The Indian Prime Minister recently inaugurated the International Museum Expo 2023 in New Delhi in honor of the 47th International Museum Day. At the event, plans were announced for an ambitious new project: the Yuge Yugeen Bharat, poised to be the largest museum worldwide, encapsulating 5,000 years of Indian history.
Understanding International Museum Day
International Museum Day (IMD) occurs annually on the 18th of May. The event’s primary objective is to foster public awareness about the crucial role museums play in cultural exchange, cooperation, peace, and mutual understanding between diverse peoples.
The International Council of Museums (ICOM) first instituted IMD in 1977. Each year since 2020, IMD supports a selection from the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. For 2023, IMD will spotlight Goal 3 (Global Health and Wellbeing), Goal 13 (Climate Action), and Goal 15 (Life on Land).
The Role of the International Council of Museum
ICOM was formed in 1946 and has its headquarters in Paris, France. This non-governmental organization sets professional and ethical standards for museum activities globally and maintains the ICOM Red Lists of Cultural Objects at Risk to combat illicit trafficking of cultural assets.
Highlights of the International Museum Expo 2023
At the expo, the Prime Minister unveiled several key exhibits, including the Mascot of the International Museum Expo, a graphic novel titled “A Day at the Museum”, a comprehensive Directory of Indian Museums, a Pocket Map of Kartavya Path, and Museum Cards.
The mascot is a contemporary rendition of the Dancing Girl, crafted in the traditional Chennapatnam wood art style. The PM emphasized the significant role of museums in conserving history, promoting sustainability, and enhancing well-being.
Preserving Heritage and Reviving Cultural Infrastructure
The expo placed significant focus on preserving India’s rich heritage and revitalizing the country’s cultural legacy. New cultural infrastructure is being developed to showcase India’s struggle for independence and its thousand-year-old heritage. Ten special museums are planned to honor tribal communities’ contributions to the Indian freedom movement.
Protecting Artefacts and Addressing Illicit Smuggling
The challenge of illicit smuggling and appropriation of artefacts is a significant concern, especially for countries with ancient cultures like India. Efforts are underway to recover and repatriate stolen artefacts, which have led to the retrieval of over 240 ancient items in the past nine years. Some notable examples include the 18th-Century Annapurna statue and the 12th-Century statue of Mahishasur Mardini.
Museums Administration in India
Museums in India are managed by various ministries, and not all are under the Ministry of Culture’s administration. Some are independently run by a board of trustees without government support. Notable museums include the National Museum, the National Gallery of Modern Art, Victoria Memorial Hall, Asiatic Society, and the National Museum of Natural History.
