Culture

The National Museum proudly celebrates its 64th Foundation Day with the launch of a groundbreaking exhibition titled "Heritage Unlocked: An Interactive and Educational Experience." This pioneering initiative, inaugurated by Joint Secretary of Museums, Shri Sanjay Kaul, alongside Prof. B.R. Mani, Director General of the National Museum and Shri Ashish Goyal, Additional Director General of the National Museum, aims to engage school students in discovering and preserving India's rich heritage.

In his speech, Prof. B.R. Mani reflected on the museum's storied history, tracing its origins to the Maurice Gwyer Committee's vision in 1946 and the inaugural Indian art exhibition in London in 1947-48. He emphasized the museum's role as a custodian of India's cultural legacy and a space for scholarly inquiry and artistic appreciation.

Prof. Mani elaborated on the significance of the "Heritage Unlocked" exhibition, noting that it is the first of its kind in a traditional museum setting where the contributions of school interns play a central role. This unique initiative encourages students to observe, connect and interpret the cultural narratives that have shaped our nation, fostering a new generation of heritage custodians.

"The museum has steadfastly fulfilled its role as one of the foremost custodians of India's cultural heritage," said Prof. Mani. "By involving school students in the creation of this exhibition, we are not only celebrating our collection but also empowering young minds to become active participants in preserving our heritage."

The exhibition, segmented into eight distinct sections, offers hands-on activities designed by NM-ITIHAAS interns and the museum's Education Department. Visitors can engage in creative learning modules focusing on the Harappan Civilization, Archaeology and Excavation, Decorative Arts, Gandhara Art, Miniature Paintings and the indigenous art and lifestyle of North-East India. Activities include excavation simulations, replica-making sessions, audio guides and interactive explorations of various art forms.

"Children and adults alike can partake in excavation activities, replica-making sessions, listen to audio guides developed by interns and explore the art of Gandhara and Mathura," Prof. Mani highlighted. "This exhibition is a trailblazer, representing the collaborative efforts of school interns, their mentors at ITIHAAS and the dedicated teams at the National Museum."

The exhibition will run until January 20th, 2025, offering visitors a unique opportunity to engage with India's cultural heritage in an innovative and educational manner.

"We celebrate this milestone with a renewed commitment to fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts and heritage that define us as a people," Prof. Mani concluded. "The National Museum continues to bridge the past and present, offering a window into the artistic and cultural achievements that have shaped our collective identity."

                                                                                 ----------------------------------by the correspondent