Chief Minister of Assam Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma visited the British Museum in London today for an important cultural milestone. During the visit, a Letter of Intent (LoI) was formally signed between Shri KK Dwivedi, Principal Secretary, Government of Assam, and Mr. Xerxes Mazda, Director of Collections at the British Museum.
The LoI marks a significant step toward the loan of the historic ‘Vrindavani Vastra’, a 16th-century silk textile masterpiece woven under the spiritual and artistic guidance of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva, the revered saint-scholar of Assam. This extraordinary textile, celebrated for its intricate depiction of Krishna Leela, represents one of the finest examples of Assam’s rich artistic heritage and devotional traditions. Its temporary return to Assam will be a moment of deep emotional and cultural importance for the people of the state.
In parallel with this collaboration, the JSW Foundation announced a major cultural investment in partnership with the Government of Assam. The Foundation will support the creation of a new world-class museum in Guwahati, designed to showcase Assam’s heritage and provide a modern, internationally aligned space to display significant cultural objects — including the loaned Vrindavani Vastra. This museum aims to serve as a hub for research, preservation, learning, and public engagement.
This initiative is not only a landmark moment for the Assamese community worldwide, but also marks a historic model of cooperation between India’s public sector, private philanthropic institutions, and an esteemed international cultural institution in the United Kingdom. It opens new pathways for sharing expertise in conservation, heritage management, and exhibition design, ultimately contributing to the global appreciation and safeguarding of India’s vast and diverse cultural legacy.
This collaborative effort stands as a shining example of how cultural diplomacy can bring nations, institutions, and communities together to honour the past while building for the future.
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