NEW DELHI: The Centre is moving to overhaul the working of the cultural bodies in the countries by bringing in a contemporary perspective.
The key bodies which are likely to undergo changes include the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) and Gandhi Smriti. The library which focuses on research about Nehru’s contribution to nation-building may see a change towards more contemporary issues, including those dear to the current BJP Government.
Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma said revamp was being done to introduce a contemporary component in these entities to make them more purposeful.
“We are planning to revamp 39 organisations, including Gandhi Smriti, Lalit Kala Akademi and the NMML, to make them more purposeful,” Sharma said. The minister added that “apart from ensuring that these institutions carry on with the purpose they were established for, we will also present modern India, including the work of the current government”.
The government has sanctioned `10 crore for the revamp and modernisation of the NMML, which till now has been headed by Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi.
As the BJP Government is trying to contemporise the working of the cultural bodies, particularly the NMML, the Congress accused the government of trying to erase Nehru’s contribution.
Sharma rejected the Congress’ charge and said: “There is no plan to undermine Nehru or his thoughts. For the NMML, we have plans for renovating the building, auditorium and library. We also want to increase footfall at this place. More research scholars should be able to use the facility.”
The BJP and RSS have been saying that the cultural bodies had become a parking space for the Congress politicians and reflected their ideology.
The NMML’s executive body was recently recast after which Lokesh Chandra was made the chairman and BJP MP M J Akbar as vice-chairman.
Congress Flays Centre’s Plan
New Delhi: Reacting to the government move to make NMML more “contemporary and attractive” by shifting its focus to smart cities and Mangalyaan, the Congress said it was yet another ploy to erase the first PM’s footprints and thoughts.