Aligarh: The Department of Museology at Aligarh Muslim University organised an international seminar on "Museum for Education and Research", in collaboration with the International Council of Museums and the International Council for Biodeterioration of Cultural Property.

Highlighting the objectives of the International Council of Biodeterioration of Cultural Property, founded by Dr OP Agarwal in 1989, the chief guest, Dr Virendra Nath, President of ICBCP, said that the ICBCP aims at diffusing the knowledge of biodeterioration and allied science all over the world by holding meetings, conferences, seminars, workshops, lectures, etc.

He said, “Museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples”.

Prof Ambika Patel, President of ICOM-India, explained that ICOM is dedicated to promoting and protecting natural and cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible, for present and future generations.

The guest of honour, Rajkumar Patel, Superintendent of ASI, Agra Circle, emphasised the significance of preserving our cultural heritage and the importance of museums' educational role. He also discussed the history and origin of site museums in India through the formation of different societies.

Another guest of honour, Prof Hakeem Syed Zillur Rahman, Director of Ibn Sina Academy, stressed the importance of education through museums and urged the students to take an interest in museum visits.

Delivering a keynote address online, Prof Amareswar Galla, UNESCO Chair for Inclusive Museum in Australia, elaborated on the issues of cultural preservation and heritage conservation and stressed the need to include the Unani medicine of Asia in the Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

He emphasized the importance of museum education and research and stressed that the National Education Policy and Aligarh Muslim University should promote research through museums.

Earlier, welcoming the guests, the Organizing Secretary and the Chairperson of the Department, Prof Abduraheem K discussed the role of museums in the development of society and as a future classroom. He shed light on ongoing research in the department.

The conference brochure was also released by the guests on this occasion.

Dr Danish Mahmood, Convener of the seminar conducted the programme while the Coordinator of the programme, Dr Ameeza Zarrin extended a vote of thanks.

An essay writing competition was also organized to celebrate the day, in which around 50 students from different AMU and private schools participated under two categories – Junior Category, from IX to X class, and Senior Category, from XI to XII class. All the participants received certificates of participation, while the best performance award will be given to the junior and senior category winners later.