NU VC lays foundation of Tribal History Museum

Nagpur: Nagpur University (NU) on Saturday laid the foundation stone of the proposed Tribal History Museum, a landmark initiative aimed at preserving and promoting the rich tribal heritage of Vidarbha. A three-member committee constituted by the university had earlier submitted a detailed report on the project after studying successful tribal museums in Madhya Pradesh.The foundation stone was laid by Vice-Chancellor Manali Khirsagar at the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Academic Campus on Amravati Road. Once completed, the museum will function as a major academic and cultural repository, documenting the history, traditions, and lifestyles of Vidarbha's tribal communities.The museum is being constructed near the Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture, and Archaeology at an estimated cost of ₹4.43 crore under the PM-USHA scheme. Funding has been provided by the Maharashtra government during the university's centenary year, in which NU was sanctioned ₹100 crore for various development works.Vidarbha has a significant tribal population, constituting nearly 23% of the region's total population, including communities such as the Gond, Kolam, Madia, and Korku of Melghat. The museum will showcase their customs, traditions, cultural practices, and everyday life, ensuring that tribal history is preserved and made accessible to a wider audience and future generations.Several senior university officials and dignitaries were present at the ceremony, including Finance and Accounts Officer Harish Paliwal, Deans Shyamrao Koreti, Medha Kanetkar, and Umesh Palikundwar, senate members, department heads, faculty members, and engineers.The project received approval following a proposal submitted by the Postgraduate History Department under PM-USHA, an initiative largely attributed to the efforts of Dean Shyamrao Koreti. Vice-Chancellor Khirsagar also reviewed the construction site and sought detailed updates on the progress of the museum project.VC Reviews Archaeology MuseumEarlier, the Vice-Chancellor visited the university's Archaeology Museum housed in the Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology. She appreciated the department's efforts in conserving significant historical and archaeological artefacts from Vidarbha. Department Head Prabash Sahu briefed her on the exhibits and their historical importance.About the Tribal History Museum ProjectThe three-member committee comprised Dr Shyamrao Koreti, Waman Turke, and Dr Prabash Sahu.The committee studied prominent institutions, including the Bhopal Tribal Museum and the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, both under the Union Ministry of Culture.The report highlights the use of modern exhibition methods such as replicas, thematic lighting, audio-visual installations, and QR code-based information systems to enhance visitor engagement.Based on its findings, the committee recommended interactive, technology-driven displays to effectively present tribal life, belief systems, traditions, and cultural diversity.The proposed museum will be located near the Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology, with an estimated cost of ₹4.43 crore.