Kalyaniaruna

I am V.Kalyani, pursuing research in visitor studies in the field of museology. I am very much interested in bringing the public closer to the museums for which it becomes very necessary for the museums to be interactive and I am trying to contribute my bit in order to make the museums visitor-friendly in terms of understanding the collection of the museum and the role of the museums in society.

Educational Background

Though I have studied mathematics till graduation, I had a passion for old things, heritage and culture as well. I decided to pursue masters in heritage management which gave me exposure to different interesting subjects like conservation, museology (museum studies), history, art and architecture, heritage tourism, etc. After completing masters, I gave a break to my education to have some work experience. Now I am engaged in research revolving around visitor studies in museums and exploring different interactive techniques that can make the museums more interesting to the visitors.

Work Experience

I have worked with an art restoration trust for two years. The restoration work was mainly done on paintings. Then I joined National Rail Museum, New Delhi, as a volunteer. My work profile included guiding museum visitors, editing content, preparing write-ups for children's day celebration and museum day celebration and the like. Simultaneously I also started volunteering as a guide for National Museum, New Delhi. I had to leave Rail Museum as most of my time would be vested in coordinating one of the programmes of the National Museum called 'Yuva saathi' which is concerned with guiding the school children in the National Museum.

Hobbies

In my leisure time, I like to read through the available newspapers. This gives me a fair idea of what is happening around. In fact, this interest of mine transformed me into a sports lover. I generally follow almost all the sport forms but I have a penchant for cricket and tennis.

I can also watch old test matches which would not have India playing. I hope this is enough for anyone to proclaim me as a 'cricket freak'.

Of late, I have started catching up with T20 matches as well, not to forget the ODIs.

Tennis is something which was never my childhood interest like cricket. But I don't really know how exactly during my college days I got hooked to tennis matches too. Now tennis has also become a part of my playful life. I like watching Roger Federer, Raphael Nadal, Marat Safin, Novak Djokovick,Somdev Devvarman, Justine Henin-Hardenne, Kim Clijsters, Martina Navratilova, Mary Pierce, Steffi Graff,Li Na among many others.

Apart from sports, I like listening to old and melodious film songs along with Indian classic music. I can sit for hours together to watch a dance recital (any Indian classical dance).

I had a very interesting childhood where my parents exposed me to the radio world. I have been listening to the radio for so long, and I do remember becoming a serious radio listener at the age of five. I had participated in radio talks in the past which has sort of tried to quench my radio thirst at least to some extent. Now I just don't find time to visit AIR and do something.

I truly believe that music is something which can make a person forget all woes and become calm and composed, and radio is the best when it comes to listening good music. I personally like listening to FM Gold which always play old, meaningful songs. FM Rainbow comes a close second. I do listen to the private FM channels to find out about the various programmes they have in store for the visitors. Nowadays, 92.7 Big FM is also catching up with the viewers as it is known for playing old peppy songs.

Other Involvments

The quest for learning led me to do many short-term courses like'Art Appreciation', guide programmes, and participate in seminars and workshops on museums and conservation.