Museum to showcase contributions of all PMs of India

The Centre has begun a move to set up a "modern museum" to showcase the life and contributions of "all prime ministers of India" here on the premises of the Teen Murti Bhavan — late Jawaharlal Nehru's official residence.

"It is unfortunate that the lives and works of many of our prime ministers has not been well documented. In fact, many have received very little attention," the Union culture ministry has stated in a note, inviting people to suggest a design for the proposed museum by April 30.

While contributions of the "individual prime ministers" have been different and "obviously" cannot be compared, it should "actually" be left to individuals to assess it.

"Relevant facts (about prime ministers of India), all at one place, will facilitate that process (comparison). This is what the proposed museum seeks to do," the ministry added.

The move comes about three years after the Narendra Modi government's plan to "revamp" the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) to make it "relevant to today's time" kicked up a massive row with many intellectuals apprehending that the move was intended to "subvert" the original character of the museum in the name of giving it a "contemporary" look.

Following the row, then NMML director Mahesh Rangarajan came up with a clarification, saying the focus of the government's plan to revamp the museum would continue to remain on Jawaharlal Nehru "and his great colleagues" to showcase the governance of India under the first prime minister.

The NMML, established in Nehru's memory, is located here on the premises of the majestic Teen Murti House, the official residence of the first prime minister of India.

The culture ministry's move to set up a museum of all the prime ministers of India was seen by the critics as a fresh effort of the Modi government to eclipse Nehru's legacy with the legacies of the other prime ministers.

"It is high time that the story of India's Executive, represented by the prime minister, is told," the culture ministry stated in a background note, posted on the MyGov.in website, seeking feedback from the people on the proposed museum's "concept and vision" by April 29.

The ministry has also offered a cash prize of Rs 10,000 for "the best idea/suggestion".