Indians are morally obligated by the Constitution to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture. Further, we must learn from the way the U.S. and Britain have administered and leveraged their cultural repositories (“ >Who appoints the keeper of memories ?” May 22). For example, in the U.K., through the money they spend, museum visitors deliver economic benefits to local economies. Tourism directly supports culture and heritage to the tune of more than £500 million per annum once the following are taken into account — admission fees/tickets and spend on things such as souvenirs, food and drink purchased during time spent at a cultural or heritage event or attraction. Also, a break-up of the visitor profile to museums and galleries shows that 41 per cent are holiday visitors; 19 per cent ‘visiting friends and relatives, seven per cent business visitors; 48 per cent study visitors and 11 per cent, miscellaneous visitors.
Prakhar Singh,
Lucknow
