International Museum Day observed in State
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 18 2012: As part of the International Museum Day, a two-day museum awareness programme for differently abled persons was inaugurated today under the aegis of Manipur State Museum at its auditorium.

The programme, with the theme 'Museum in a Changing World and Creating New Inspiration,' as adopted by the International Council of Museum was attended by students of Ideal Blind School, Takyel.

Addressing the inaugural function, curator of Manipur State Museum said museums enact a pivotal role in a society's development as it showcases the very foundation of human civilisation.

Demystifying an old stereotype of museums being just an avenue of collected artifacts, the curator informed that it is now a system which brings together the past, present and future under one roof.

The curator said the museums do not only provide information, but share and exchange ideas.

Speaking as the chief guest of the function, Commissioner of Art and Culture and Secretary to the Governor of Manipur, Dr RK Nimai said museums are not mere repository of artefacts but a storehouse of knowledge�the world at one's footstep.

He averred that the department is attempting to bridge the gap between different communities in Manipur by exhibiting symbols of similarities the people share like musical instruments to facilitate inter-community understanding.

Dr Nimai further stated that the department is planning to establish a museum at each district so as to make it easily accessible to the locals.

Stating that only artifacts of public importance should be in museums, he interjected with respect to a common problem the department is currently facing.

In his presidential address, Th Subol, former Director of Art and Culture said collecting artefacts of significance, preservation, presentation using latest advances in technology to arouse interest, and audio-visual education are the four responsibilities of a museum.

He pointed out that the audio-visual education is more effective than class room lecture as sense organs are engaged in it.

Observing that interesting activities and innovative strides livens a museum, Th Subol urged the authority concerned to incorporate basic amenities like cafeterias, gazebos and audio-visual guides to attract more visitors.

Appealing the differently abled students to accept their condition more as a challenge than a curse, he exhorted them that they could achieve great things.

The programme showcased indigenous musical instruments, weapons, armoury, animals, stone art, ancient manuscripts and other historical artefacts.

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