Birla Archaeological and Cultural Research Institute (BACRI) celebrates its 50th anniversary

• Series of events including visit by Nobel laureates, symposiums, seminars, workshops, exhibitions and more  to commemorate the Golden Jubilee year
• A new Space Museum, the first private museum in India in association with ISRO inaugurated

Hyderabad, July 26, 2019: The Birla Archaeological and Cultural Research Institute (BACRI) celebrated its Golden Jubilee today. This marks the completion of 50 glorious years of the Institute and set the tone for ensuing year-long Golden Jubilee celebrations. The Institute will be holding a series of events including visits by renowned Nobel laureates, symposiums, seminars, workshops, exhibitions etc. over the next 12 months to commemorate the Golden Jubilee year.  BCARI also inaugurated a new Space Museum, the first private museum in India to have an association with ISRO. The Museum will have several exciting exhibits contributed by ISRO, including those of GSLV MK III, the launch vehicle of Chandrayan 2; satellites like Rohini, Apple, Chandrayan 1, Mangalyan; international space station and much more. The new Space Museum is another initiative by BACRI to spread knowledge across a variety of fields such as science & technology, art & architecture and culture and encourage young minds to explore new horizons.

The celebration was attended by several eminent personalities including Honourable Governor of Telangana Shri E. S. L. Narasimhan; Dr A P Jamkhedkar, Chancellor, Deccan College, Pune; Mrs. Nirmala Birla, Chairperson & President, BACRI; Mr. CK Birla, Chairman, CK Birla Group, Mrs. Amita Birla, Co Chairman, CK Birla Group; Dr. B.G. Sidharth, Director, BM Birla Science Centre, and Dr G Kamalakar, Director of BACRI.

Commenting on this, Mrs Nirmala Birla, Chairperson & President, BACRI said: “Over the years BACRI has grown into a premier philanthropic institution in India. It has a strong and creditable record for excavations, conservation of temples, publications, numismatic studies, museums, promoting science for the common man. I have an intrinsic and personal connection with BACRI, and it is really heartening to witness the significant role this Institution has played over the years in the dissemination of science & technology amongst the masses, especially our young generation. The Space Museum that has been inaugurated today is a big step forward in this journey. I hope that everyone who visits the museum enjoys the experience and are inspired by newer horizons that ISRO through space science is opening for India.”

Expressing his views on the occasion, Mr. CK Birla, Chairman, CK Birla Group said: “BACRI has been instrumental in bringing a great body of learning to the country. Since its inception in 1969, 30 Nobel Laureates from across disciplines have visited the Institution and delivered lectures, making it the only place in India where so many Nobel Laureates and renowned International scientists have visited. Knowledge by itself brings not only awareness and the ambition to make a real impact, but more importantly, the modesty to know that, without others, real change is likely to be very limited. I am happy to partner with ISRO in this initiative and hope it will have significant impact and outcomes over the years.”

Mrs. Amita Birla, Co Chairman CK Birla Group said, “Museums of yesteryears were perceived to be elitist encouraging only ‘educated’ people to visit them. In the 21^st century, this approach has reversed – and museums today cater to enhancing the knowledge and awareness of the general masses – as agents of change and development. The museums and initiatives by BACRI advocate the promotion of science and culture through the various interesting exhibits and learning sessions. These museums have almost become venues for alternative science education not just showcasing India’s achievements but also inculcating in the visitors especially students the spirit of questioning and enquiry.”

BACRI, a dream child of Shri G. P. Birla, was set-up in 1969. The Institute houses a Planetarium, a Science Museum, a Dinosaurium, an Archaeological Museum, the Nirmala Birla Art Gallery, the GP Birla Observatory and Astronomical Research Centre and now the Space Museum. Over the years BACRI has grown into a premier Institute in the country with a creditable record for excavations, publications, numismatic studies, conservation of temples, research and development of museums.

Corporate Comm India(CCI Newswire)