Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 47th Annual General Meeting of the Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML) Society on Monday at Teen Murti Bhawan in New Delhi, where he laid out an ambitious roadmap to transform the museum landscape in India.
Addressing the members of the society, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the global significance of museums as living institutions that connect people with their history and heritage. He stressed the importance of cultivating public interest in museums and enhancing their stature within society.
A key highlight of his address was the proposal for a ‘Museum Map of India’ – a visionary initiative aimed at creating an integrated cultural and informational ecosystem for museums nationwide. This map would serve as a centralized resource showcasing the diversity, location, and heritage of museums across the country.
Recognizing the critical role of technology in the museum sector, the Prime Minister also called for the creation of a national database of all Indian museums, tracking metrics such as visitor footfall, infrastructure quality, and thematic content. He further suggested the organization of regular capacity-building workshops for museum staff to promote best practices and knowledge exchange.
To infuse new energy and perspectives into the museum ecosystem, Modi recommended the formation of a five-member youth committee from each state, comprising individuals under the age of 35. These groups would be tasked with offering fresh ideas to modernize and reimagine the museum experience in India.
The Prime Minister highlighted the significance of the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, which honors the legacy of all Indian Prime Ministers, including Jawaharlal Nehru. He noted that for the first time since independence, every Prime Minister’s contributions are being recognized in a unified space—an initiative only made possible after 2014.
In an effort to expand outreach and visibility, Modi proposed inviting prominent influencers and officials from foreign embassies to visit Indian museums. This, he said, would help promote India’s rich cultural heritage on the global stage.
Looking ahead to the 50th anniversary of the Emergency period, the Prime Minister called for the documentation and preservation of all legal battles and archival records from that era, to ensure that future generations can study this pivotal chapter in India’s democratic journey.
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of systematically documenting the present for the benefit of future historians and researchers.
The meeting also saw contributions from other PMML Society members, who shared their suggestions for further enhancing the institution’s role in preserving India’s political and cultural history.
As a symbolic gesture, the Prime Minister planted a Kapur (Cinnamomum camphora) tree in the lawns of Teen Murti Bhawan, signifying growth, legacy, and sustainability.
