President of India inaugurates Conference on ‘Inclusive Museums’

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated an International Conference on ‘Inclusive Museums’ at Rashtrapati Bhavan today. The theme of the Conference is ‘Museums as Civic Spaces’.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that he was happy to note that India has been chosen as the venue for the Conference in which eminent museologists from India and twenty one other countries are taking part. The choice of India as the venue for the Conference is also most appropriate as India has had a tradition, since ancient times, of having sculptors and painters offering their masterpieces to the Divine at temples. The President said that it has taken more than a century to effect the transformation from royal and feudal museum collections restricted to only a handful of privileged persons to the museum as a public space, open to all, displaying the art and culture of its people at large. Artifacts have been gradually supplemented by contextual stories thus turning the traditional object-based museums into activity-oriented participation centers.

The President said that Rashtrapati Bhavan is creating a story-telling museum within the President’s Estate as an inclusive museum for the people of India. He stated that one major challenge that was faced while conceptualizing the museum was locating the more than 10,000 square meters of exhibition space required within the Rashtrapati Bhavan Estate which had been declared a Grade 1 heritage structure in 2009. This was innovatively handled by having a large part of the proposed museum underground, without disturbing the century-old architecture on the top while maintaining the overall aesthetics and architectural heritage of the Estate. The second challenge was to weave a fascinating story, which would both captivate and educate the audience, with Rashtrapati Bhavan itself being the story teller. With the help of the latest digital techniques of animation and simulation, Rashtrapati Bhavan as the narrator would outline in detail the planning and construction of the new capital of India, of its transformation from being the symbol of colonial power in pre-independent India to being a metaphor for independent, democratic India - inclusive, happening and aspirational. The rich collections of paintings, arms, furniture and decorative art specimens would supplement the digital story-telling. The museum, when completed next year, would possibly pave the way for making other museums in the country more inclusive.

The President said that the topic of the conference - 'Museums as Civic Spaces’ is apt as it builds on the notion of the inclusive museum as an inspirational space that is created and recreated on the basis of its context and relevance to diverse stakeholders. He stated that inputs of participants during the conference would be of immense value and shall add to the existing body of knowledge in this area.

Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were Shri Kailash Satyarthi, Nobel Laureate and founder of Bachpan Bachao Andolan; Shri N. K. Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Culture; Dr. Saroj Ghose, former President of International Council of Museum and Museum Advisor to the President of India; Prof. Amareshwar Galla, Executive Director, International Institute for Inclusive Museum and Shri G.S. Rautela, Director General, National Council of Science Museums.

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Address by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee on the occasion of Inauguration of the International Conference on ‘Inclusive Museums'

2. At the outset, I extend a warm welcome to all the participants of the International Conference on 'Inclusive Museums'. The theme for this year’s conference, 'Museums as Civic Spaces', is extremely apt. I am happy to note that India has been chosen as the venue for this important conference in which eminent museologists from India and twenty one other countries are taking part. The choice of India as the venue for this conference is also most appropriate as India has had a tradition, since ancient times, of having our sculptors and painters offering their masterpieces to the Divine at our temples. Our temples were like multi-purpose museums- seats of learning, studios for artists, workshops for craftsmen and halls of music and theatre for dancers.

3. Inclusive and equitous growth has for long been the cornerstone of India’s developmental efforts. It is, therefore, only appropriate that this eminent gathering is today deliberating upon generating new ideas and actions for bringing in the concept of inclusiveness in the domain of culture, an area in which museums play a dominant role.

4. We know as students and observers of history that conflicts erupt, borders undergo change, regimes disintegrate, alliances take shape and new identities are established. Objects, beliefs and ideals become an integral part of our heritage - tangible and intangible- and are displayed in museums as a reflection of the history of mankind. A great museum is, in fact, a school where we are imperceptibly initiated into history, geography and culture to which the works of art belong. Museums adapt to a dynamic, continuously changing societal scenario and respond to audience expectations. They no longer serve as places for casual visits but as spaces for experiencing our social and cultural heritage.

5. We, as individuals, live in a rapidly changing, ever- evolving society. As a consequence of this state of dynamic flux, museums also face new challenges which seek to change the way they work and carry out their mission. Museums, both old and new, are thus redefining their philosophy, rescheduling their activities and are transforming themselves in order to better carry out their traditional as well as new age responsibilities.

6. Museums, the world over, are witnessing fundamental changes in concept, approach, presentation, management and communication. Attractive architecture, inviting displays, visitor-friendly communication tools and visitor- centric planning are replacing the traditional planning parameters which were limited only to collection, conservation and passive display of artifacts. It has taken more than a century to effect this transformation from royal and feudal museum collections restricted to only a handful of privileged persons to the museum as a public space, open to all, displaying the art and culture of its people at large. Artifacts have been gradually supplemented by contextual stories thus turning the traditional object-based museums into activity-oriented participation centers.

