Exploring Human Heritage: Students Participate in National Workshop on Anthropology & Museums

Students of the Department of Anthropology at University of Hyderabad (Ms. Thathireddy Meghana Kanthi Priya, Ms. T Joshitha, Ms. Kunusoth Moses, Mr. Anikijuttu Sai Charan, Mr. Chinthalapudi Ratna Kumar, Ms.  Gouda Deepthi, Ms.  Kolepaka Srija, Mr.  Athul S, Mr.  Swapnil Singh, Mr. E. Prashanth) along with Dr. Praveen Kumar and Dr. Reona Shinam (Guest Faculty) attended the “National Workshop on Anthropology and Museums” organized by Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS) also known as National Museum of Mankind, Bhopal from 28^th February to 2^nd March 2025. The Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya in Bhopal, spread across 200 acres, preserves and showcases India’s diverse cultural heritage and living traditions.

25 faculty members and 62 students from different Anthropology departments across India participated in the workshop. Renowned scholars from different fields of expertise delivered lectures on various themes such as Museum, Science and Anthropology, Understanding Prehistory, Indigenous Knowledge System and Museum, Design and process of Museum,  Climate Resilience & Habitat and Tangible Cultural Heritage. The delegates engaged in a meaningful discussion on community cultural engagement highlighting the significance of museums in bringing India’s diverse cultures to life by preserving traditions and connecting the past with the present through community collaboration.

The workshop brought together methods and strategies to deepen cultural understanding, conservation, and preservation of museum collections in India. It also encouraged hands-on learning, research skills and ethical museum practices for collaboration, communication, cultural sensitivity, and embracing technology in the field.

Participants had the opportunity to visit and engage with diverse themes and exhibitions, outdoor and indoor museums such as Rock Art Heritage, Traditional Technology Park, Sacred Groves, Mythological Trail, Tribal Habitat, Himalayan, Desert and Coastal Village Exhibitions and very engaging galleries of Veethi Sankul.

As a part of the workshop all the participants visited the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bhimbetka Rock Cave Shelters and delved into the rich human prehistory and cultural significance of these heritage sites.

Students’ thoughts on IGRMS:

Chinthalapudi Ratna Kumar, “I want to express my sincere gratitude to the organizing committee and staff of IGRMS for ensuring a welcoming and accessible environment for all participants, including myself as a physically challenged student. Their support made my experience even more fulfilling.”

Thathireddy Meghana Kanthi Priya, “IGRMS is more than just a museum—it’s a living tapestry of India’s diverse cultures. Walking through its spaces feels like traveling across the country, from the traditional homes of Kashmir to the snake boats of Kerala, from the rich heritage of the Northeast to the intricate paintings of Gujarat. It’s not just about preserving the past; it’s about keeping traditions alive through collaboration with the very communities that shape them. Anyone who wants to understand India can find a glimpse of its soul here.”

This workshop has been a truly transformative experience for all the participants. The  students are thankful to Prof. M. Romesh Singh (Head) and Mr. Shaik Abdul Munaf (Assistant Professor) for their encouragement and support to attend the workshop. We extend our deepest gratitude to Prof. Amitabh Pande (Director, IGRMS), Dr. Surya Kumar Pandey (Head of Office) and his team for their financial support and meticulous organization, ensuring the success of this workshop.

 

Contributed by: Dr. Reona Shinam, Dr Praveen Kumar, and students of Anthropology Department, UoH