Seminar on the Role of Museums in Preserving Art and Culture Held at Bihar Museum

Patna : A thought-provoking seminar on the theme “Role of Museums in the Preservation of Art and Culture” was organized at the Bihar Museum on the death anniversary of Dr. Rajendra Prasad. The program was chaired by Ashok Kumar Sinha, Deputy Director of the museum.

Addressing the gathering, Sinha highlighted the enduring legacy of Dr. Rajendra Prasad and informed that work is underway to develop a special gallery dedicated to rare photographs and works associated with the great statesman. He noted that such initiatives strengthen historical consciousness and inspire the younger generation to reconnect with their roots and cultural heritage.

Renowned author and founder of British Lingua, Dr. Birbal Jha, underlined the timeless relevance of museums in his inspiring address. He stated that museums protect invaluable heritage from the erosion of time and ensure that the light of culture never fades. “They remind us that civilization is not built in a day; it is shaped over centuries,” he said.

Describing museums as “cultural ambassadors,” Dr. Jha said they proclaim to the world the identity and depth of a nation’s knowledge traditions. Enriching his remarks, he quoted from Niti Shatakam, the classical work by the fifth-century philosopher-poet Bhartrihari, emphasizing that a person devoid of literature, music and art is comparable to a beast without tail or horns. Through this quote, he reiterated the indispensable role of art and culture in refining human character and preserving civilization.

On the occasion, several speakers including Deputy Director Dr. Sunil Kumar Jha, Ranveer Singh Rajput, Dr. Shankar Jai Kishan, Dr. Vishi Upadhyay, Swati Kumari Singh, Nandan Kumar, Ghanshyam Singh, Pashupati Kumar Singh, Adiva, Suraj Sawant and Ranjit Kumar shared their views. They collectively described museums as repositories of heritage, centers of education and bridges connecting the past, present and future.

The seminar, jointly organized by the Bihar Museum and British Lingua, concluded with a collective resolve to strengthen museum initiatives and enhance public participation in the preservation of art and culture. Speakers reiterated that safeguarding heritage is not merely an institutional responsibility but a national duty.