Historic First: Indian Museum Kolkata appoints youngest-ever director

The Indian Museum in Kolkata, India’s oldest museum and the largest in the Asia-Pacific region, has appointed archaeologist Sayan Bhattacharya as its youngest-ever director. The decision, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), brings an end to a prolonged period during which the institution functioned without a full-time head.

Bhattacharya, 46, succeeds A D Chaudhary, who also served as the director general of the National Council of Science Museums. Until his elevation, Bhattacharya was serving as deputy director at the Indian Museum, giving him firsthand experience of the institution’s administrative and academic operations. With his appointment, he now takes charge of an institution recognised as being of national importance under the Constitution of India.

Founded in 1814, the Indian Museum is one of the world’s most comprehensive repositories of cultural and scientific heritage. Its vast collection of over one lakh artefacts spans archaeology, anthropology, art, geology, zoology, and numismatics, offering a panoramic view of India’s civilisational history and its connections with the wider world.

As director, Bhattacharya has emphasised collaboration and inclusivity as the core principles of his leadership. He has stressed that museums must function as collective cultural spaces rather than static repositories. “Culture is a field that thrives on collective effort,” he said, outlining his vision for a more participatory and socially engaged museum environment.

He added that his approach would align with the prime minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. According to Bhattacharya, the Indian Museum should evolve into a vibrant and inclusive institution that reflects the idea of Brihattar Bharat and embodies the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. His priorities include strengthening community engagement, expanding digital initiatives, and ensuring wider public access to heritage.

The appointment is being seen as a significant moment for the Indian Museum, as it looks to balance preservation with innovation. With a younger director at the helm and a clear focus on inclusivity and digital transformation, the institution is expected to enter a new phase in its more than two-century-long history.