Patna, Feb 28: A thought-provoking seminar on “The Role of Museums in the Preservation of Art and Culture” was organized at the Bihar Museum to mark the death anniversary of India’s first President, Dr Rajendra Prasad. The programme was held under the chairmanship of Additional Director, Bihar Museum, Shri Ashok Kumar Sinha.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Ashok Kumar Sinha highlighted the enduring legacy of Dr Rajendra Prasad and informed the audience that the development of a special gallery featuring rare works and images of the great statesman is underway at the Patna Museum, which was established in 1917. Sinha emphasized that such initiatives strengthen historical consciousness and inspire future generations to connect with their roots.
Noted author and British Lingua Founder Dr Birbal Jha delivered an inspiring address, underscoring the timeless relevance of museums. “Museums protect these treasures from the ravages of time. They ensure that the flame of culture is never extinguished. They remind us that civilization is not built in a day; it is sculpted across centuries,” Dr Jha remarked.
Calling museums “cultural ambassadors,” Dr Jha stated, “They declare to the world: This is who we are. This is the depth of our wisdom.” Dr Jha further enriched his speech by quoting the 5th-century king and poet Bhartrihari from his immortal work Niti Shatakam:
“A person devoid of literature, music, and art is nothing more than a beast—lacking only the tail and horns. It is indeed the good fortune of real animals that such a person does not eat grass, yet continues to live.”
Through this profound citation, Dr Jha reiterated the indispensable role of art and culture in refining human character and sustaining civilization.
Prominently among others who spoke on the occasion were Additional Director Dr Sunil Kumar Jha, Shri Ranveer Singh Rajput, Dr Shankar Jay Kishan, Dr Vishi Upadhyay, Mrs Swati Kumari Singh, Shri Nandan Kumar, Shri Ghanshyam Singh, Shri Pashupati Kumar Singh, Miss Adeeva, Shri Suraj Sawant, and Shri Ranjit Kumar. Each speaker reflected on the transformative power of museums as repositories of heritage, centers of learning, and bridges between the past, present, and future.
The seminar, jointly organized by Bihar Museum and British Lingua, concluded with a collective resolve to strengthen museum initiatives and deepen public engagement with art and culture, reaffirming that preserving heritage is not only an institutional responsibility but a national duty.