Patna: A special lecture on the changing role of museums was held at the auditorium of Bapu Tower in Patna on Friday, bringing together historians, academics and cultural practitioners.
The event, titled “Museum as a Question”, featured noted museologist Avni Sethi as the keynote speaker and was chaired by historian Prof Imtiaz Ahmad.
Sethi used the occasion to discuss how museums can move beyond their conventional role as repositories of historical artefacts.
Museums must engage with contemporary issues, says Sethi
In her address, Sethi shared her experiences of establishing the Conflictorium Museum in Ahmedabad and Raipur, spaces dedicated to exploring conflict and public memory.
She said museums should not be limited to preserving objects from past civilisations, but should function as living spaces for dialogue on current social and political questions.
According to Sethi, museums can play an active role in encouraging public engagement with difficult and evolving issues.
Bapu Tower praised for modern presentation of Gandhi’s ideas
Sethi also commended the design and presentation at Bapu Tower, describing its use of modern technology to present Mahatma Gandhi’s ideas as notable.
She said such approaches can make museums more accessible and relevant to contemporary audiences.
Historians and officials reflect on discussion
Chairing the event, Prof Imtiaz Ahmad said the lecture offered new insights into the wider possibilities of museum practice and expanded conventional understandings of the institution.
Bapu Tower director Vinay Kumar said the institution would continue to host similar intellectual and cultural programmes aimed at exploring lesser-discussed aspects of museums and heritage.
Broad participation from Patna’s academic and cultural circles
The programme was moderated by Bapu Tower deputy director Lalit Kumar Singh, while branch officer Pratyush Chandra Mishra delivered the vote of thanks.
The event was attended by a large number of scholars, history enthusiasts, public figures and staff members of Bapu Tower.
