Government to revamp Nehru Museum, Gandhi Smriti and 37 other bodies

NEW DELHI: In a massive overhaul of cultural entities, the Ministry of Culture has decided to revamp 39 institutions and museums like Gandhi Smriti and Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) here to introduce modern Indian component including the Modi government's works.

"We are planning to revamp 39 organisations including Gandhi Smriti, Lalit Kala Akademi and NMML under us to ensure their smooth functioning and make them more purposeful," Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma told PTI.

Asked what changes would be undertaken as part of the revamp, he said, "Apart from ensuring that these institutions carry on with the purpose they were established for, we will also present modern India".

On whether there will be inclusion of the work of current government as part of introducing components relating to modern India, he said,"obviously", but did not give any details.

Asked if these institutions will also see change in their names, he said,"No such proposal is under consideration."

About Congress' charge that revamping of NMML was aimed at diluting the ideology of India's first Prime Minister, he said, "There is no plan to undermine Nehru or his thoughts.

"For the Nehru Memorial, we have plans for renovating the building, auditorium and library. We also want to increase the footfall at this place. More research scholars should be able to use the facility," the minister added.

Some other prominent organisations under Culture Ministry include Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Modern Art Gallery, Sahitya Akademi, Sangeet Akademi, NSD, Victorial Memorial.