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| MLA Yudhvir Sethi inaugurates International Museum Day celebration at Dogra Art Museum | |  Jammu, May 18(Scoop News)-The Department of Archives, Archaeology & Museums, J&K 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, celebrated annually since 1977.
The event commenced at 9:30 AM and witnessed participation from students, scholars, social leaders, and members of civil society.
MLA Jammu East Constituency, Yudhvir Sethi attended the programme as the Chief Guest highlighted the importance of preserving the rich cultural heritage and historical legacy of Jammu and Kashmir.
The programme was coordinated by Mukul Magotra, Curator, Dogra Art Museum, Jammu, under the supervision and guidance of Kuldeep Krishan Sidha, Director, Archives, Archaeology and Museums, J&K.
Yudhvir Sethi extended heartfelt greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and to citizens across the country on the occasion of International Museum Day.
He appreciated the efforts being made by the Directorate of Archives, Archaeology and Museums towards the preservation and promotion of the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region.
The MLA appreciated the efforts of museum officials, especially Mukul Magotra, for their dedicated work in maintaining and promoting the Dogra Art Museum.
He also emphasized the significance of the Gyan Bharatam Mission, inspired by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which focuses on preserving manuscripts, historical documents, and cultural records across Jammu and Kashmir through identification, geo-tagging, and conservation initiatives.
Speaking on the occasion, Yudhvir Sethi said that such initiatives will help future generations remain connected with their cultural roots and historical identity.
“Museums are not merely repositories of old objects but living spaces that preserve our collective memory and identity. Through these exhibitions, we want people to appreciate the diverse heritage of Jammu and Kashmir and understand the importance of preserving it for future generations,” he added.
Several dignitaries, including Mandal Presidents, social activists, local coordinators, members of the Bharatiya Janata Party, including 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 prominent citizens, were also present during the programme.
Earlier, the MLA inaugurated the International Museum Day 2026 celebration by lighting the ceremonial lamp in presence of other dignitaries and officials of Dogra Art Museum, Mubarak Mandi including Mukul Magotra, Deputy Director of the Museum.
A major highlight of the event was a special exhibition curated by the Dogra Art Museum, showcasing rare artifacts, historic manuscripts, and exquisite Dogra miniature paintings drawn from the museum's prized collections. The exhibition received high appreciation from visitors and dignitaries alike.
The event also featured specially designed interactive educational programmes, including guided gallery walks, heritage quizzes, and hands-on art workshops aimed at making history engaging and accessible for the youth.
A large number of students from various schools and colleges visited the museum and explored its valuable collections depicting the vibrant history, art, and culture of the Dogra region. Students also interacted with museum officials and gained valuable insights into the historical legacy preserved at the museum.
Talking to reporters, Mukul said that educational and awareness programmes were specially organised on May 18 for school and college students to promote understanding of the region’s rich cultural and historical legacy.
“The celebrations were also linked with the Gyan Bharatam Mission, a national initiative inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi aimed at preserving manuscripts, historical records and traditional knowledge systems across the country,” Mukul Magotra said.
According to Magotra, the Directorate has undertaken extensive surveys and documentation work across all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir under the mission.
“Rare manuscripts, historical documents and cultural artefacts are being identified, geo-tagged and preserved for future generations,” Magotra said and added, “Our museum has received national recognition, and people from different districts, including children and students, have come here today. We are trying to educate visitors about Dogra culture and heritage through regular educational programmes and exhibitions.”
“This year’s International Museum Day theme, “Museums Uniting a Divided World: Connecting Cultures, Bridging Communities, Building Peace,” highlighted the role of museums in promoting social harmony, cultural exchange and historical awareness,” Deputy Director said.
“Specially curated exhibitions featuring rare artefacts, manuscripts, paintings, coins and heritage objects were displayed for visitors from 10 am to 4 pm. Entry to the museums remained free, and visitors were also offered special gifts during the celebrations,” Mukul said.
At the Dogra Art Museum, visitors witnessed rare manuscripts including the Skand Puran written on palm leaf and manuscripts preserved on birch bark. The exhibition also showcased terracotta heads from Ambaran Akhnoor, a philately collection, vintage currency notes and the renowned Basohli paintings representing the artistic excellence of the region.
The Directorate stated that International Museum Day provides an important platform for promoting cultural awareness and strengthening communal harmony through shared heritage. Officials noted that the manuscripts, artefacts and paintings on display reflect the civilisational richness of Jammu and Kashmir and inspire people towards peace, dialogue and cultural coexistence.
The Directorate of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, J&K invited students, researchers, tourists and the general public to visit the museums and explore the rare collections representing the artistic, literary and historical traditions of the Union Territory.
Mukul encouraged the public to visit the Dogra Art Museum, which remains open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and experience the glorious cultural heritage preserved there. He stated that museums play a vital role in educating society and strengthening cultural pride among people.
The event concluded with a collective commitment towards preserving the cultural and historical heritage of Jammu and Kashmir for future generations.
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