Samsung India has partnered with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to launch virtual reality (VR) tours of the Taj Mahal and other heritage sites across India.
The partnership between Samsung and the UNESCO has green lit the development of VR content for two of India’s heritage sites, the Taj Mahal in Agra and the Sun Temple in Konark, Odisha. This was announced during the recent Uttar Pradesh (UP) Investors’ Summit and during which Samsung India showcased a film in partnership with the UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) focusing on the Taj Mahal. It showcased the grandeur, heritage and splendor of the Taj Mahal, an architectural marvel and was shown to several ministers and other dignitaries attending the summit.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath commented on the film by stating: “Tourism and education are key priorities for us. We are delighted that Samsung India has contributed on both fronts and has come forward with its VR film on the Taj Mahal. On its part, the government is working towards creating a strong tourism ecosystem and educational infrastructure in the state of Uttar Pradesh and this collaboration with Samsung will enable us to fulfil our vision. The Taj Mahal has been a monument of pride for us and a beautiful VR film on this will definitely attract more tourists to the state.”
The film will be made available via social media channels in VR format and be provided to the Union Ministry of Tourism and State Tourism Boards to be used for tourism promotion in India and across the world. This is all part of the government’s vision of ‘Digital India’ in which VR and other digital formats will be used for education, tourism and other purposes. Currently there are 36 UNESCO heritage sites in India and Samsung India may take on more sites in the future to develop more VR content.
Deepak Bhardwaj, vice president, CSR, Samsung India commented on the partnership by stating: “Samsung believes in transforming communities and creating a better life for people with its innovative products and solutions. We are happy to partner with UNESCO to offer experiential educational content with the effective use of technology. Today there is a need for children to acquire a deep understanding of our national heritage sites. At Samsung, we believe this partnership will help provide many more school-going children easy access to such content in an engaging and exciting format such as VR,”
VRFocus will continue to bring you updates on this story as they develop so stay tuned for more.
via Mint VR