Salar Jung Museum a Confluence of World Cultures, Symbol of Hyderabad’s Heritage: Governor
Hyderabad, June 14 (TNT): Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Sunday described the Salar Jung Museum as a symbol of the confluence of world cultures and an enduring repository of India’s rich cultural heritage.
Inaugurating the week-long Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the museum and the birth anniversary commemorations of Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, the Governor said the institution occupies a place of distinction in Hyderabad’s identity, comparable to the iconic Charminar.
The celebrations, being held from June 14 to 21, commemorate the birth anniversary of Salar Jung III, whose priceless collection of art and artefacts forms the foundation of one of India’s most renowned museums.
Shukla said the museum was not merely a cultural landmark of Telangana but a national heritage institution of immense significance.
He said it was a privilege to participate in the celebrations as Chairman of the Salar Jung Museum Board.
Paying tribute to Salar Jung III, the Governor said his vision and foresight enabled the collection of invaluable works of art from across the world.
He noted that artefacts from Persia, Egypt, China, Japan and Europe reflected Hyderabad’s cosmopolitan outlook and long-standing tradition of cultural openness.
He said internationally acclaimed exhibits such as the Veiled Rebecca, rare copies of the Holy Quran, Chola bronzes, Buddhist artefacts and Christian sculptures have earned global recognition for the museum.
Describing the institution as a symbol of harmony among diverse cultures, faiths and civilisations, Shukla said it embodied the spirit of unity through cultural exchange and preservation.
Highlighting Hyderabad’s emergence as a centre for science, innovation and education, the Governor stressed the need to further develop the museum as a hub for research, learning and knowledge creation.
He urged the Museum Board to expand digitisation initiatives, research fellowships and collaborations with universities and academic institutions.
In a notable suggestion, Shukla proposed that a meeting of the Telangana State Cabinet be held at the museum to showcase its heritage value and significance to a wider audience.
He made the proposal in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and Minister Ponnam Prabhakar.
As part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, the Governor unveiled a five-year roadmap for the modernisation and expansion of the museum.
He also inaugurated a souvenir shop and a special exhibition featuring handicrafts and handloom products.
Speaking on the occasion, Bhatti Vikramarka assured full support from the state government for the museum’s expansion and development.
Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said the Salar Jung Museum was recognised as one of the finest museums not only in India but globally.
Among those present were MLA Mir Zulfeqar Ali, Governor’s Special Chief Secretary M. Dana Kishore, former Museum Board member Nawab Ehteram Ali Khan, Prof. Jayadheer Tirumala Rao, Museum Director Priyanka Mary Francis, Museum board members and prominent personalities from the fields of art and culture.
TNT TS
