Done/ALVI Jhansi: A delegation of theatre artistes, writers and social activists, led by former Union minister Pradeep Jain Aditya, sat on dharna at the gate of Jhansi Museum on Wednesday to protest the government’s decision to close the museum.
Later, they submitted a memorandum addressed to the chief minister to district magistrate Jhansi Andra Vamsi.
The protestors have announced to host cultural activities like plays, concerts and nukkad nataks in the museum campus on a daily basis as a mark of protest.
Talking to TOI, former Union minister Pradeep Jain Aditya said, “ Tourists evaluate the history of a country or city from the articles displayed in its museums.
Jhansi has always been on the international tourist map because of the valour of Rani Laxmibai.
People come here with a lot of hope to see the things associated with her.
Just imagine what they will feel when they find the museum closed”.
Terming the government’s decision as a step towards subduing the Bundeli culture, Jain said that he and his team members were even ready to shelve out money from their pockets to pay the salaries of the staff provided the district administration should open the museum.
Almost the entire staff of the museum has retired and its deputy director Asha Pandy will also retire by June end, he said.
The museum, situated near the historic Jhansi Fort, started on February 29, 1996 when it was inaugurated by then UP Governor Motilal Vohra.
Its foundation stone was laid by former Prime Minister late Indira Gandhi on October 16, 1982.
“The museum has been fighting for its existence due to shortage of staff as most of its employees have retired with no new recruitments being made.
Of the sixteen galleries, ten have been closed while the remaining six were looked after by the lone staffer who has also now retired”, Jain Aditya said.
The DM Jhansi told TOI that he was trying his best to get the museum opened at the earliest.