India’s museum ecosystem is gradually expanding beyond physical galleries into homes, classrooms, and digital platforms. The National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) receiving two PRSI National Awards 2025 highlights how public institutions are reimagining outreach, sustainability, and citizen participation in cultural preservation.
Recognition at the PRSI National Awards 2025
The Public Relations Society of India conferred two national awards on NCSM at the 47th All India Public Relations Conference held in Dehradun. One award recognised the “Har Ghar Museum” campaign for the best use of social media in a corporate campaign, while the second honoured the “Waste to Art” publication in the Special/Prestige Publication category. These awards underline the growing importance of strategic communication in public sector institutions.
NCSM and Its Role in Science Communication
NCSM functions under the Ministry of Culture and is responsible for a network of science centres and museums across the country. Its mandate extends beyond exhibition design to scientific temper, public engagement, and informal education. The recent recognition reflects how museums are being positioned as active social institutions rather than static repositories.
‘Waste to Art’: Linking Sustainability with Learning
The “Waste to Art” initiative was launched under Special Campaign 4.0 and Swachhata Hi Sewa. It documented how around 1,250 kg of waste—including metal scrap, electronic components, and discarded containers—was converted into art installations across NCSM units. These installations functioned not just as visual exhibits but also as educational tools explaining reuse, recycling, and circular economy principles. Workshops and national-level competitions ensured participation from students and local communities, embedding sustainability into experiential learning.
Har Ghar Museum: Democratising Heritage
Inspired by the idea that history resides in everyday spaces, the Har Ghar Museum campaign encouraged citizens to share stories of heirlooms, artefacts, antiques, and personal collectibles. Through photographs, videos, and narratives, these objects were digitally documented, creating a people-driven archive of cultural memory. The initiative bridges the gap between institutional heritage and lived history, reinforcing the idea that preservation begins at home.
Digital Outreach and Public Participation
The success of both initiatives lies in their digital strategy. Har Ghar Museum recorded engagement from over one million viewers, generated more than ten million views across platforms, and curated over 150 public entries. Selected artworks from the Waste to Art initiative were also amplified through social media, extending their educational impact well beyond museum visitors. This demonstrates how digital platforms can enhance inclusivity and scale in cultural initiatives.
Why This Matters for Cultural Policy
These initiatives align with broader national priorities—Swachh Bharat, citizen participation, and cultural preservation. They show how museums can support environmental awareness, creativity, and heritage conservation simultaneously. The recognition also signals a shift in governance where public institutions are evaluated not only on content but also on communication effectiveness and societal reach.
What to Note for Prelims?
- National Council of Science Museums operates under the Ministry of Culture.
- PRSI National Awards 2025 categories: Best Use of Social Media (Corporate Campaign) and Special/Prestige Publication.
- Har Ghar Museum focuses on citizen-led digital documentation of heritage.
- Waste to Art initiative linked to Swachhata Hi Sewa and circular economy.
What to Note for Mains?
- Role of museums in public engagement, sustainability, and informal education.
- Importance of digital platforms in democratising culture and heritage.
- Linkages between environmental campaigns and creative public participation.
- Relevance of strategic communication in achieving policy outreach goals.
