Dr.R. Kannan, IAS in discussion with the Hon'ble Dr. Karunasena Kodithuwakku, M.P., Minister for Human Resources Development, Education & Cultural Affairs & Executive Board, Government of Sri Lanka and Member UNESCO.

The Commissioner of Museums, Dr. R. Kannan, Ph.D., I.A.S., had the rare honour of representing India and the Government Museum, Chennai at the Regional Meeting of Experts in Museology of Asia Pacific Region held from 5th to 9th December 2003 organised by the Post Graduate Institute of Archaeology (PGIA), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka supported by UNESCO at Colombo, Sri Lanka. Interaction and exchange of ideas between museum personnel of Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu is expected to gain greater momentum due to this visit. Since Government Museum, Chennai is the nearest large museum and also has satellite museums with valuable artefacts, this exchange will also result in training the personnel of Sri Lanka, if the proposed Regional Institute of Museology under UNESCO auspices at Galle or Polonoruwa takes off.

The history of industry and handicrafts gallery, which is the brainchild of the President of India himself, was organised especially for the 151st Anniversary Celebrations within two months at the instance of the President of India. Dr.R.Kannan, Ph.D, I.A.S., Commissioner of Museums was deputed by the Government to have discussions with the President of India and he met him at the Rastrapati Bhavan, New Delhi on 12.9.2002. The President of India asked several questions and displayed keen interest in the museum and its mission. He wanted the Investment Casting Process, the latest technology in Lost Wax Casting juxtaposed with the ancient Chola Lost Wax Process. He also wanted the rockets used by Tippu Sultan to be brought for a special exhibition. After research by Dr.R.Kannan, it was found that they were at the Woolwich Arsenal Museum. But the special exhibition did not materialise. This gallery starts with the pre-historic First Sangam era and ends with the present Information and Bio-Technology Era. Tamil Nadu is presented as one of the leading States of India.

The revolving display has the Ardhanarishwara, a famous bronze, which rotates all the 360° very slowly by microchip-controlled electric motor. This has made the bronze display dynamic to create visitor interest. hi-tech is involved as the motor will spin out of control if multiple redundancy safety measures are not in place. This will damage the bronze as well as endanger visitors.

Several showcases have a visitor activated commentary and Dhyana Sloka playing capability. This is by connecting individual CD players to several of the bronze showcases in specially made compartments below the base. This is incorporated in the design.

Portraits of Governors General of British period housed in the National Art Gallery were removed due to the dilapidated condition of the building and re-displayed after restoration in the Gallery of Contemporary Art in the mezzanine floor with modern lighting arrangements. Outreach activities like restoration of portraits for the Madras Medical College of the Surgeons-General of yester years and similar restoration of portraits of the erstwhile Principals of the Madras Christian College were also carried out by the Government Museum, Chennai in 2000-2002. One of the portraits restored was that of Col. C. Donovan, former Superintendent of the Government Royapettah Hosptial, Chennai - the person who found out a cure for kala azar.