Marking a landmark moment in its 164-year history, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, the top national auditor body can now proudly boasts its first-ever museum at the iconic Chadwick House in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.
This historic venue, once a residence for Mahatma Gandhi during the pivotal Cabinet Mission of 1946, has been transformed into the "Chadwick House —Navigating Audit Heritage" museum which was opened by CAG Girish Chandra Murmu on Monday.
This museum represents a remarkable convergence of history and modernity, preserving the past while educating future generations about the essential role of auditing in good governance, said Murmu.
He also emphasised that the museum stands as a testament to the CAG's commitment to heritage and transparency, underscoring its importance in educating the public about the role of auditing in maintaining accountability in governance.
The Chadwick House, constructed by a British national in the 1880s and later purchased by Maharaja Sardar Charanjit Singh of Kapurthala in 1904 once hosted Mahatma Gandhi during the pivotal Cabinet Mission in 1946 which aimed to negotiate the transfer of power from British rule to Indian leadership.
Murmu emphasised on importance of Chadwick House.
He said post-Independence in 1950, Chadwick House became the site of the first training school for Indian Audit and Accounts Service probationers, thus marking its long-standing association with the audit community, showcasing its achievements and significant milestones over the years.
Among the numerous exhibits, the museum features a depiction of Chanakya, the ancient Indian scholar, penning his Arthashastra, which is considered one of the earliest documents outlining the principles of accounting. This exhibit underscores the deep historical roots of accounting practices in India.
One of the museum's most significant attractions is a 1907 table and chair used by Sir CV Raman, the Nobel laureate in Physics, who briefly served as an assistant accountant general at the CAG’s Kolkata office. Although the original table is yet to be placed, a life-size statue of Sir CV Raman is already on display, providing visitors with a tangible connection to his legacy.
Chadwick House museum is among the most modern museums in India, featuring state-of-the-art audio-video interactive displays. Visitors can access information via QR codes embedded in graphic panels, which provide a comprehensive view of the CAG's history since its establishment in 1860.
Murmu said, the museum serves as a testament to the CAG's commitment to preserving its heritage and educating future generations about the role of auditing in ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.
Post-independence, in 1950, a training school for the Indian Audit and Accounts Service was started here. With the training establishment moving, Chadwick House gradually fell into disrepair. Without proper care and maintenance, it was on the brink of demolition in 2018. At that juncture, the Supreme Audit Institution of India stepped in to safeguard its heritage.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with the then owner PrasarBharati (All India Radio) in December 2020, kickstarting the process of establishing Chadwick House as a museum.
The museum is structured into ten distinct galleries, each designed to provide a detailed exploration of different facets of CAG's history, roles and significance. Utilizing graphic panels, videos, diorama sets, interactive displays, and artefacts, these galleries offer visitors a comprehensive understanding of the institution and its history.
Murmu expressed hope that the museum ignites curiosity about the role and significance of the Chief Audit Officer in building a strong nation. He emphasized that public outreach and citizen engagement are integral to fulfilling their mandate effectively. The true purpose of the museum will be realized when it goes beyond merely attracting casual visitors and becomes a vibrant connection, sparking curiosity among all stakeholders.
