By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
A MUSEUM of art that gives a snapshot of India’s 18,000-year culture and history has opened in Dandenong’s Little India precinct.
Museum India’s 100-plus paintings, etchings, photographs and sculptures are in themselves a snapshot of retired psychiatrist Dinesh Parekh’s 2000-work collection held in trust for the art space.
It spans Hindu legend, Buddhist symbols, the life of peaceful revolutionary Mahatma Ghandi and conflicts between Indians and their former colonial ruler.
It includes a stunning large-scale sculpture of a torsoless Lord Ganesh that seemingly defies gravity.
Dr Parekh said he paid highly for an undertaking from the sculptor Rampure that the work would be a one-off.
Dr Parekh collected his Indian-themed creations over 63 years.
The prizes include rare stamps and coins dated back to 400 BC – which have not yet been put on display.
“This is a unique collection,” Dr Parekh said.
“Even in India, the Kolkota museum has a great collection but not along the lines of assembling the history of India.”
Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria president Vasan Srinivasan said the federation was hoping to procure the vacant masonic hall nearby to display the entire Dr Parekh collection.
“We want to revive Little India, and make it more colourful here.
“Multiculturalism is doing well in this country and we’re a part of that. This museum will help people understand the Indian psychology and culture.”
Last Friday, the museum was opened by Multicultural Affairs Minister Matthew Guy, Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti and Indian consul-general Manika Jain.
Consul-General Jain said the Indian consul contributed $30,000 to the museum in hope of reaching the wider community including school children.
The museum is at 61-63 Foster Street and open Monday-Friday 11am-4pm.
