As the world reflects on the role of museums this International Museum Day, one unique destination in India is shifting the narrative from artefacts to ideas. Abhay Prabhavana, envisioned by Dr. Abhay Firodia and developed by the Amar Prerana Trust, stands out as India’s pioneering Museum of Ideas — a space where timeless civilisational values and forward-looking thought converge in harmony.

Located on a vast 50-acre campus near the historic Pale Caves in Maharashtra, Abhay Prabhavana isn't just one of the largest private museums in the world — it’s also one of the most thoughtfully curated. Spanning 3.5 lakh square feet, the museum’s real strength lies in its vision: to honour and celebrate Indian values like non-violence, ethics, education, compassion, and spiritual inquiry through immersive storytelling and intelligent design.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Abhay Firodia, industrialist and founder of the museum, shared,

"India's greatest heritage is the power of its values. Our aim was to build a space where these values are experienced in all their depth, not simply observed. Abhay Prabhavana is a place where knowledge, aesthetics, and spirit come together to offer inspiration for generations to come."

At the heart of the museum are thirty immersive galleries — each offering a reflective experience through sculptures, dioramas, digital installations, and interactive narratives. Visitors are encouraged to contemplate themes such as inner awakening, plurality, and self-restraint, all presented with sensitivity and subtlety. Here, technology enhances the message rather than overpowering it, ensuring an enriching and balanced experience.

The museum’s architectural marvels are no less evocative. The 100-foot Manastambh symbolises the stages of spiritual evolution, while the serene 43-foot statue of Rishabhdev — the first Tirthankara — pays tribute to the foundational ethos of Indian civilisation. The Plaza of Equanimity, centred around the Sarvatobhadra sculpture, offers a quiet space for introspection, embodying the museum’s meditative spirit.

But Abhay Prabhavana is more than a museum — it’s a living knowledge centre. Facilities such as the Kundanmal Firodia Auditorium and the Taxila Library serve as platforms for learning, dialogue, and cultural engagement. With lectures, exhibitions, and research initiatives, the museum bridges the past and future through active scholarship and community interaction.

As museums globally evolve into more meaningful and experiential spaces, Abhay Prabhavana leads the way with conviction. It redefines the idea of a museum by placing ideals at its core — values that shaped a civilisation and continue to inspire the world.

On this International Museum Day, Abhay Prabhavana stands tall — not just as a keeper of heritage, but as a lighthouse of thought and timeless wisdom.

This International Day of Families, the focus shifts from group selfies at the dinner table to shared stories under foreign skies. From feeding giraffes in Kenya to dancing to Sega beats in Seychelles, here are a few handpicked destinations that make family time more memorable than ever.

Where Family Adventures Roam Wild

If you’ve been planning that once-in-a-lifetime safari, Kenya is the ideal family starting point. Begin at The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi for those picture-perfect moments before heading to Laikipia. This underrated gem offers landscapes that inspired The Lion King, conservation-focused safaris, horse-back riding, junior ranger programs, and tailored wildlife encounters with zero age limits.

Where Family Horizons Expand

Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE has quietly emerged as a haven for multigenerational holidays. With the Jebel Jais Mountains in the backdrop and 68 kilometres of beach, this one has it all. Visit the Bassata Desert Village to share meals by sunset, then thrill the teens with the world’s longest zipline or a race on the Jais Sledder. For downtime, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island offers beachfront villas and family perks including a kids-stay-free summer package, supervised floating waterpark, and beachside fun.

Where Family Journeys Meet Paradise

Seychelles is now even closer to Indian travellers with four weekly flights. Families can cruise to Moyenne Island via catamaran, explore vibrant coral reefs from a dry-seat submarine safari, and meet resident giant tortoises older than some grandparents. Snorkelling, hiking, and Sega dancing wrap the trip in laughter and unforgettable stories.

