Ann Widdecombe: uncompromising politician who embraced TV fame

India Heritage Centre plans Washington museum for civilisational journey

A plan is under way to set up a museum in Washington to present India’s civilisational journey, from the Indus Valley Civilisation to the country’s rise in modern times, with a special focus on younger members of the Indian diaspora. The proposed India Heritage Centre is looking for a suitable site in the US capital for what is being described as a first-of-its-kind brick-and-mortar museum. It plans to use immersive technology, virtual reality, interactive exhibits and multimedia displays to showcase India’s contributions over the years to a global audience. Indian-American educationist Amitabh Sharma told PTI, “The aim is to propagate awareness on India’s age-old rich civilisational strength, educating the diaspora, especially younger generations, instilling pride, dispelling ignorance and perhaps sensitising the global multiethnic community.” Sharma has approached the Indian Embassy in Washington for the use of a building bought by it in 2013 in the heart of the American capital to set up the museum. He said the museum is envisioned as a global centre for Indian civilisation, history and heritage, an educational resource for future generations and multiethnic communities, a cultural bridge for greater understanding and awareness, and a permanent legacy for the diaspora and supporters worldwide. “At a time when narratives shape global perception, future generations require authentic institutions that preserve, present, and celebrate India’s extraordinary contributions to humanity,” Sharma said. The proposed museum will have 10 galleries covering the Indus Valley Civilisation, the Vedic Foundation, Indian innovations, spiritual traditions, Bharat’s valiant protectors, India’s cultural finesse, colonial invasions and resistance, Independence icons, India’s inclusive economic growth story, and a vision of future global leadership. He added that a well-appointed auditorium for intellectual discourse will complement the historical presentations, and that the India Heritage Centre is ready to buy land in Washington if the proposed arrangement with the embassy does not work out. The museum is also intended to serve other ethnic immigrant communities in the US who may have limited knowledge of India’s inclusiveness, contributions and unity in diversity. The India Heritage Centre has estimated the project cost at between USD 12 million and USD 14 million, and plans to raise the money through high-net-worth individuals, corporate sponsorships, grants, crowdfunding and community support. In sum, the proposed museum in Washington is being planned as a technology-led space to present India’s history, heritage and contributions to younger diaspora audiences and the wider public, with fundraising and site selection still under way.