Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 18: The Department of Archives, Archaeology & Museums, Jammu and Kashmir, celebrated International Museum Day 2026 with great enthusiasm at the historic Dogra Art Museum, Mubarak Mandi, Jammu. The programme was organised by the Directorate of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, J&K as part of the global observance of International Museum Day, which has been celebrated annually since 1977.
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The event witnessed participation from students, scholars, social activists and members of civil society. MLA Jammu East Constituency, Yudhvir Sethi, attended the programme as the chief guest and highlighted the importance of preserving the rich cultural heritage and historical legacy of Jammu and Kashmir. He extended greetings to the people of the Union Territory and appreciated the efforts of the department in promoting heritage conservation.
The programme was coordinated by Mukul Magotra, Curator, Dogra Art Museum, Jammu, under the supervision of Kuldeep Krishan Sidha, Director, Archives, Archaeology and Museums, J&K. Deputy Director and other museum officials were also present on the occasion.
Yudhvir Sethi lauded the efforts of museum authorities, particularly Mukul Magotra, for their dedicated work in maintaining and promoting the Dogra Art Museum. He also highlighted the significance of the Gyan Bharatam Mission, inspired by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aimed at preserving manuscripts, historical documents, and cultural records through identification, geo-tagging, and conservation across Jammu and Kashmir.
Prominent dignitaries present on the occasion included Mandal President Adarsh Jathiar, Ward Coordinator Ajesh Sharma, Mahila Morcha East Mandal President Preeti Sharma, Adv. Arvind Khajuria, Shashi Sapolia, Shashi Verma, Bindu Dogra, Sneha Sharma, Rita Sharma, and other social representatives.
Earlier, the MLA inaugurated the celebration by lighting the ceremonial lamp. A major attraction of the event was a special exhibition featuring rare artefacts, historic manuscripts, terracotta heads from Ambaran Akhnoor, philately collections, vintage currency notes, and Basohli miniature paintings, which received appreciation from visitors and dignitaries.
Students from various schools and colleges participated in guided gallery walks, heritage quizzes, and interactive workshops. They also interacted with museum officials and gained insights into the region’s cultural and historical heritage.
Curator Mukul Magotra said educational programmes were specially organised for students to promote awareness about Jammu and Kashmir’s rich cultural legacy. He said the initiative is linked with the Gyan Bharatam Mission under which manuscripts and artefacts are being identified, geo-tagged, and preserved across all 20 districts of the Union Territory.
He added that museums serve as living institutions that connect society with its history and identity. The Directorate also stated that this year’s theme, “Museums Uniting a Divided World: Connecting Cultures, Bridging Communities, Building Peace,” reflects the role of museums in promoting harmony and dialogue.
Meanwhile, INTACH Jammu Chapter organised an educational visit for students of Sainik School Nagrota to Dogra Art Museum, Jammu. INTACH Additional Co-Convenor Dr Satwant Singh Rissam guided the students, while Mukul Magotra briefed them about the museum’s collections and heritage importance.
At the SPS Museum, Srinagar, the event was inaugurated by Principal Secretary Department of Culture Brij Mohan Sharma in presence of Kuldeep Krishan Sidha and Parvez Ahmad. Exhibitions showcased rare manuscripts, paintings, coins, and artefacts including the 5th-century Gilgit Manuscript and Basohli paintings.
The Directorate invited the public, researchers, and students to visit museums across Jammu and Kashmir. The celebrations concluded with a renewed commitment to preserving the region’s cultural heritage for future generations.
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