Latest news with #Devaraju
The Hindu
18-05-2025
- The Hindu
Technology-driven revamp of State museums in the offing
Museums in Karnataka are set for a revamp with plans for their modernisation and introduction of interactive features. This was stated by A. Devaraju, Commissioner of the Department of Archaeology, Museums, and Heritage, here on Sunday. Speaking to The Hindu on the sidelines of International Museum Day, Mr. Devaraju said there are 16 museums and an art gallery under the department and they are undergoing infrastructure upgrades. He said renovation work of some of the museum buildings at Basavakalyana, Athani, Madikeri, Gadag, and Mangaluru have been completed. 'We are prioritising infrastructure and curation. At Madikeri, interiors are being revamped. Work at Athani and Basavakalyana is nearly complete,' he said. The department was also exploring augmented reality and virtual reality technologies to make the visitor experience at museums more immersive and interactive. The objective is to engage with the young minds and instil interest in them in areas of art and cultural heritage as depicted by the artifacts and the exhibits. Mr. Devaraju said a tech firm, Apozee, has been roped in to prepare concept ideas and a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for digital walkthroughs and interactive experiences. 'They have been asked to visit sites and submit proposals soon,' he added. Meanwhile, plans are also under way to redesign museums at Yellandur and Srirangapatna, the latter struggling with visibility issues despite its location near the iconic Ranganathaswamy Temple. On the proposed museum near Chamundi Vihar Stadium, which received budgetary support from the State government, the Commissioner said the concept was yet to be finalised. The department will not rush into preparing a DPR until there was clarity on the concept and it was being worked out, he added. Another mega project is also on the cards as the old Deputy Commissioner's office in Mysuru may soon transform into a full-fledged museum under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, according to the Commissioner. Incidentally, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced that a museum showcasing the evolution of the Indian Constitution will be established. Minister for Tourism H.K. Patil had stated sometime ago that the archaeology department, if provided with some space for a couple of galleries, could exhibit the rich collection of artifacts in its inventory, encompassing various dynasties in the same building. Mr. Devaraju also confirmed that the Archaeological Survey of India has given its approval for taking up excavations at Rajghatta and Lakkundi, and it would be inaugurated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on June 3, 2025.
The Hindu
18-05-2025
- The Hindu
Guided tour of museums conducted to mark International Museum Day
The International Museum Day was marked by an engaging initiative titled 'Museum on Wheels', in which nearly 130 participants were taken on a special heritage ride across four prominent museums and galleries in Mysuru on Sunday. Conducted by the Department of Archaeology, Museums, and Heritage, it was inaugurated by A. Devaraju, Commissioner of the department, who underlined the importance of museums in showcasing art and cultural heritage and making people aware of their past. He said it was important to visit museums as the exhibits and artifacts help enrich one's knowledge of the culture and traditions of the region. Nearly 130 people from Mysuru, Mandya, and Hassan had registered for the heritage tour, which entailed visits to the Wellington Museum, the Payana, the Regional Museum of Natural History, and the Mysuru Rail Museum. The event was entirely free and open to the public, with museum entry waived for the day for the participants. Mr. Devaraju said, 'International Museums Day is being celebrated across the world at the behest of the International Council of Museums, and the theme for 2025 is 'The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities.' In this connection, the department also plans to conduct a debate contest or essay writing contest for school and college students to get them involved and help them understand the importance of museums and their evolving roles. Mr. Devaraju also urged the parents and teachers to take their children to museums to help stimulate their interest in them on issues related to art, culture, history, and tradition at an early age. The heritage tour included a visit to Wellington Lodge, which houses the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalay (IGRMS) and showcases the evolution of culture from prehistoric times. The recently inaugurated Art Gallery, which showcases both traditional and modern paintings, is the highlight of the new attraction. The visit to the Regional Museum of Natural History provided a glimpse of the flora and fauna of the region and the unique geographical features of the southern region of the country, including the Western Ghats. The Payana museum on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Highway gave an insight into the automobile heritage with its rich collection of four wheelers of a bygone era. At the Mysuru Rail Museum, which was established in 1979, the visitors explored the century-old steam locomotives, royal saloons belonging to the Maharani, a rail bus, an inspection car of the steam era, among others.
