India's civilisational story to find first dedicated museum in Washington

Washington, July 12: A first-of-its-kind museum showcasing India's civilisational journey, from the Indus Valley Civilisation to its emergence as a global power, is being planned in Washington, D.C., with the aim of educating younger generations of the Indian diaspora and promoting India's rich heritage to a global audience.

The proposed India Heritage Centre is currently scouting for a suitable location in the US capital to establish the museum, which will use immersive technologies, including virtual reality, interactive exhibits and multimedia displays, to narrate India's historical, cultural, scientific and spiritual contributions through the ages.

Indian-American educationist Amitabh Sharma, who is spearheading the initiative, said the project seeks to instil pride among younger members of the Indian diaspora, while fostering a deeper understanding of India's civilisational legacy among people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

"The aim is to propagate awareness of India's age-old civilisational strength, educate the diaspora, especially younger generations, instil pride, dispel ignorance and sensitise the global multi-ethnic community," Sharma said.

Sharma has approached the Indian Embassy in Washington, requesting that a building acquired by the mission in 2013 in the heart of the city be considered as the museum's location. If that proposal does not materialise, the India Heritage Centre is prepared to acquire land independently for the project.

Envisioned as a global centre for Indian civilisation, history and heritage, the museum aims to serve as an educational resource for future generations while strengthening cultural understanding between India and the wider international community.

Sharma said similar museums are also being planned in Atlanta, Georgia, and other locations in the future.

The museum is proposed to feature 10 thematic galleries covering the Indus Valley Civilisation, the Vedic era, India's scientific and technological innovations, spiritual traditions, military history, cultural heritage, colonial rule and the freedom movement, independent India's economic growth, and the country's vision for future global leadership.

According to Sharma, the content has been developed over the past eight years in consultation with Indologists, historians and archaeologists to ensure historical authenticity.

The proposed facility will also include a modern auditorium for lectures, discussions and cultural programmes.

Besides serving the Indian diaspora, the museum is intended to introduce visitors from other ethnic communities in the United States to India's history, diversity and contributions to global civilisation.

The India Heritage Centre estimates the project will cost between USD 12 million and USD 14 million, with funding expected through donations from high-net-worth individuals, corporate sponsorships, grants, crowdfunding and community support.