Punjab Agricultural University to light up museum on Punjab rural life

LUDHIANA: Accorded a special status on Punjab tourism’s website after 48 years, the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) museum highlighting social history and rural life of Punjab will be revamped. Situated near the College of Community Science, the museum was built after a detailed study of the traditional buildings of Punjab.
PAU vice-chancellor Satbir Singh Gosal said, “This museum has been a great attraction for visitors coming from across India and abroad. Being a brainchild of former VC M S Randhawa, this self-explanatory museum is a replica of the 18th-century socio-economic and religious life of ancient Punjab.”
“To make the museum more attractive, we will focus on internal and external lighting systems. The lights will add to the beauty of the museum and the items kept in it. In addition, lawns and grounds outside the museum will be given proper landscaping, and an office and washroom will be maintained for visitors. Besides this, we are also planning to open an eatery and a souvenir shop where Punjab and agricultural-related items will be sold,” the VC said.
The museum, which was earlier under the College of Community Science, has now been placed under communication centre, PAU, for the convenience of visitors, including schoolchildren, farmers, rural women, youths, Punjabi diaspora, and national and international delegations. Recently, MP Sanjeev Arora had donated Rs 10 lakh for the museum. The authorities are also seeking funds from various sources. PAU has also been receiving old items in donations from people.
Anil Sharma, assistant director of communications, said, “The museum holds a special place for the Punjabi diaspora as well. The coming generations born and brought up abroad will have a museum to catch a glimpse of the charms of old Punjab. For this, a 15-minute video will be featured at various social platforms like YouTube and Facebook. To strengthen the safety and security at the museum, we will install CCTV cameras.”
TS Riar Additional Director of Communication said , “Phulkari, archaeological exhibits, pottery and utensils, spinning and weaving, murals, vanity boxes, traditional costumes, musical instruments, agricultural implements, and tools are the most fascinating features of the museum.”
It is pertinent to mention here that the museum has been used for pre-wedding shoots, and a couple of Punjabi songs have been shot here.