Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR/JAMMU, May 18: In commemoration of International Museum Day 2024, a series of events were organized across Jammu and Kashmir to celebrate the theme “Museums for Education and Research.”
The events included seminars, exhibitions, and workshops aimed at raising awareness about cultural heritage and its preservation.
In Srinagar, the Culture Department, in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), J&K, organized a seminar at the SPS Museum in Lal Mandi.
The event, inaugurated by Principal Secretary Culture, Suresh Kumar Gupta, featured a special exhibition on Painting Heritage and a photo exhibition showcasing the monumental glory of J&K.
Notable attendees included Mohammad Rafi, Director of Libraries & Research, Sanjeev Rana, Secretary of JKAACL, Mushtaq Ahmad Beigh, Deputy Director of Archives, Archaeology & Museums, Kashmir, and Gowhar Ahmad Khan, Archaeological Engineer, ASI Srinagar Circle.
Suresh Kumar Gupta underscored the importance of preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Jammu & Kashmir for future generations.
He highlighted that museums serve as gatekeepers of history, preserving past treasures, documenting present stories, and enlightening future paths.
The Principal Secretary emphasized that International Museum Day encourages sustainable practices and inclusivity, promoting learning and creativity.
In Jammu, the Directorate of Archives, Archaeology, and Museums celebrated International Museum Day at the Dogra Art Museum, Mubarak Mandi.
Schools and colleges from the region participated, with students showing keen interest in the diverse crafts, objects, and artefacts on display.
A Power Point presentation further educated visitors about the museum’s heritage.
Interacting with the students, the Director of Archives, Archaeology, and Museums, Raj Kumar Katoch, reiterated the importance of heritage conservation.
He lauded the role of museums as centers for heritage awareness, education, and research. The event was curated and coordinated by Mukul Magotra, Curator of the Dogra Art Museum, under the supervision of Dr Sangeeta Sharma.
Additionally, the Centre for Studies in Museology and the Sheikh Noor Ud-Din Noorani Museum of Heritage at the University of Jammu collaborated with the Manuscript Conservation Centre and Shashvat Art Gallery and Museum to focus on “Conservation of Manuscripts.”
The event featured an exhibition and a one-day workshop led by expert conservators from the Manuscript Conservation Centre under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
Prof Anju Bhasin, Dean of Academic Affairs at the University of Jammu, inaugurated the manuscripts exhibition as the chief guest.
Shruti Avasthi, Director of the Regional Centre IGNCA, and Dr Suresh Abrol, Coordinator of the Manuscript Conservation Centre, emphasized the significance of manuscript conservation.
Prof Poonam Chaudhary provided insights into the Centre’s initiatives, aligning them with the International Council of Museums’ (ICOM) theme.
Resource persons, including Dr Suresh Abrol, Senior Conservator Arvind, Junior Conservator Kewal Krishan Kotwal, and Junior Conservator Kailash Kumar, conducted training sessions on manuscript conservation.
Participants included students, scholars, and faculty members from various colleges across Jammu and Kashmir.
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