Dibrugarh University and Assam Museums forge landmark heritage collaboration

May 24, 2025

World

Dibrugarh, May 24: A landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Directorate of Museums, Assam, and Dibrugarh University has paved the way for transformative academic and cultural collaborations in heritage research and conservation.

The MoU was formally inked recently by Arindom Barua, Director of Museums, Assam, and Prasanta Kumar Kakati, Registrar in-charge of Dibrugarh University, in the presence of Vice Chancellor Jiten Hazarika. It aims to bolster heritage conservation efforts and foster academic exchanges, positioning Dibrugarh University as a key hub for cultural research in Northeast India.

“This collaboration opens new avenues for our students and faculty to engage with heritage conservation in meaningful ways. It will bridge the gap between academic research and practical conservation work. By combining the university’s research capabilities with museum expertise, we’re creating new possibilities for heritage conservation that will benefit future generations,” said Vice Chancellor Hazarika.

A two-day International Conference on “Reimagining Heritage Conservation: Innovative Strategies for Sustaining Cultural Landscapes and Narratives in Diverse Communities” was held on May 18–19. The event drew national and international experts, including Laxaman Boomreng and Korrakech Panich from Khon Kaen National Museum, Thailand, alongside prominent Indian scholars.

Notable attendees included Sangeeta Gogoi, Director of Historical and Antiquarian Studies, Assam; Bhagyashree Sharma and Gitanjali Devi, Assistant Professors from the Departments of Assamese and Anthropology, respectively, Dibrugarh University; Bijoylakshmi Borah, District Museum Officer, Dibrugarh; and Mridusmita Kalita, District Museum Officer, Barpeta.

A highlight of the conference was the Directorate’s flagship initiative, “Museum on the Move,” which brought a vibrant mobile exhibition to the university campus. The exhibit focused on the Moidams of Charaideo—Assam’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site—showcasing Tai-Ahom heritage through interactive Conservation and Publications Corners that highlighted ongoing preservation efforts.

Students also had the opportunity to participate in a clay modeling workshop led by artist-cum-modeller Hemanta Saikia from the Assam State Museum, offering hands-on engagement with traditional art forms.

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