HT Correspondent
TEZPUR, May 18: To highlight the significance of museums, the department of Cultural Studies, Tezpur University, organised weeklong activities on the occasion of International Museum Day, celebrated worldwide on May 18.
International Museum Day is coordinated by the International Council of Museums (ICOM), a non-governmental organisation dedicated to museums. This year’s theme, declared by ICOM, was ‘Museums for Education and Research’, focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4 – Quality Education and SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure of the United Nations. The weeklong activities were organised from May 13-18, 2024.
Related Posts:
During the inauguration of the event on May 13, Prof. Shambhu Nath Singh, vice chancellor of Tezpur University, emphasized the crucial role of museums in education and cultural preservation. “Museums serve as vital bridges between the past and the present, offering a study into history that enriches our understanding of contemporary life,” Prof Singh said. Recalling his visit to the Smithsonian, the world’s largest museum, Prof Singh added that museums not only safeguard the past but also inspire present and future generations to learn from it.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Farheena Danta, dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, highlighted the pivotal role museums play in education and research. “Museums are vibrant spaces that cultivate learning, inspire curiosity, and contribute to groundbreaking research,” the Dean said.
Abhilash Rajkhowa, district museum officer at Tezpur District Museum, delivered an insightful talk on the topic: ‘Redefining Museum Visits: Exploring Fresh Perspective’, where he explained methods of preserving museums.
To promote awareness about the importance of museums in the preservation of cultural heritage and fostering intercultural understanding, the department organised exhibitions and guided museum tours of the departmental museum called Cultural Interpretation Centre and Neelpawan Baruah Museum of Modern Art throughout the week. The celebration attracted a diverse audience, including students, faculty, staff, and local residents.
