Preparedness Essential in Disaster Management in Museums
New Delhi: Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) Foundation Day celebrations continued on Day two with training workshop on ‘Museum Disaster Risk Reduction’. This three-day workshop has been organized by IGNCA in collaboration with National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), which will run till 22 March.
At the onset of the workshop’s inaugural session, Dr. Achal Pandya, Head of IGNCA’s Conservation Division, extended a warm welcome to all attendees. He introduced esteemed dignitaries on the dais, such as Shri Rajendra Ratnu (IAS, Executive Director, NIDM), Shri Pratapanand Jha (Dean, IGNCA), Dr. Richa Negi (Director, NMCM, IGNCA), and Dr. Ajinder Walia (Associate Professor and GIDRR Division Head, NIDM).
Dr. Pratapanand Jha delivered the welcome address, highlighting the rarity and uniqueness of the workshop. He emphasized the importance of asset conservation and preservation through digitization, as well as the significance of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) practices for museums and galleries.
Shri Rajendra Ratnu, Executive Director of NIDM, provided a comprehensive overview of NIDM’s roles and the structure of Disaster Management (DM). He delved into the specifics of cultural heritage provisions and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) as delineated in the guidelines of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), and the Sendai Framework for Action. Emphasizing the pivotal role of DRR in cultural heritage conservation, he asserted the necessity of regular training and exercises to ensure preparedness during emergencies. Concluding the session, Dr. Richa Negi, Director of the NMCM Division at IGNCA, conveyed heartfelt gratitude to the esteemed guests, trainers, and participants for their valuable contributions.
Earlier, IGNCA’s foundation day commenced with captivating classical performances. The Akkarai sisters, S. Subbalakshmi and S. Sornalatha, began the program with a mesmerizing violin performance. Following this, Ayaan Ali Bangash, the younger son of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, showcased his talent with the Sarod. Both presentations, held at the Unmukt Amphitheater of IGNCA, enthralled the audience. Present at the event were IGNCA’s President Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, Member Secretary Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, esteemed dancer and Rajya Sabha member Padma Vibhushan Dr. Sonal Mansingh, renowned dancer and Padma Vibhushan Dr. Padma Subramaniam, celebrated sarod player Ustad Amjal Ali Khan, esteemed dancer and President of Sangeet Natak Academy Dr. Sandhya Purecha, IGNCA’s Director (Administration) Dr. Priyanka Mishra, and other dignitaries.
In the inaugural presentation of the Foundation Day celebrations, the Akkarai sisters, S. Subbalakshmi and S. Sornalatha, commenced with their grandfather Shuchindram Shri S.P. Sivasubramaniam’s Composition. Transitioning seamlessly, they showcased their vocal prowess alongside the violin, enchanting the audience with melodious praises of the Ardhanarishwar form of Lord Shiva. Continuing their captivating performance, they skillfully rendered Raaga Kumudkriya, Raaga Bageshwari, and Raaga Bindu Malini, captivating the listeners with each note. Their presentation reached its crescendo with a soulful rendition of Vishwasaraiya’s bhajan in Raga Sindhu Bhairavi. Accompanying the Akkarai sisters were MV Chandrashekhar on Mridang and S. Krishna on Ghatak, adding depth and rhythm to their enchanting performance.
Following the Akkarai sisters’ captivating performance, Ayaan Ali Bangash delighted the audience with his melodious renditions. He commenced his recital with Raaga Desh, gracefully transitioning through each note and captivating the listeners. Ayaan concluded his performance with Raaga Hafiz Kauns, a composition by his father, Amjad Ali Khan, in 1997, commemorating the 25th death anniversary of his grandfather, Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan. During Ayaan’s soul-stirring performance, his father and world-renowned sarod player, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, was present, visibly moved by his son’s talent. Satyajit Suresh Talwalkar accompanied Ayaan on tabla, adding depth and rhythm to his mesmerizing performance.