Ashwani Lohani Appointed Director of Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library
Appointment Details
Ashwani Lohani, a distinguished officer of the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineering (IRSME) from the 1980 batch, has been appointed as the Director of the Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library (PMML) in New Delhi. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved his appointment on June 4, 2025, for a tenure of three years .
Professional Background
Lohani’s career spans several key positions in Indian Railways and beyond. He served as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Air India during two separate terms, from 2015 to 2017 and again in 2019–2020. His tenure is noted for efforts to stabilize the airline and improve its operations. Additionally, he held the position of Chairman of the Railway Board from 2017 to 2018, where he was instrumental in implementing significant reforms within the Indian Railways .
After retiring from government service, Lohani joined the GMR Group as CEO, further showcasing his leadership and administrative capabilities. He has also served in various roles in tourism development, including as CMD of the India Tourism Development Corporation and the Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation .
Role at PMML
In his new role, Lohani is tasked with overseeing the operations and development of the PMML, a significant institution dedicated to preserving the history of India’s Prime Ministers. His appointment follows the completion of the term of the previous director, Sanjiv Nandan Sahai, and the interim directorship of Lily Pandeya, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Culture .
The PMML, formerly known as the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, has undergone reconstitution of its society and executive council, expanding from 29 to 34 members. Notable new members include former Union Minister Smriti Irani, former NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar, retired Army General Syed Ata Hasnain, filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, and archaeologist K.K. Mohammad, among others .
Why This News Is Important
Significance of the Appointment
Ashwani Lohani’s appointment as Director of the PMML is noteworthy due to his extensive experience in public administration and institutional turnaround. His leadership in revitalizing organizations such as Air India and Indian Railways demonstrates his capability to manage and transform significant national institutions. At the PMML, Lohani’s expertise is expected to enhance the museum’s role in educating the public about India’s political history and the contributions of its leaders.
Implications for the PMML
Under Lohani’s direction, the PMML is poised for further development and modernization. The expansion of its executive council indicates a strategic move towards diversifying expertise and perspectives in the museum’s governance. Lohani’s track record suggests a focus on innovation and efficiency, which could lead to improved visitor engagement and the preservation of India’s political heritage.
Historical Context
Evolution of the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library
The Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) was established in 1964 in memory of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. Over the years, it has served as a repository of historical documents and a center for research on modern Indian history. In 2023, the institution was renamed the Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library to reflect a broader focus on all of India’s Prime Ministers, aiming to provide a comprehensive narrative of the nation’s political evolution.
Recent Developments
The reconstitution of the PMML’s society and executive council in 2025 marks a significant step in its transformation. The inclusion of diverse members from various fields indicates an effort to bring multidisciplinary perspectives to the museum’s operations. This restructuring aligns with the appointment of Ashwani Lohani, whose leadership is anticipated to steer the institution towards greater relevance and engagement with the public.
Key Takeaways from “Ashwani Lohani Appointed Director of Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library”
| S.No | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ashwani Lohani appointed Director of PMML for a three-year term. |
| 2 | Lohani is a 1980-batch IRSME officer with extensive administrative experience. |
| 3 | Previously served as CMD of Air India and Chairman of Railway Board. |
| 4 | PMML’s executive council expanded from 29 to 34 members with notable inclusions. |
| 5 | Lohani’s leadership expected to enhance PMML’s role in preserving political history. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who has been appointed as the Director of the Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library (PMML)?
Ashwani Lohani has been appointed as the Director of PMML.
2. What is Ashwani Lohani’s professional background?
He is a 1980-batch Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineering (IRSME) officer and has served as CMD of Air India and Chairman of the Railway Board.
3. What is the tenure of Ashwani Lohani’s appointment as Director of PMML?
His tenure is for three years.
4. What is the Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library (PMML)?
PMML is an institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history and contributions of India’s Prime Ministers, formerly known as the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library.
5. What recent changes have been made to the PMML’s governing bodies?
The PMML’s society and executive council have been reconstituted, expanding from 29 to 34 members including notable personalities from different fields.
6. Why is Ashwani Lohani’s appointment significant?
His extensive experience in public administration and institutional leadership is expected to enhance the museum’s operations and public engagement.
7. Which other organizations has Ashwani Lohani worked with apart from Indian Railways?
He has worked as CEO of GMR Group and served as CMD of India Tourism Development Corporation and Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation.
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