7. In this context, I would like to make a special mention of the new genre of story-telling museums that are coming up in different countries including our own. In contrast to object-based museums, such places are event-based where relevant stories are woven around artifacts and presented in story-telling format with the help of newly emerging digital technologies. Animatronics, virtual and augmented reality, holographic projection, laser and electro-luminescence have never been so effectively used in history museums for story-telling. People have seen brilliant story-telling museums in Mount Vernon or the Lincoln Museum in USA. In India, an experimental venture in the Town Hall of Kolkata inspired the setting up of a state-of-the-art story-telling museum in the Indian Parliament focusing on the democratic heritage of our country.

8. I would also like to share with you the latest developments about a story-telling museum that we are creating within the President’s Estate as an inclusive museum for the people of India. One major challenge that we faced while conceptualizing this museum was locating the more than 10,000 square meters of exhibition space required within the Rashtrapati Bhavan Estate which had been declared a Grade 1 heritage structure in 2009. This was innovatively handled by having a large part of the proposed museum underground, without disturbing the century-old architecture on the top while maintaining the overall aesthetics and architectural heritage of the Estate. The second challenge was to weave a fascinating story, which would both captivate and educate the audience, with Rashtrapati Bhavan itself being the story teller. With the help of the latest digital techniques of animation and simulation, some of which I mentioned earlier, Rashtrapati Bhavan, as the narrator, outlines in detail the planning and construction of the new capital of India, of its transformation from being the symbol of colonial power in pre-independent India to being a metaphor for independent, democratic India - inclusive, happening and aspirational. The rich collections of paintings, arms, furniture and decorative art specimens supplement this digital story-telling. The museum, when completed next year, would possibly pave the way for making other museums in the country more inclusive.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

9. The topic of the conference - 'Museums as Civic Spaces’- , as I stated earlier, is apt as it builds on the notion of the inclusive museum as an inspirational space that is created and recreated on the basis of its context and relevance to diverse stakeholders. It liberates museums from the past legacies of a restricted audience and invites people with different socio-cultural backgrounds to come and experience their history and living spaces. The challenge before museums today is to address cross- cultural issues in a manner which is inclusive and which would be accepted and appreciated by varied segments and strata of society.

10. In the 21^st Century, museums can open up vital new spaces in society where a wider variety of visitors and sectors can engage with their resources and practices. Museums can serve as catalysts to integrate traditionally separated sectors such as schools and their communities for making learning more applicable to real world situations. Museums necessarily have to address the changing needs of a tech-savvy younger generation which has the ability to access the whole world in their palms today.

11. Today’s museums, showcasing unique collections, subsidized by states or major patrons, are working harder than ever before to raise their funding and attract more visitors from different segments of society. They are confronted by several questions today such as how to deal with the forces of globalization and privatization, adaption to increasingly commercial forms of culture and leisure, approaches and strategies for appealing to local visitors and tourists, etc. These are fundamental issues facing contemporary museology which will be addressed by speakers from different parts of the world during the course of this Conference.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

12. Your inputs during the conference will be of immense value and shall add to our existing body of knowledge in this area. They will also hopefully guide us in the process of making our museums contemporary and inclusive. We would at the same time do well to remember the words of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan who said and I quote, “The museum demonstrates that history is a dynamic process and we can shape the future…… In these days of trials and errors a visit to a museum will give us tranquil hope, a kind of heroic cheerfulness, a grateful expansion of the heart”. (unquote). I am confident that the recommendations of this Conference will be equally well received by both policy makers and practitioners.

I wish the participants and the deliberations of the Conference all success.

Thank You.

Jai Hind!

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President of India to visit Odisha from august 7 to 8

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee will visit Odisha from August 7 to 8, 2015.

On August 7, 2015, the President will inaugurate the golden jubilee celebrations of Rameswar High School at Rameswar village of Khurda district.

On August 8, 2015, the President will attend the convocation of National Law University, Odisha at Cuttack. He will also inaugurate an all India seminar on ‘Global Legal Education’ being organized by the Confederation of Indian Bar and Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology at Bhubaneswar on the same day.

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Speech by Hon’ble President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the Banquet hosted in honour of his Excellency, Mr. Filipe Nyusi, the President of Republic of Mozambique

Your Excellency, Mr. Filipe Nyusi,

President of the Republic of Mozambique,

It is my privilege to receive you on your first State Visit to India. On behalf of our Government and people, I extend a warm welcome to you, Madam Isaura Nyusi and the distinguished members of your delegation.

It is a matter of satisfaction, indeed, that your State Visit is taking place at a time when India and Mozambique are commemorating 40 years of the establishment of our diplomatic relations. I take this opportunity to also congratulate you and the people of Mozambique as you celebrate the 40th anniversary of your independence.

Mr. President, although our people-to-people ties go down the centuries, our friendship in modern times dates back to the days of your freedom movement. Having ourselves thrown off the yoke of foreign rule to gain our country’s independence in 1947, it was only natural for India to extend support to the friendly people of Mozambique in their struggle. The people of India were, indeed, pleased to witness the independence of Mozambique in 1975.

