AMU Museology Dept Marks Int’l Museum Day with Global Dialogue and Hands-on Conservation
Aligarh: The Department of Museology at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) observed International Museum Day 2025 with a full-day programme showcasing student-led conservation, community engagement, and global academic dialogue. Aligned with the International Council of Museums’ (ICOM) theme, “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,” the event featured a curated exhibition, a guided educational tour for schoolchildren, and an international seminar.
AMU Vice Chancellor Professor Naima Khatoon inaugurated the exhibition, lauding the department for blending academic rigour with public-oriented heritage work. She noted the department’s status as one of South Asia’s oldest museum studies centres (est. 1953) and stressed the educational value of museums under the National Education Policy 2020.
The exhibition featured a restored 75-year-old palanquin, revived by student Mehran Firdoos under Dr Ameeza Zarrin’s guidance, linking visitors to local craftsmanship and women’s history. Other highlights included a portrait of Nawab Mir Hameedullah Khan, a rare 1952 manuscript, natural history specimens, and ethnographic artefacts.
To foster early interest in heritage, local schoolchildren were invited for a guided tour led by postgraduate students. Interactive storytelling stations encouraged them to connect artefacts with contemporary issues like sustainability and identity, reinforcing the relevance of museums in today’s world.
The international seminar began with a welcome address by Professor Abduraheem K., Chair of the Department of Museology and Secretary, ICOM India. He underscored that museums are shifting from static repositories to dynamic platforms promoting dialogue, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship.
Professor Nafees Ahmad Khan, Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences, praised the department’s dynamism and experiential approach. Professor Ambika Patel, President of ICOM India, stressed the importance of global collaboration and embedding museological literacy into education while linking rural museums to national digital platforms. Padma Shri Professor Hakeem Syed Zillur Rahman highlighted the need for meticulous conservation. Joining virtually from Australia, Professor Amareswar Galla, UNESCO Chair, delivered the keynote address, reflecting on global Museum Day initiatives, AI’s dual impact on curation, and the importance of community co-creation in sustainable museology.
The speakers collectively emphasized that museums must adopt digital innovation without compromising authenticity, foster inclusive participation, and serve as lifelong learning hubs in line with NEP 2020.
Concluding the seminar, Dr Danish Mahmood, the Convener, thanked the dignitaries and participants for transforming International Museum Day into a vibrant showcase of innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity.
