State to allocate ₹5 crore for training and recruiting tourist guides
Hyderabad: Museums are not mere storehouses of ancient artifacts but living repositories of knowledge that mirror a society’s civilization, culture, and way of life, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Archaeology Jupally Krishna Rao said here on Monday. Speaking as the chief guest at the International Museum Day celebrations held at the State Museum in Public Gardens, Mr. Rao underscored that safeguarding world heritage is a collective societal responsibility rather than the sole obligation of the government. He formally inaugurated the event by lighting the traditional lamp.
On the occasion, the Minister released official brochures alongside two books titled Paramara Jagaddeva’s Inscriptions in Telangana and Stucco Sculptures in Centenary Museum.
Preserving heritage
Mr. Rao remarked that a nation’s greatness and cultural legacy are passed down to posterity through its museums and heritage wealth. Noting that ancestors built magnificent architectural marvels in an era entirely devoid of modern technology, he said that life remains incomplete without experiencing and appreciating these wonders.
The Minister highlighted that the inscription of the Ramappa Temple onto the UNESCO World Heritage list has brought global recognition to Telangana’s rich history. He reiterated the State government’s commitment to placing Telangana prominently on the international tourism map by effectively showcasing its monumental heritage to the world.
Employment for youth
Emphasizing that the government accords top priority to heritage conservation and the development of historical monuments, Mr. Rao announced that a specialized training and recruitment program would be launched for tourist guides. This initiative aims to generate employment opportunities for local youth at historical destinations while ensuring visitors receive high-quality information. The government will allocate ₹5 crore for this purpose, he said.
Special Chief Secretary (Tourism and Culture) Vani Prasad said the State Archaeology Department has introduced new academic courses in archaeology and museology. She urged the youth to utilize these opportunities to actively participate in heritage preservation, while encouraging students and children to visit museums to foster a deeper understanding of history.
World Monuments Fund board member Shalini Bhupal, Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director Gauthami, Tourism Director Laxman Ranjit Nayak, Archaeology Director Arjuna Rao, NITHM Director Venkataramana, Central Archaeology Department Superintendent Nikhil Das, Deccan Heritage Academy Chairman Veda Kumar, INTACH convenor Anuradha Reddy, and historian Dr. Emani Sivanagi Reddy were among those present.
