Strengthening Disaster Preparedness in Museums: Insights from an Indian Foundation

As part of its Foundation Day celebrations, the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) organized a significant training workshop on ‘Museum Disaster Risk Reduction.’ This three-day workshop, held in collaboration with the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), brings together experts and stakeholders to address the critical need for disaster preparedness and resilience in museums and cultural institutions.

The workshop commenced with a warm welcome from Dr. Achal Pandya, Head of IGNCA’s Conservation Division, and featured esteemed dignitaries including 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).

During the inaugural session, speakers emphasized the rarity and uniqueness of the workshop, underlining the significance of asset conservation, preservation through digitization, and the crucial role of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) practices in safeguarding cultural heritage.

Shri Rajendra Ratnu, Executive Director of NIDM, provided insights into NIDM’s roles in Disaster Management (DM), focusing on cultural heritage provisions and DRR guidelines outlined by national and international frameworks.

The IGNCA Foundation Day celebrations also featured captivating classical performances, including violin renditions by the Akkarai sisters and soulful Sarod performances by Ayaan Ali Bangash. These performances added a cultural flair to the event, showcasing IGNCA’s commitment to promoting artistic excellence alongside disaster preparedness initiatives.
Overall, the workshop and cultural presentations underscored the imperative of preparedness and resilience-building in museums, aligning with global efforts to safeguard cultural assets and enhance disaster management practices.