US National Museum keen on MoU with GNDU

Amritsar, June 11 (UNI) The National Museum of Natural History of Smithsonian Institution, Washington has evinced keen interest to pen an MoU with Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) for the preservation, conservation of rare artifacts relating to Sikh religion, history, culture and traditions of Punjab.

These views were expressed by Dr Paul Michael Taylor, Director Asian Cultural History Programme and leader of the 12-member delegation of academicians of Smithsonian Institution, while interacting with the Vice-Chancellor, Dr S P Singh and other senior faculty members here yesterday.

While welcoming the American delegation, the Vice-Chancellor said GNDU has a great treasurer of rare manuscripts, rare books, paintings, coins, traditional weapons, utensils etc. Thus, he said that this University could play an important role in preserving and conserving the rare artifacts in National Museum of Natural History established at Smithsonian Institution.

Showing his keen interest for a collaboration with the University, Dr Taylor said the National Museum at Washington holds more than 126 million specimens, some of which are brand-new and others were collected almost 200 years ago during early voyages and explorations of the world.

He said that a special Sikh Gallery had been established in this Museum in which artifacts relating to Sikh religion, culture and history had been displayed.

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