Museums are not mere repositories of antiquities, but they also serve as a reminder of development that has taken place in a society over the years, said Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation(APTDC) chairman Nookasani Balaji.

Speaking during a programme organised to celebrate International Museum Day, at Bapu Museum in Vijayawada on May 18, Monday, the APTDC chairman pointed out that museums are cultural centres that connect the present with the past, and serve as a key role in preserving the history and heritage for future generations.

The NTR district administration in collaboration with the tourism and archaeological departments, Ratan Tata Innovation Hub, INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) and other cultural organisations have planned a slew of activities to celebrate the occasion.

Along with Mr. Nookasani Balaji, NTR District Collector G. Lakshmisha, A.P. State Creative and Culture Commission chairperson Tejaswi Podapati, Commissioner of Archaeology and Museums P. Suresh also participated in the programmes.

After paying floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and national flag designer Pingali Venkayya and other freedom fighters, Mr. Nookasani Balaji said that the youth must learn about the country’s history and heritage, instead of solely focussing on exams.

District Collector listed the activities organised to mark the occasion. In addition to competitions such as ‘Heritage on Canvas,’ ‘My City Stories,’ ‘Heritage Quiz,’ and ‘Heritage Photography,’ special guided tours and laser shows were organised at the Bapu Museum to make visitors understand their identity and history, he said.

Many people visited the seven galleries at the museum that featured Jain, Buddhist, and Hindu sculptures, artifacts from the pre- and early-historical era coins, inscriptions, and medieval artistic perspectives.