Chennai : Exhibits in museums should speak from themselves, according to S. K. Saraswat, former Director, National Museum of Natural History, New Delhi.

Museums today need to be self-explanatory, have more intrinsic value and better audio-visual appeal to hold the masses' interest, he said, delivering a lecture on `Museums as an institution of non-formal education,' at the Tamilnadu Science and Technology Centre here on Thursday.

Dr. Saraswat defined museums as "non-profit organisations," and said they play an important role in educating the masses in an informal manner. Non-formal education system is of great value, and museums are at the centre of such education, he added.

"The established institutions under museums impart a particular kind of non-formal education and therefore the exhibits should have more intrinsic value and better aesthetic appeal," he said, pointing out that the exhibits should be self-explanatory.

Dr. Saraswat underlined the significance of good display of exhibits. "It should be done carefully, and more attention should be given to the explanation."

He cited examples from all over the country, where lack of information on exhibits often left the visitor clueless and dissatisfied.

Since the people who visit museums are from varied backgrounds and age groups, the display should be such that it provides satisfactory information to everyone.

Dr. Saraswat suggested that India, like many other countries, should conduct educational programmes in museums to enhance the people's interest.

Such programmes could be extended to wildlife sanctuaries and parks to enable people to experience nature closely.

He cited examples from the West, where children even celebrate birthday parties in museums and participate in programmes introducing them to history.

Thursday's lecture was a part of the `Meet the Scientist' programme that the Tamilnadu Science and Technology Centre conducts every month.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail