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Govt sets aside Rs 5 cr for museum in memory of KD Singh Babu in Barabanki

Govt sets aside Rs 5 cr for museum in memory of KD Singh Babu in Barabanki
Lucknow: After resolving the dispute over the ancestral property of hockey legend Kunwar Digvijay Singh Babu, affectionately known as KD Singh ‘Babu', the state govt is now poised to enlist architects to devise a plan and construct a magnificent museum at the cost of Rs 5 crore.
The property, which sprawls on an area of 35,241 square feet (equivalent to five tennis courts), is located in the heart of Barabanki district.

The govt has successfully acquired the stakes of 17 members of KD Singh Babu's family and hopes to obtain the final stake of 18th member within the next few days, after which the entire property would be incorporated into the Uttar Pradesh Directorate of Museums.
Barabanki district magistrate Satyendra Kumar Jha said, "A team of architects will soon visit the site and formulate a plan to showcase the life of the legendary KD Singh Babu and his journey as a hockey wizard. The govt has allocated Rs 5 crore for the project. Once constructed, the museum will inspire generations to come, and Babu's residence will become an iconic landmark of Barabanki."
"Assistance would also be sought from Babu's family members for stories and anecdotes related to the hockey player, which can be displayed in the museum alongside his hockey stick, pictures, medals, and trophies," he said.
A committee is likely to be established, which will include Babu's elder son Vishwa Vijay Singh, to discuss the features of the museum.
"We are delighted to contribute to the creation of the museum. One of the ideas is to have a small theatre to screen short documentaries on
Indian hockey and the contributions of Babu as well as other legendary players. It will inspire the younger generation," said Vishwa Vijay Singh, who resides in Lucknow.
Following the property survey, the govt is expected to purchase the property for approximately Rs 15 crore, which would be distributed equitably among 18 stakeholders.
KD Singh Babu is not only remembered for his magical skills with the hockey stick, which earned gold medals in the 1948 (London) and 1952 (Helsinki) Olympics, but also for the unwavering dedication with which he nurtured young talent and developed sports infrastructure for future generations as an administrator. Babu was born on Feb 2, 1922, in Fatehpur tehsil of Barabanki.
Besides being a hockey stalwart, he mentored approximately 20,000 players. He played a crucial role in ensuring sports quotas in jobs across various govt departments. He also played a pivotal role in the formation of teams in various govt departments and organisations from which players were selected for the national team.
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