India is glad to see that since then, Mozambique has made remarkable progress in reducing poverty, enhancing literacy, providing primary healthcare to its people and significantly increasing its agricultural production. By ensuring internal peace and stability in the last two decades and taking up wide-ranging reforms, Mozambique has transformed itself into one of the fastest growing economies in Africa. In this regard, Excellency, your emphasis on creating a "society of inclusion" is commendable.

I assure you, Excellency, that India remains committed to supporting the development of Mozambique - through our bilateral trade and investment, technical assistance and capacity building programmes, and the continued financing of your development projects. There is ample scope for building upon the many complementarities between our economies and for expanding our collaboration in several fields including agriculture, food processing, healthcare and in the exploitation of your significant natural resources.

India values its cooperation with Mozambique in international fora, including the United Nations, the Commonwealth and the Indian Ocean Rim Association. Our two countries share a common commitment to the reforms of institutions of global governance – so that they better reflect the aspirations of developing countries. We greatly appreciate your support to our candidature for permanent membership of an expanded UN Security Council. In this 70th year of the United Nations, we look forward to working together with Mozambique and our partners in the African Union and the Southern African Development Community to pursue these long awaited reforms.

Excellency, I take this opportunity to reiterate that India remains deeply committed to its partnership with Africa. This is demonstrated by the success of the India Africa Forum Summits which began in 2008. India will be hosting the 3rd Summit of the Forum in October this year. We look forward to Mozambique's active participation in the summit. I have no doubt that the Summit will provide new and creative ideas for enhancing the socio-economic development of our peoples.

Excellency, our success is already a good example of mutually beneficial South-South Cooperation. I am confident that the new areas of focus identified during your visit will further strengthen our enduring partnership.

With these words, Excellency, I wish you and Madam Isaura Nyusi an enjoyable and fruitful visit to India.

Ladies and Gentlemen, may I request you to join me in raising a toast:-

- to the health, happiness and well-being of His Excellency President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi and Madam Isaura Nyusi;

- to the well-being and prosperity of the people of Mozambique; and

- to lasting friendship between India and Mozambique.

Thank you!

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India stands ready to partner Mozambique in all areas of its development, says President Mukherjee

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee yesterday (August 5, 2015) received His Excellency Mr. Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, the President of the Republic of Mozambique and Dr. (Mrs.) Isaura Farrao Nyusi at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He also hosted a banquet in their honour.

Welcoming Mr. Nyusi, the President congratulated him on his election as the fourth President of Mozambique. He praised Mr. Nyusi for selecting India as his first destination in Asia after becoming President. The President said India attaches high importance to its relations with Mozambique. Indian companies have made some of their largest investments overseas in Mozambique. Trade between the two countries has seen impressive growth in recent years. He expressed confidence that Mozambican President’s visit will strengthen the friendly relations and partnership between India and Mozambique.

The President said India is happy to see Mozambique continuing its high rate of economic growth. With the recent discoveries of natural gas and minerals, the future holds a lot of promise. India stands ready to partner with Mozambique in all areas of its development. Expected growth of Mozambican economy through exports of gas provides more scope for trade and investment. Both countries should work together to diversity bilateral trade.

In his banquet speech, the President said that the State Visit was taking place at a time when India and Mozambique are commemorating 40 years of establishment of their diplomatic relations. India is glad to see that since then, Mozambique has made remarkable progress in reducing poverty, enhancing literacy, providing primary healthcare to its people and significantly increasing its agricultural production. By ensuring internal peace and stability in the last two decades and taking up wide-ranging reforms, Mozambique has transformed itself into one of the fastest growing economies in Africa.

The President said there is ample scope for building upon the many complementarities between the two economies and for expanding their collaboration in several fields including agriculture, food processing, healthcare and in the exploitation of Mozambique’s significant natural resources. India values its cooperation with Mozambique in international fora, including the United Nations, the Commonwealth and the Indian Ocean Rim Association. In this 70th year of the United Nations, India looks forward to working together with Mozambique and partners in the African Union and the Southern African Development Community to pursue long awaited reforms.

The President used the occasion to reiterate that India remains deeply committed to its partnership with Africa. India will be hosting the 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit in October this year. He expressed hope that the Summit will provide new and creative ideas for enhancing the socio-economic development of our peoples.

Speaking in response, the Mozambique President said he feels at home in India and recalled his days as a student at IIM, Ahmedabad. He said discussions during his visit have been fruitful and productive. He is confident his visit will enable business of the two countries expand cooperation and bring the people of the two countries closer together.

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President of India’s message on the eve of National Day of Cote d’Ivoire

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire on the eve of their National Day (August 7, 2015).

In his message to His Excellency Mr. Alassane Ouattara, the President of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire, the President has said, “On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, it gives me great pleasure to extend warm greetings and felicitations to you and to the people of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire on the occasion of your National Day.

I am confident that our close and friendly relations will continue to strengthen in the years ahead.

Please accept, Excellency, my best wishes for your continued well-being as also for the welfare and progress of the friendly people of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire.”