Bhopal, May 18: Culture, Public Relations and Mineral Resources Minister Laxmikant Sharma has said that the identity of state capital Bhopal would now be established on the national and international levels due to good museums. Museums introduce us to our glorious past. Therefore, we must undertake maximum efforts to conserve them. Sharma was addressing the inaugural programme of the exhibition titled 'Maheshwar Ki Vastuvid Dharohar' at Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalay at Shamla Hills here today.

The Culture Minister said that the state government is undertaking continuous efforts for conservation of archaeological wealth of Madhya Pradesh. He said that besides the efforts being made by the state and Union governments, co-operation of all the sections of society is also necessary for conserving archaeological monuments.

Sharma said that the culture of a village near a river is richer and more ancient. He said that Maheshwar which is situated on the banks of Narmada river would carve out its international identity due to its rich culture. He said that the State Museum of Bhopal is known as a good museum at the national level. A tribal museum would also be established at Bhopal which would help people in understanding the tribal culture from close quarters.

Director of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalay KK Basa informed that more activities are being undertaken after establishment of a forum of all Bhopal-based museums. Curator of Living Heritage Alliance Ms Savita Raje said that Narmada is among the ancient most rivers of India. This pious river has played an important role in the uplift of rich cultures at its banks. 'Maheshwar's live heritage' has been displayed in this exhibition. This exhibition has been visualised with a view to giving to people glimpses of Maheshwar's golden history, lifestyles of its cities, arts and culture, houses, industry, temples, Ghats, Chowks and beliefs.

Through photographs and paintings, light has been thrown in the exhibition on Maheshwar's historical background, national contribution of Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar and Ahilyabada from where Devi Ahilya Bai reigned and did public welfare works. Attractive photographs displaying Vastu art of Ghats on Narmada banks, daily chores of citizens, Padao of Panchkroshi Yatra, bazaars of Maheshwar, Pauranik dwellings etc. have been put up at the exhibition which would remain open by May 25, 2008 from 11 am to 6.30 pm for visitors.

Silver jubilee function on June 21

By Our Staff Reporter

Bhopal, May 18: While addressing the organising committee of silver jubilee of Madhavrao Sapre Newspaper Museum and Research Institute here, Public Relations, Culture and Mineral Resources Minister Laxmikant Sharma said that silver jubilee would be celebrated with dignity on June 21 and 22 at Bhopal. Sharma said that Madhavrao Sapre Newspaper Museum is carving out its identity at the national level. It is known as an important research centre for those interested in newspapers. Public Relations Minister Shri Sharma also saw rare documents and newspapers at Sapre Museum.

Founder of Madhavrao Sapre Newspaper Museum and Research Institute Vijaydutt Shridhar said that it is indeed a matter of glory for an institution to carve out its identity at the national level by continuously progressing during 25 years of its existence. Main functions of the silver jubilee programme would be organised on June 21 and 22 at TTTI auditorium at Shamla Hills. At the inaugural function, 25 well-established personalities who have prominently contributed in various fields would be bestowed 'Rajat Samman'. On this occasion discussion on the subject 'Public concern: Search for national consensus on burning issues and media' would also be held where leaders and thinkers of various schools of thoughts would express their views.

Giving details about Silver Jubilee function, Shridhar said that during it two seminars would be organised on the subjects 'Future of media and media's future' and 'Media, language and culture'. Senior media experts, historians and journalists from all over India have been invited to take part in these seminars. A discussion session titled 'Development of Madhya Pradesh: Dreams and reality' would also be held. The Silver Jubilee would be celebrated throughout the year. As part of the celebrations, a display of rare documents, newspapers and magazines would be organised in major cities of India. National seminars on the subjects 'Science, technology and media' and 'Economic journalism' would be organised.

Shridhar said that work to modernise Madhavrao Sapre Newspaper Museum and Research Institute has been started.