18/05/2025
Celebration of International Museum Day- 2025
Srikrishna Museum, Kurukshetra Development Board in collaboration with the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Haryana organized a two-day celebration on the occasion of International Museum Day 2025 at Srikrishna Museum, Kurukshetra. The event, held on the 17th and 18th May, aimed to raise awareness about India’s cultural and archaeological heritage, especially among students and the younger generation.
On the first day (17th May), a poster making competition was conducted for students from Classes 9 to 12 from various schools across Kurukshetra. The competition saw enthusiastic participation and creativity from the students. Simran from Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Thanesar secured the first position, Prince Verma from Government Model Sanskriti Senior Secondary School, Kurukshetra came second, and Mayank Rawat from Aggarsain Public School, Kurukshetra stood third. The jury panel included Sh. R.S. Pathania, former Lecturer, Department of Fine Arts, Kurukshetra University, Sh. Balwan Singh, Curator-cum-Artist, Srikrishna Museum and Sh. Vinit Bhanwala from the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Haryana.
The event was graced by Sh. Upender Singhal, Honorary Secretary, Kurukshetra Development Board as the Chief Guest. In his address, he emphasized the importance of museum celebrations in instilling a sense of responsibility and cultural pride among youth. He highlighted Haryana’s rich archaeological legacy and encouraged young people to contribute to its preservation by connecting with museums. Dr. Banani Bhattacharya, Deputy Director, Department of Archaeology and Museums, Haryana stated that modern museums have evolved into centers of knowledge that play a vital role in educating the youth about history, culture and archaeology. She assured continued support for creative and educational programs in collaboration with Srikrishna Museum.
The event was smoothly coordinated by Sh. Rajendra Singh Rana, Coordinator (Research & Documentation) with notable support from intern Kushpinder Kaur and other museum staff. The day witnessed the presence of several dignitaries including Members of Kurukshetra Development Board Sh. Ashok Rosha and Dr. Rishipal Mathana.
On the second day (18th May), an Open Quiz Competition was organized on the theme “Tangible Heritage of India.” Participants included local citizens, visitors, students and trainees from the Kurukshetra Guide Training Course. The session featured over fifty questions presented via PowerPoint on various topics such as Indian monuments, archaeological sites, painting, architecture, classical dances and natural heritage. Participants responded with keen interest and engagement.
Sh. Amit Sharma, a trainee of Kurukshetra Guide Training Course won the first prize, Sh. Manikya Rana from Yamunanagar secured the second position and Vinod Kumar Pachauli from Pehowa came third. Winners were honored with certificates, angavastras and inspiring books, while all participants received Indian New Year table calendars published by the Kurukshetra Development Board along with literature from the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Haryana.
Sh. Upender Singhal once again presided as Chief Guest and lauded the overwhelming participation. He remarked that the event reflected the citizens’ awareness and dedication towards cultural heritage and that such awareness is vital for preserving our identity. Khushindra Rana Gaur, present as Guest of Honour, shared that his visit to the museum was enlightening and memorable and that the exhibitions and educational activities introduced him to the diverse fields of Indian classical knowledge.
Open Quiz Competition was conducted by Sh. Rajendra Singh Rana, Coordinator (Research & Documentation) who explained each question in detail, helping participants to gain a deeper understanding of Indian heritage. The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Sh. Balwan Singh, Curator-cum-Artist, Srikrishna Museum, who expressed gratitude to all participants, guests, and contributors. He stated that for the first time, International Museum Day was celebrated over two days, made possible under the inspirational leadership of Sh. Pankaj Setia, Chief Executive Officer, Kurukshetra Development Board. His guidance enabled wider community involvement and allowed visitors to benefit from educational and meaningful experiences through a series of thoughtfully curated events.
This two-day celebration not only served as a platform for creative expression and learning but also succeeded in bringing people closer to India’s cultural legacy. It reinforced the museum’s role as a dynamic educational space committed to promoting heritage awareness and public engagement.