In a significant development, the Prime Ministers’ Museum & Library (PMML) Society and its Executive Council have been reconstituted, with several new members joining the institution. Former Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Nripendra Mishra, has been reappointed as the chairperson for another five-year term. The reconstitution, ordered by the Ministry of Culture, reflects the government’s efforts to broaden the institution’s scope and inclusivity, ensuring it remains a dynamic space for understanding India’s political history and leadership.
New Additions
The newly reconstituted society includes prominent figures from diverse fields, bringing a wealth of expertise and experience. Among the notable new members are:
- Smriti Irani, former Union Minister and current Minister of Women and Child Development.
- Rajiv Kumar, former Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog.
- Syed Ata Hasnain, retired Army General and former Military Secretary.
- Shekhar Kapur, a renowned filmmaker and director of the International Film Festival of India.
- Vasudev Kamath, a representative from Sanskar Bharati, an organization affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Other new entrants include:
- Sanjeev Sanyal, member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council.
- Chamu Krishna Shastry, an educationist who played a key role in formulating the National Education Policy.
- KK Mohammad, a renowned archaeologist who was part of the Babri Masjid excavation team in 1976.
- BR Mani, the current head of the National Museum.
- TS Krishnan, an author and historian who frequently contributes to The Commune.
Expanded Executive Council
The Executive Council, the key decision-making body of the PMML, has also seen an expansion. Previously comprising 29 members, it now has 34 members. Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads the council as its president and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as its vice-president. Other Union ministers on the council include Amit Shah, Nirmala Sitharaman, Dharmendra Pradhan, Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
While the reconstitution brings in new faces, some prominent figures from the previous council have not been reappointed. These include Anurag Thakur, Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman of the UGC, Ram Bahadur Rai, President of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, and Rajat Sharma, a veteran journalist.
Some members have retained their positions, including Rizwan Kadri, a researcher known for his involvement in recent discussions surrounding the return of Nehru papers.
The reconstitution marks a key milestone in the evolution of the PMML, particularly following its renaming from the Nehru Memorial Museum & Library (NMML) in 2023. The Narendra Modi-led government had earlier proposed creating a museum dedicated to all Indian Prime Ministers, a vision realized with the opening of the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya in 2022.
Despite political opposition, the museum and its associated library continue to play a central role in preserving and presenting the legacy of India’s leadership. The PMML Society is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Culture and comprises four major constituents: the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, the library, the Centre for Contemporary Studies, and the Nehru Planetarium.
The reconstitution aligns with the government’s vision to make the institution more inclusive and representative of India’s diverse political and cultural heritage. As per the memorandum of association and rules and regulations of the society, the terms of the newly nominated members and the Executive Council will last for five years or until further orders are issued. This ensures continuity and stability in the institution’s operations while allowing for periodic reviews and updates.
With a mix of seasoned administrators, scholars, and cultural icons, the institution is poised to play a pivotal role in fostering a deeper understanding of India’s leadership and governance. The reappointment of Nripendra Mishra as chairperson and the inclusion of new members reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening the PMML as a cornerstone of India’s historical and cultural legacy.
(With inputs from DD News)
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