Bhubaneswar: Around 200 students from various higher educational institutions across Odisha are currently undergoing internships at the Odisha State Museum under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 initiative, aimed at promoting experiential learning in heritage and cultural studies.
Odia Language, Literature & Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj visited the State Museum on Sunday and reviewed the ongoing internship programme. During his visit, he toured different galleries and interacted with the student interns engaged in various departments of the museum.
The internship programme has been facilitated by the Higher Education Department, under which students pursuing undergraduate courses have been placed in government and private institutions for practical exposure. At the Odisha State Museum, the interns are working across departments such as Archaeology, Ancient Coins, Books, Arts and Crafts.
During his interaction, the Minister discussed the importance of preserving and promoting Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, including its monuments, artefacts, inscriptions and traditional art forms. He also stressed the need for encouraging quality research in the fields of history and archaeology.
Suraj said Odisha’s art, culture, heritage and architecture are a matter of pride and have contributed significantly to the state’s distinct identity. He added that the youth have a crucial role in documenting, preserving and taking this heritage to a global platform through research and innovation.
The Minister noted that the internship programme allows students to move beyond classroom-based learning and gain practical exposure to real historical and cultural materials. He said such initiatives help develop academic skills and strengthen interest in heritage studies.
Students participating in the programme are being trained in handling archaeological objects, ancient coins, manuscripts, inscriptions and various crafts preserved in the museum. They also shared their experiences with the Minister and expressed satisfaction over the learning opportunities provided.
Odisha State Museum Superintendent Dr. Bharati Pal and other officials were present during the visit.
