching effort, a single mindedness of purpose and the mental resilience to sacrifice personal interest. Piklu Deka's long cherished dream for a car museum has provided the 'hoi-polloi' an opportunity to get a respite from the rigours of their humdrum life. This museum is indeed a recreational avenue for automobile lovers. It is also a choice destination for tourism lovers who want to try new and lesser explored places.
Assam is known across the world for its wild life and religious places. These attract thousands of tourists. The state government should perhaps contemplate to include 'vintage car museum' in its glorious (and established) tourist destination list. Doing this will give a fillip to Assam tourism too.
By: Gautam Ganguly
Also Watch: