Kelkar Museum’s long-delayed expansion may finally see light as Minister Ashish Shelar commits state backing. Maharashtra’s cultural policy now blends tech, heritage, and pride for a global cultural revival.
Pune: Twenty years after they were given six acres of property in Bavdhan Budruk, the big expansion of the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum remains stalled—this time, on account of financial restrictions. Still, Ashish Shelar, the minister of cultural affairs, has promised government backing and more efforts to bring the ₹100-crore project under way once more.
During his visit to the museum on Bajirao Road on Wednesday, Shelar reviewed its invaluable collection and acknowledged the project’s long-pending status. “We will soon call a meeting with Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and museum officials to address funding issues,” he assured.
Present at the site were former MP Amar Sable, museum directors Sudhanva Ranade, Surendra Ranade, Sudarshan Ranade, and MLA Hemant Rasne. The museum’s trustees highlighted how lack of financial backing stalled the much-needed expansion, which could elevate the museum’s global identity.Later in the day, at the Vasant Lecture Series Centenary Knowledge Seminar, Shelar shed light on Maharashtra’s Cultural Policy, restructured in 2024 with a vision for the next 25 years. Rooted in values like communication, conservation, and participation, the policy also aims to merge technology with folk and classical art preservation—emphasizing everything from fort restoration to Marathi language promotion.
Addressing the gathering, Shelar said, “Every phase of human progress is tied to culture—be it classical music, tribal dance, or open theatre traditions. These are not just art forms; they’re ways of expression and survival.”He emphasized the need to carry local pride to the global stage. “Ballet has International Dance Day. But many of our forms predate it. Shakespeare is globally celebrated, yet theatre existed before him. It’s time we take our heritage forward with that same pride.”
It’s heartbreaking when a treasure trove like the Kelkar Museum—one that holds centuries of craftsmanship and history—gets sidelined by budget constraints. Culture isn’t a luxury, it’s a foundation. While metro pillars and highways rise, our heritage sits in wait.
Although the government’s fresh dedication is commendable, promises to have to be turned into reality. Spending money on heritage is a means of safeguarding the future soul, not a hobby in nostalgia.