BHADRAVATI: Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Ltd. (VISL), a unit of Steel Authority of India Ltd., (SAIL) could not have thought of a better way to pay tribute to its founder, M. Visvesvaraya, than by converting the Chairman's bungalow into a museum dedicated to the founder's memory.

The museum, which is yet to be thrown open to the public, was formally inaugurated by the Chairman of SAIL, V.S. Jain, at a simple function here recently. It is expected to emerge as one of the major landmarks of the steel town.

The majestic-looking Chairman's bungalow, situated in sylvan surroundings, was first occupied by Dr. Visvesvaraya, who stayed there from 1923 to 1929 after being appointed the first Chairman of the steel factory.

What appears to have prompted the VISL authorities to convert the bungalow into a museum is the fact that it was lying vacant for several years after an official residence was provided for the Chairman. The bungalow continued to be vacant even after SAIL took over the VISL and the VISL Chairman's post was abolished and the Executive Director made its head.

The VISL authorities were successful in securing personal belongings of Dr. Visvesvaraya from his ancestral house at Muddenahalli in Kolar taluk for display in the museum.

The interiors the bungalow are decorated with portraits and other artefacts. A model of the VISL township is placed in the middle of its main hall.

The VISL, which was set up in 1923 as a pig iron producer, is today a major alloy and special steel manufacturer.

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