PM Modi proposes a unified ‘Museum Map of India’, national museum database, and youth involvement to boost cultural awareness. He also suggests documenting the Emergency period, inviting influencers, and strengthening museum standards to preserve India’s heritage and make museums more accessible and engaging for the public.
In a forward-thinking initiative aimed at enhancing India’s cultural heritage infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday chaired the 47th Annual General Meeting of the Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML) Society at the historic Teen Murti Bhawan in New Delhi. The meeting saw the Prime Minister laying out an ambitious roadmap for the future of museums in the country, calling for innovative strategies to elevate their significance in public consciousness and global perception.
Emphasising the Role of Museums in Cultural Preservation
Highlighting the crucial role museums play across the globe, Prime Minister Modi said that these institutions serve as vital custodians of history and heritage. He emphasised that museums not only preserve the past but also enable people to experience history firsthand. “Museums are more than just repositories; they are living expressions of a nation’s journey,” Modi stated.
To align with global standards and spark public curiosity, the Prime Minister stressed the need to constantly enhance the visibility and reputation of Indian museums. He proposed regular campaigns and initiatives to draw greater public engagement and create a renewed sense of ownership among citizens.
Proposal for a ‘Museum Map of India’
In a major announcement, PM Modi introduced the concept of a “Museum Map of India”—a visionary digital initiative aimed at presenting a unified cultural and informational landscape of all museums across the country. This map would serve as an interactive guide for visitors, researchers, and scholars to explore and access information about various museums, their collections, and their historical relevance.
The Prime Minister also underlined the increasing importance of technology in heritage preservation and visitor engagement. He proposed the development of a comprehensive national database that would include all museums in India. This centralized repository would feature essential metrics such as visitor footfall, quality standards, curatorial practices, and preservation methodologies.
Capacity Building and Youth Participation
In a bid to build institutional capacity and foster innovation in the museum sector, PM Modi recommended holding regular workshops for museum personnel. These workshops would serve as platforms for capacity building, knowledge sharing, and the adoption of global best practices.
In a fresh move aimed at injecting youthful energy into the heritage sector, the Prime Minister proposed forming committees in each state, consisting of five members under the age of 35. These young individuals would be tasked with contributing innovative ideas and perspectives on how museums can better connect with new-age audiences.
Recognising All Prime Ministers and Revisiting the Emergency Period
Reflecting on recent developments, PM Modi noted that with the establishment of the Museum on Prime Ministers of India, located at Teen Murti Bhawan, justice has finally been done to the legacies of all Indian Prime Ministers, including Jawaharlal Nehru. He pointed out that such comprehensive recognition was lacking before 2014.
Additionally, the Prime Minister called for a detailed compilation and preservation of all documents and legal records relating to the Emergency period. With the 50th anniversary of the Emergency approaching, Modi stressed the importance of documenting this era so that future generations and scholars can study it in depth.
Promoting Museums Internationally
To enhance global outreach and diplomatic engagement through culture, PM Modi suggested inviting top Indian social media influencers and officials from foreign embassies to visit Indian museums. This would not only amplify visibility but also build international appreciation for India’s rich and diverse heritage.
A Symbol of Sustainability
At the conclusion of the meeting, Prime Minister Modi planted a Kapur (Cinnamomum camphora) tree in the lawns of the Teen Murti House. The act symbolised growth, heritage, and sustainability—principles that underpinned the vision he laid out during the gathering.
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The meeting also saw active participation from other members of the PMML Society, who shared their own suggestions and insights for further enhancing the library and museum.
With these forward-looking proposals, the Prime Minister aims to transform India’s museum landscape into a more accessible, inclusive, and technologically integrated sector that not only celebrates the past but also prepares for the future.
