Kolkata: Indian Museum has taken a significant stride in enabling under-privileged children to explore the museum by taking them on a guided tour of all galleries
free of cost.
The move is a part of 'Art for All' — a programme organised by the union Ministry of Culture, which has asked all museums across the country to conduct
similar activities.
The students will be given the chance do some hands on activities at the museum premises to make their visit a memorable one.
"We have planned to cover 500 children every week preferably in two batches. However, we are seeking support from NGO's and philanthropists to make the programme sustainable," said Rajesh Purohit, director of
Indian Museum. The museum has already began the programme and been able to bring in more than
300 such children.
The museum authorities have arranged for the logistics both ways and also provided them with a sumptuous healthy lunch during their day long visit.
The activities for the children include drawing, quiz and debate.
"The main aim behind the move is to arouse interest among students in museums, which throw light on the history and culture of India and the world. In the museum parlance, the programme is called 'Inclusive Museum'," a senior official of Indian
Museum said.
The museum wants to spread awareness on the initiative so that more number of underprivileged students, even from the remotest rural areas of Bengal, gets the opportunity to visit the place.
"If some clubs or NGOs bring in such students from districts, we will be glad to receive them and once they enter the museum, we will make all arrangements to make their visit a memorable one," the
official maintained.
The museum is primarily targetting the underprivileged children in Kolkata and then proceed to the districts. "We want to have children visiting the museum who never had the chance before," the official said.