He is currently the Numismatic Officer at the State Museum, Lucknow and seeks to apply his learnings from the Program at his home institution. Here, he shares his experience at the ITP and how it has impacted him.

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The International Training Programme, organised by the British Museum, is a unique training initiative of its kind globally. Being a part of this programme has been a transformative experience for me, both professionally and personally. The time spent at the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Ashmolean Museum, the Pitt Rivers Museum, and other UK partner museums has provided me with invaluable insights, knowledge, and skills that I am eager to apply in my home institution.

While I have been working at the State Museum, Lucknow, India for the past seven years, the ITP has significantly boosted my confidence as a museum professional. Exposure to world-class collections and institutions like the British Museum and the UK partner museums has deepened my understanding of museum practices and curatorship. Additionally, the collaborative environment, opportunities to connect with professionals from diverse cultural backgrounds, and engagement with international museum standards have further enhanced my capabilities. Through workshops, discussions, and practical sessions, I gained new skills in areas such as collection management, conservation, exhibition design, and digital engagement. These practical experiences have laid a strong foundation for me to implement these skills going forward. For instance, understanding how to integrate technology into museum displays is one of the skills I plan to apply immediately upon my return. The ITP has indeed been a treasure trove of new knowledge, ranging from cutting-edge conservation techniques to innovative approaches in exhibition design. The programme taught me that exhibitions are not only designed to display objects but also to tell a story that resonates with visitors. An essential goal for me now is to expand my museum's outreach programmes, especially through digital mediums, to reach those who may not be able to visit the museum in person. I am also keen to share the knowledge gained from this training with my colleagues through short training sessions.

Some of the changes I hope to bring to the State Museum, Lucknow are already in progress. In the short term, based on what I observed at the British Museum, I plan to update our signage and interpretive materials within the next three months. These small but important changes will have an immediate impact on visitor experience. Based on my ITP experience, I have also planned an exhibition titled 'The IndianCoin: An Innovative Journey' and have already begun research on this project with my team. I’ve also proposed we redesign some of the older galleries at our museum to make them more attractive and educational.

On a personal level, being a part of the ITP has been a truly rewarding experience. The opportunity to work alongside museum professionals from around the world has broadened my horizons and deepened my commitment to the cultural heritage sector. The friendships and professional network I built during this time are equally important, and I can now reach out to a community of like-minded professionals for advice, collaboration and inspiration.

In conclusion, the International Training Programme 2024 has been a transformative experience, leaving a lasting impact on both my professional practice and personal growth. The skills and knowledge I have gained will enable me to make meaningful changes in my institution, particularly in the areas of visitor engagement, digital initiatives, and conservation. While there will be challenges in implementing these changes, I am confident that, with the support of my colleagues and the ITP network, I can overcome them. The ITP has not only equipped me with practical tools to improve my institution but has also inspired a broader vision for the role of museums in society. I am excited to bring these ideas to life and contribute to the ongoing development of the cultural heritage sector in my country.