Vice-Chairman Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya
in exclusive interaction with
Deepak Dwivedi
Editor-in-Chief Blitz India
Renowned journalist, former Chairman of Prasar Bharti, and currently the Vice-Chairman of Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya (Prime Ministers’ Museum), Dr A Surya Prakash, excels at whatever he is associated with. His stamp is visible on the new museum, which was earlier called Nehru Museum and Library. The structure, showcasing major contributions of 14 Prime Ministers of India, is both a technological marvel and a temple of learning for those who wish to know about our past PMs.
Breathtaking photographs, historical documents and informative videos reach out to viewers from every corner of the newlyconstructed building. In an exclusive interaction with Blitz India and its YouTube channel, Dr Prakash spoke at length about the museum. He said everybody should come and see – as desired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi – the message of harmony and balance reflected gloriously in all aspects of the museum. The following are the excerpts of the interview:
Q: What message does Prime Minister Narendra Modi want to give through this newly-transformed museum?
A: The museum is the idea of Prime Minister Mr Modi. Spread over 28 acres of land, it was earlier known as Nehru Memorial Museum. But Mr Modi wanted to bring forward the contributions made by all the Prime Ministers, who have served the country till date. He wanted the new museum to highlight their work and efforts towards development of our society. It took all of us around four years to transform this wish into reality. The new museum showcases the work of 14 Prime Ministers, while the work on Mr Modi’s Gallery is still in progress.
Q: How did this museum become a reality and what steps were taken to collate diverse information spread over documents and official papers all across various Government departments and agencies?
A: The major credit for making the museum a reality goes to Mr Nripendra Mishra, former Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Mr Modi. As Chairman of the museum, he worked tirelessly. I, after the completion of my earlier tenure as the Chairman of Prasar Bharti, was appointed the Vice-Chairman. It was Mr Mishra who suggested forming a Content Committee, which was formed and several eminent persons became its members. Their contribution in making the museum a reality has been tremendous. Among them are Dr Kapil Kapoor, Mr MJ Akbar, Mr Swapan Dasgupta and several others. All these people devoted lot of time and energy towards the successful completion of the museum.
Q: It’s vital that people living in villages and far-flung regions know about the magnificent message of this museum. Many of them cannot travel to Delhi. What is being done in this regard?
A: We are spreading awareness about the museum through our media, as also through social media. The Ministry of Culture is reaching out to people across the country. This museum showcases the wonderful diversity in our democratic process. The way these leaders, rooted in different ideologies, formed a diversity in the temple of our democracy, is another big message of this museum.
Q: The new museum highlights, without discrimination, the good work done by all our Prime Ministers since Independence. This aspect was evident even during the launch of the new Parliament building when leaders from various parties were invited. But it seems the Opposition is hellbent on opposing whatever work the present Government does. As a senior journalist, how do you view the situation?
A: I cannot answer the political question. But let me stress that in our meetings, Mr Modi always stressed the importance of creating a balance while showcasing the achievement of our earlier Prime Ministers – irrespective of their political leanings. And this vision was carried forward by Mr Mishra.
Q: The museum underlines the significance of India’s Constitution. How should it work in carrying forward this message?
A: True, the people need to understand at least the basics of our Constitution. This is very important because India is the biggest democracy in the world. Our Constitution, and various constitutional amendments, are the backbone of our democracy.
Q: Since 2014, many positive developments are taking place in India. Even among states, there is a race to achieve development milestones. But why is the mainstream media silent on showcasing the positive work being done at various levels?
A: Till about 50 years ago, only bad news was good. But this perception needs to be changed. Now, I strongly feel, the good news is good and it should be brought before the masses. This Government has done so much for the poor and underprivileged people, by way of providing houses, clean water and gas cylinders to them and initiating a plethora of schemes for this. It’s time the media highlighted these positive developments.
‘REMARKABLE CONTRIBUTION’
Veteran journalist and former parliamentarian MJ Akbar’s role as member of the Content Committee for Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya was lauded by Dr. A Surya Prakash. Akbar’s contribution in making the museum a reality was remarkable, he told Blitz India.
“THIS MUSEUM IS A LIVING REFLECTION OF THE SHARED HERITAGE OF EACH GOVERNMENT” PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI
MR NRIPENDRA MISHRA Chairman
DR. A SURYA PRAKASH Vice-Chairman
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
MEMBERS
PROF. KAPIL KAPOOR
DR. VINAY SAHASRABUDDHE
DR. SWAPAN DASGUPTA
MR SANJIV NANDAN SAHAI
MR PARTHA SARATHI SEN SHARMA
MR CHETAN PRAKASH JAIN
CONTENT REVIEW COMMITTEE
MEMBERS
PROF. KAPIL KAPOOR
DR. VINAY SAHASRABUDDHE
DR. SWAPAN DASGUPTA
MR MJ AKBAR
MR PRASOON JOSHI
DR. ANIRBAN GANGULY
PROF. SANGIT RAGI
MR SANJIV NANDAN SAHAI
DR. RAVI K MISHRA
