2024.02.14 (Vrindavan Today News): The inauguration ceremony of the Braj Folk Art and Craft Museum was held with fervor and enthusiasm. The ceremony was presided over by Shri Shailjakant Misra, Vice Chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad (UPBTVP).
Misra emphasized the significance of preserving the cultural heritage of Braj and reiterated the need for holistic development in the region. He highlighted UPBTVP’s commitment to the vision of Brahma Rishi Devraha Baba, stressing the importance of safeguarding Braj’s essence for its global recognition.
The museum, aimed at reflecting various facets of human life intertwined with Braj’s rich cultural tapestry, received accolades from attendees.
On this occasion, Eminent Scholar Acharya Shrivatsa Goswami addressed the gathered audience, stating that Shri Krishna’s great-grandson Bajranabh ji transformed the entire Braj region into Shri Krishna’s museum. Bajranabh ji himself established the living museum in the eighty-four kos area, which later, F.S. Growse, the popular district collector in British regime established a museum in Mathura. He said that Braj is a continuous creation; that’s why even in the year 2024, Braj is still vibrant. The scriptures are based on the people’s lives. All the arts and practices associated with Shri Krishna are also a gift of the people. That’s why it is said:
“Anokhon ree jaayo lalna, main vedan mein sun aayi, main khetan mein sun aayi”
Shri Krishna is still alive in people’s lives and in scriptures today. Dr. Umesh Chand Sharma has taken the initiative to establish the Braj Lok Art and Craft Museum, which is commendable work. If Braj culture is life, then the museum should also be vibrant. The museum should reflect activities related to human life.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Umesh Chand Sharma, the visionary behind the museum, expressed gratitude to all contributors and emphasized the museum’s role in showcasing art and craft intertwined with human life. He underscored the ongoing efforts to enrich the museum with additional exhibits to resonate with the masses.
Eminent personalities including Acharya Padmanabh Goswami, Vishnu Das Goyal Shorawala, Deepak Goyal, R.P. Yadav, and others graced the occasion, affirming their commitment to Braj’s cultural preservation. The event was expertly moderated by Dr. Anju Sood.
The foundation stone for the museum was laid on October 7, 2002, with the presence of eminent saints and scholars of Braj. Dr. Sharma acknowledged the contributions of numerous individuals and assured further enrichment of the museum’s displays for public engagement.
The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of esteemed citizens from various walks of life, affirming their dedication to Braj’s cultural legacy. The event concluded on a note of optimism, symbolizing a significant step towards preserving Braj’s timeless heritage for generations to come.
