PM launches book on "Pre-Modern Kutchi Navigation Techniques and Voyages"

Published By : Admin | April 6, 2015 | 15:00 IST

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today said a nation's maritime strength is a vital input for its emergence as a global economic power. He was speaking at a function in New Delhi, for the release of the book Pre-Modern Kutchi Navigation Techniques and Voyages. The Prime Minister referred to his recent visit to nations in the Indian Ocean. He described this as an effort to revitalize relations with the countries with whom India shares a common ocean. The Prime Minister said historically, India has been a strong maritime power, which gave her economic strength.

684-PM launches book on Pre-Modern Kutchi Navigation Techniques and Voyages (4)

The book is a depiction and transcription of "Malam Ni Pothis" – a collection of Gujarati manuscripts which describe the pre-modern navigation technology of Gujarat. The book describes expeditions undertaken by the Malams (navigators) of Kutch. The original Pothis are dated from the 17th to 19th century.

684-PM launches book on Pre-Modern Kutchi Navigation Techniques and Voyages (1) The book, Pre-Modern Kutchi Navigation Techniques and Voyages, has been transcribed and edited by Mr. Ashok B. Rajeshirke. It is a collaborative effort by the National Museum, New Delhi, and the Darshak Itihas Nidhi – a Foundation for Research and Studies in History.

684-PM launches book on Pre-Modern Kutchi Navigation Techniques and Voyages (3)

The Prime Minister complimented all those involved with the preparation of the book, and said such efforts are an essential part of every culture which is conscious of its history. The Prime Minister said India has usually not been a history-conscious society, and therefore, many great accomplishments of the past have remained anonymous. He said in today's age of patents and IPRs, it was vital for India to be conscious of its history and culture.

684-PM launches book on Pre-Modern Kutchi Navigation Techniques and Voyages (2)

The Union Minister for Culture Dr. Mahesh Sharma, and the Chairman, Darshak Itihas Nidhi, Shri Hasmukh Shah, were present on the occasion.

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Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired the 47th Annual General Meeting of the Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML) Society at Teen Murti Bhawan in New Delhi, earlier today.

During the meeting, Prime Minister emphasised that museums hold immense significance across the world and have the power to make us experience history. He underlined the need to make continuous efforts to generate public interest in museums and to enhance their prestige in society.

Prime Minister put forward a visionary concept of a “Museum Map of India”, aimed at providing a unified cultural and informational landscape of museums across the country.

Underlining the importance of increased use of technology, Prime Minister suggested development of a comprehensive national database of all museums in the country, incorporating key metrics such as footfall and quality standards. He also suggested organising regular workshops for those managing and operating museums, with a focus on capacity building and knowledge sharing.

Prime Minister highlighted the need for fresh initiatives, such as creation of a committee consisting of five persons from each State below the age of 35 years in order to bring out fresh ideas and perspectives on museums in the country.

Prime Minister also highlighted that with the creation of museum on all Prime Ministers, justice has been done to their legacy, including that of the first Prime Minister of India Shri Jawaharlal Nehru. This was not the case before 2014.

Prime Minister also asked for engaging top influencers to visit the museums and also invite the officials of various embassies to Indian museums to increase the awareness about the rich heritage preserved in Indian Museums.

Prime Minister advised that a compilation of all the legal battles and documents relating to the Emergency period may be prepared and preserved in light of the completion of 50 years after the Emergency.

Prime Minister highlighted the importance of preserving and documenting the present in a systematic manner. He noted that by strengthening our current systems and records, we can ensure that future generations and researchers in particular will be able to study and understand this period without difficulty.

Other Members of the PMML Society also shared their suggestions and insights for further enhancement of the Museum and Library.

Prime Minister also planted a Kapur (Cinnamomum camphora) tree in the lawns of Teen Murti House, symbolizing growth, heritage, and sustainability.