Where Family Stories Are Spiced

Thailand is a top choice for all travel styles. Explore Bangkok via tuk-tuks, boats, and Skytrains, then escape to Chiang Mai’s peaceful temples. Families will love the “Jurassic Paradise” experience at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Krabi, featuring private island excursions, kayaking through Mirror Lake, and luxury blended with nature’s wonders.

Where Family Adventures Include Time Travel

Israel invites families on a journey through time. Jerusalem’s sacred sites, hidden springs, and underground tunnels provide a gripping start. Continue to the Galilee for wine and cheese tastings, then head to Tel Aviv for street culture, art tours, and buzzing beach life. Whether it’s a rooftop dinner or jazz bar with the clan, every moment turns into a cherished memory.

Where Family Stories Are Steeped

Sri Lanka’s diverse terrain caters to every generation. Kick off your journey at Teardrop Hotels’ Wallawwa near Colombo with kite making and cooking classes. Next, sip tea at Camellia Hills while the kids enjoy storytelling walks. Wrap up at Kumu Beach where hammocks, museums, and turtle conservatories promise both relaxation and discovery.

Where Family Stories Unfold

For a quick escape, Qatar offers a mix of culture, adventure, and ease. Explore the interactive galleries of the National Museum of Qatar, learn stargazing at Katara Cultural Village, and shop and snack your way through Souq Waqif. With food, fun, and history around every corner, the weekend feels like a full-blown adventure.

Whether you're looking for adventure, culture, or just a chance to reconnect, these destinations are all about creating timeless stories with the ones who matter most.

Siam Piwat is raising the bar for tourism in Thailand with the ONESIAM Global Visitor Card — a premium privilege card designed exclusively for international travelers visiting Bangkok. Tailored for today’s experience-driven tourist, the card acts as an all-in-one key to the city’s finest shopping, dining, and lifestyle destinations.

Already trusted by over 400,000 members from 150 countries, the ONESIAM Global Visitor Card can unlock up to THB 10,000 in value per trip. It offers seamless access to perks across Siam Piwat’s six flagship malls — Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, ICONSIAM, Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, and ICS — and connects users to more than 250 partners across tourism, hospitality, and retail.

“The ONESIAM Global Visitor Card isn’t just a discount card — it’s a fully curated experience platform,” said Mr. Kriengsak Suvorapamaneesawat, Head of Global Partnership Management at Siam Piwat. “From airport transfers and international shipping to dining and cultural experiences, this card is designed to simplify travel while offering exclusive access and savings from the very first moment in Thailand.”

Under the theme “Access the Extraordinary,” the card provides benefits across four dimensions:

• Access More: Up to 80% discounts at over 200 brands and an extra 5% off at Paragon Department Store, Gourmet Market, Discovery Selection, and Siam Takashimaya.

• Access Extra: Travel services like airport transfers, mobile data, luggage storage, and shipping through partners like Grab, Bellugg, DHL, TrueMove H, and more.

• Access Beyond: Cultural and local experiences such as museums, tuk-tuk rides, and sightseeing, enriching the travel journey.

• Access Worldwide: International privileges like lounge access and a complimentary welcome drink at Hong Kong’s Times Square.

This initiative aligns with the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s goals, especially as the country expects over 33 million visitors in 2025 — largely from Asia. The card caters to modern travelers seeking convenience, personalization, and immersive experiences.

To keep the momentum going, Season 2 of the ONESIAM Global Grand Giveaway will run from June 20 to September 30, 2025, as part of the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2025. Registered cardholders will enjoy “Double Rewards,” including “Win 1 Get 1 Free” coupons and the chance to win prizes worth over 10 million baht — ranging from free flights and five-star stays to Michelin-star meals.

Siam Piwat continues to drive innovation in the hospitality and tourism sectors, positioning Thailand as a leading global destination with the ONESIAM Global Visitor Card at the heart of this transformation.

To sign up for the ONESIAM Global Visitor Card, visit: https://app.onesiam.com/4h6O76y