Nehru Memorial Museum and Library Renamed

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in news?
• What is Nehru Memorial Museum & Library (NMML)?
• What are the Features of NMML?
• The building: Teen Murti House
• What is Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya (Prime Ministers’ Museum)?

Why in news?

• The Union Culture Ministry announced that the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) would now be called the Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library Society.
• The name change came nearly a year after a Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya (Prime Ministers’ Museum) was inaugurated on the premises of the Teen Murti Bhavan, which also hosted the NMML.

What is Nehru Memorial Museum & Library (NMML)?

• The Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) was established in the memory of Jawaharlal Nehru (1889-1964).
  • It was named after Nehru almost six decades ago, after being turned into a memorial dedicated to him in 1964 by then President S Radhakrishnan.
• It is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
• It is located in the majestic Teen Murti House, the official residence of the first Prime Minister of India. 
• It has four major constituents, namely, a Memorial Museum, a library on modern India, a Centre for Contemporary Studies and the Nehru Planetarium.

What are the Features of NMML?

• Museum
  • The NMML houses a museum that showcases various exhibits related to the life and times of Jawaharlal Nehru.
  • It displays personal artifacts, photographs, letters, and documents that highlight his role in India’s freedom struggle and his contributions as a statesman.
• Library
  • The NMML has an extensive library that serves as a repository of knowledge on modern Indian history, politics, and related fields. 
  • It houses a vast collection of books, journals, documents, and manuscripts. 
  • The library is open to researchers, scholars, and the general public.
• Archives
  • The institution has archival facilities that preserve and maintain a wide range of historical records, including official documents, private papers, and photographs related to the Indian independence movement.
  • It also has documents related to Nehru’s political career, and other significant events in Indian history.
• Research Center
  • The NMML serves as a research center, encouraging scholarly studies and research on Indian history, Nehruvian thought, and related subjects. 
  • It provides fellowships and research grants to scholars and organizes seminars, conferences, and lectures on various topics.
• Nehru Planetarium 
  • Adjacent to the NMML is the Nehru Planetarium, which is a popular attraction for astronomy enthusiasts. 
  • It offers shows and exhibitions on astronomy and space science, providing educational and recreational experiences.
• Publications 
  • The NMML publishes books, journals, and research papers on various aspects of Indian history, politics, and culture. 
  • These publications contribute to academic discourse and disseminate knowledge to a wider audience.

The building: Teen Murti House

• Built in 1929-30 as part of Edwin Lutyens’ imperial capital, Teen Murti House was then known as Flagstaff House.
• It was the official residence of the Commander-in-Chief of the British armed forces in India.
• In August 1948, it became the official residence of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.

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What is Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya (Prime Ministers’ Museum)?

• About
  • Inaugurated by PM Modi in April 2022, the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya is a tribute to every Prime Minister of India since Independence.
  • It is a narrative record of how each PM has contributed to the development of our nation over the last 75 years.
    • It recognises contributions of all the 14 PMs so far, irrespective of ideology or tenure in office.
    • It has ample space for future leaders as well.
• What happened to the erstwhile Nehru Museum building?
  • The erstwhile Nehru Museum building is now seamlessly integrated with the new museum building. 
  • The Nehru Museum is designated as Block I, and has a completely updated, technologically advanced display on the life and contribution of the first prime minister.

Q1) What is Nehru Planetarium?

The Nehru Planetarium is a popular science museum and planetarium located in India. It is named after Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, who was also a strong advocate for science and education. The planetarium is one of the five planetariums managed by the Nehru Memorial Museum & Library (NMML) under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The Nehru Planetarium aims to promote the understanding and appreciation of astronomy and space science among the general public, especially students. It offers educational programs, exhibitions, and multimedia shows to engage visitors and provide them with a fascinating glimpse into the mysteries of the universe.

Q2) Who was Jawahar Lal Nehru?

Jawaharlal Nehru (1889-1964) was an Indian political leader and statesman who played a crucial role in the independence movement of India and became the country’s first Prime Minister. He was born on November 14, 1889, in Allahabad, British India (now in Uttar Pradesh, India).

Source: Nehru’s name dropped from Teen Murti House museum and library: The journey from NMML to PMML | Nehru Memorial Museum & Library | Indian Express | The Hindu