Assam: International Museum Day observed in DHSK College

A CORRESPONDENT

DIBRUGARH: To mark the International Museum Day, International and Industrial Relations and the Department of Anthropology, DHSK College (Autonomous), organized an International Lecture Programme to discuss the importance of museums in preserving heritage and promoting cross-cultural understanding. The event was held in collaboration with the Directorate of Historical and Antiquarian Studies (ITFC), Government of Assam.

The programme began with a welcome address by Dr Sashi Kanta Saikia, Principal of DHSK College, who highlighted the significance of museums in education and the college’s commitment to academic collaboration both nationally and internationally. Dr Sangeeta Gogoi, Director i/c of the Directorate of Historical and Antiquarian Studies, ITFC, attended as the guest of honour, offering insights into Assam’s efforts in heritage preservation.

Two eminent invited speakers from Thailand enriched the session with their international perspectives. Luxamun Boonrueng, Director and Curator at Khon Kaen National Museum, Fine Arts Department, Thailand and Korrakoch Panich, Curator at Khon Kaen National Museum, Fine Arts Department, shared their experiences in museum curation, cultural heritage management, and international cooperation in museum development.

Luxamun Boonrueng delivered an enlightening talk on the significance of ancient cultural artefacts housed in the Khon Kaen National Museum. He emphasized the museum’s role as a repository of national treasures from northeast Thailand, highlighting its importance in preserving the cultural heritage of the Lan Xang civilization.

In his presentation, he showcased stone inscriptions, palm leaf manuscripts, and Buddha images inscribed with ancient scripts. He explained that these artefacts contain valuable inscriptions in ancient characters of the Lan Xang culture and that if these inscriptions could be accurately read and interpreted, they would prove instrumental in advancing the study of history and culture in the region. His talk highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in deciphering and preserving such inscriptions for academic research and cultural education.

Korrakoch Panich, Curator at the Khon Kaen National Museum, delivered an engaging presentation on the evolving role of museums, with a focus on ‘Art Toys’ and their growing popularity in Thailand. She highlighted how the rising interest in art toys over the past decade has created new opportunities for museums to connect with the public. She said that this trend helped redefine museums as dynamic spaces of creativity, moving away from their traditional perception as static, formal exhibition venues. By incorporating modern and playful elements like art toys, museums can attract wider audiences and encourage greater involvement, especially from younger generations, she added. Her talk emphasized the importance of innovation in curatorial practices, aiming to make museums more accessible, interactive, and inclusive.

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