Museum India’s director says he’ll be forced to sell off thousands of rare, historical items without government support for the Dandenong centre.
In response to this call for help, Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams said the Indian Cultural Precinct (ICP) taskforce would determine the museum’s place in the rejuvenated Little India.
Dr Dinesh Parekh revealed that the museum’s future was bleak at the annual Desi Fiesta, which marked Australia Day and Indian Republic Day at Settler’s Square in Dandenong on Sunday 5 February.
He said he was approaching 80 “and the museum does not have a suitable building that is able to house my collection”.
“I had been collecting for over 60 years. My collection spans over 2000 works,” he said.
“Thus, my collection is collecting dust on shelves.
“I have no choice but to auction off the entire collection.
“Once this is lost, the Indian community which is part of the Australian society will be bereft of the story of India spanning 7000 years.”
Dr Parekh established the museum in 2014 for those keen to understand India’s history.
He said that then-Multicultural Affairs Minister Matthew Guy promised the museum’s future would be in Dandenong’s Masonic Hall.
Greater Dandenong Council recently purchased the hall with the intention to create an arts centre.
“The museum has managed to function for two years with the support of volunteers,” he said.
“However, without further governmental support, I’m afraid the future is bleak.”
Ms Williams said the State Government named Dandenong as the location for the state-wide Indian Cultural Precinct (ICP), delivered $500,000 to the project and set up a taskforce.
“It is this taskforce – made up of Indian community and business representatives – that will consult and determine the priorities for the precinct over the coming months,” she said.
“It is this taskforce that will ultimately determine how the government’s investment will be directed.”
Ms Williams said that Mr Guy’s promise was “hollow and desperate” and a bid to secure votes just before the last election.
“He made this promise knowing full well that the council had other plans for the Masonic Hall,” she said.
Ms Williams believes the Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria (FIAV) is the museum’s leaseholder.
“I note there is a FIAV representative on the taskforce and he is – like all other members – encouraged to present his ideas and suggestions for consideration by the group,” she said.
Dandenong-based Federation of Indian Origin Multi-Faith Organisations (FIMO) hosted the Desi Fiesta.
FIMO gave out community service honours to Dr Parekh and James Waterson from Victoria Police’s Southern Metropolitan Multicultural Liaison Unit.
The day also included stalls and performances, and the launch of Dya Singh’s book Sikhing Success and Happiness.
A town music procession down Little India by A Global Organisation for Divinity kicked off proceedings to spread auspiciousness and blessings to the precinct.
