Governor Ramesh Bais participated in the 219th anniversary program of Asiatic Society
Raipur/Mumbai. The 219th anniversary of the Asiatic Society, the cultural pride of Mumbai, was celebrated on Saturday (25th) in the society’s auditorium in the presence of Governor Ramesh Bais.
Governor Ramesh Bais said in this program that the Asiatic Society, which has a collection of millions of rare books, manuscripts, coins and maps, seems to be struggling for its existence.
But Mumbai is a city of donors. Hundreds of NGOs are collecting funds from Mumbai for their charitable works through Mumbai Marathon. The Governor said, therefore, it is not a shortage of funds, but it is important to reach the right proposal to the right people.
The Governor said that the Asiatic Society should work closely with all the universities of the state, redesign its grand campus and attract young readers. On this occasion, the Governor suggested that we should study how the big libraries of the world are changing themselves and make changes accordingly and take the younger generation and corporate members into the management.
The Asiatic Society has a tradition of having historians, writers and editors as presidents. The society should make its own annual literary festival. A music festival should also be organised. Today many countries are earning money through the historical heritage of their country.
The Governor suggested that the Asiatic Society should continue its work and bring its architectural and literary glory to the world. On this occasion, Dr. Saryu Doshi (Indian Art, History and Culture), Dr. Anura Manatunga (Writer and Curator. Art History), Prof.
Nobuyoshi Namabe (Buddhist Studies), Prof. Gopal Krishna Kanhere (silver medal) and Prof. Brajkishore Swain (Theology – Mahamahopadhyay Dr. Pt. Va. Ken Suvarna Padak) was awarded the fellowship and medal of the institute by the Governor. Musician Zubin Mehta, Professor Upinder Singh and Professor Subhash Chandra Malik could not attend.
Society President Vispi Balaporiya gave the introduction while Honorary Secretary Mangala Sardeshpande gave the vote of thanks. Director General of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum, Dr. Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Society Vice President Shahrnaz Nalwala, Dr. Farooq Udwadia etc. were present.
