An exhibition of old and unique collections, ‘My Own Exhibition of Heritage,’ being organised to observe the International Museum Day, concluded at the Regional Science Centre here on Sunday.
The exhibition was organised by the Regional Science Centre in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sanghralaya (IGRMS). During the exhibition, the art and heritage lovers displayed their inimitable collection of old articles. A total of 43 participants hailing from Nasik, Jabalpur, Chhindwara and Bhopal took part in the exhibition.
The exhibition gave a chance to the spectators to have a close look at the antique coins, old costumes, papers, letters, pictures and even valuable jewellery. The showcase of such antique and unique collection was like an exotic trip for the spectators as they walked through the centre’s art gallery.
One of the participants, RK Naidu displayed his rare collection of wildlife pictures and press cuttings. Another participant, AN Khernar displayed a beautiful collection of sculptures of freedom fighters made of cotton. His name is also recorded in Guinness Book of World Records.
KK Mittal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Culture (Government of India), AK Shrivastava, director, Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sanghralaya and AK Chatterjee, Chairman of the Indian Council of Museum, were present as the chief guests at the valedictory function.
While talking to The Pioneer, MM Rout, education officer of Regional Science Centre, said, “This is one of the unique events organised by the centre. As we have organised this event to observe the International Museum Day, we were awestruck to see such collection put up by the people.”
He further said, “There were such beautiful displays this year that one could not ignore having a look at them.” It was a mesmerizing visit for the art lovers of the city.
Meanwhile, in another event at the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, colloquium, mask dances, workshops and an exhibition were organized to mark the International Museum Day.
The exhibition entitled ‘Sohang’ was inaugurated by KK Mittal. Arun Kumar Shrivastava and other officials and staff were also present. Mounted at Avritti Bhawan of the Sangrahalaya, the exhibition was of masks (Sohang) worn by Kokna and Warli tribes of Maharashtra and Dadar Nagar Haveli. Bohda dance was performed with the masks.
The first workshop is taking place at Musuem Shop No. 2 where Madhubani painting of Bihar is being taught. On the first day of workshop 45 art lovers joined the workshop. The second workshop is of Chhau Dance of West Bengal and Jharkhand, which will continue for 30 days at Avrritti Bhawan of IGRMS.
Apart from this, a colloquium on ‘Musuem Collections Make Connections’ was held. KK Mittal, the chief guest of the colloquium said that Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya is doing a commendable job in the field of culture. While sharing his experiences, special guest of the ocassion AK Chatterjee talked about the importance and challenges of the museums in today’s world. In order to increase public awareness towards the role of museums in the development of the society, he laid stress upon the need of getting museums their deserving identity.
Earlier, Arun Kumar Shrivastava in his welcome address introduced the speakers and expressed his pleasure over the celebration of International Museum Day with the number of activities.
SK Pandey, Assistant Keeper of IGRMS coordinated the colloquium at Rockart Centre of Manav Sangrahalaya. This colloquium was attended by distinguished audience from the field of art and culture.
In the evening traditional mask dance Chhau of Jharkhand was also performed at Charaevati Open Air stage of Manav Sangrahalaya leaving the audience mesmerised.