Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Museum today observed International Museum Day with a special seminar centered on the theme, “Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Society.” The event, held at the museum premises, brought together dignitaries, historians, and cultural enthusiasts to discuss the evolving role of museums in the modern era.
Shri Deba Prasad Dash, Special Secretary, Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department and Director, Information and Public Relations Department, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his address, Shri Dash emphasized the pivotal role of museums in connecting individuals with their rich historical heritage.
“Museums are a powerful means of connecting with our glorious history. They introduce us to our civilization, literature, and culture,” he stated. He further added that museums serve as invaluable resources for understanding the history of any place and community, offering detailed insights into various aspects of the past.
Highlighting the contemporary relevance of museums, Shri Dash noted their capacity to not only educate about the past but also to inspire future developmental endeavors for the state and the nation. He also touched upon the diverse museums across the state and country, underscoring their unique contributions.
The seminar also featured Dr. Jiban Kumar Patnaik, retired archaeologist of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and Shri Gaurav, Scientist in-charge of the Regional Natural Science Museum, as guests of honor. In light of the rapid advancements in digital technology, both Dr. Patnaik and Shri Gaurav explored innovative ways to leverage Artificial Intelligence and various digital tools to enhance the engagement of museum exhibits. Their discussions focused on making the information and details within the museum more captivating for audiences, particularly the youth. The aim is to foster a deeper connection with Odisha’s glorious history and civilization and to facilitate the wider dissemination of its language, literature, and culture through museum platforms.
The seminar was also graced by the presence of Dr. Chandra Shekhar Hota, Secretary of the Odisha Sahitya Academy, and Ms. Debyani Bhuyan, Deputy Director of the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department. Shri Haldhar Nayak, Director of the Odisha State Museum, expertly hosted the program.
The celebration also served as an opportunity to highlight the recent additions to the Odisha State Museum. Notably, nine new galleries have been inaugurated, showcasing diverse aspects of Odisha’s heritage.
These include the Pre-historic Gallery, Royal and Ivory Gallery, Zoology Gallery, Mining and Geology Gallery, Kardei Gallery, Mukha Gallery, Tribal Gallery, Handicraft Gallery, and an Information Room. These newly established galleries offer a comprehensive overview of Odisha’s history, geography, art, literature, and culture, attracting significant interest from both local and out-of-state visitors.
The successful celebration of International Museum Day underscores the Odisha State Museum’s commitment to preserving and promoting the state’s rich cultural heritage in an engaging and dynamic manner.