key highlights from the exclusive interview:
Q1: What special initiative has the Archives Department taken for Republic Day?
Deputy Director ,NileshLokhande : Republic Day is a moment of great pride for us. While everyone celebrates the day, our department provides the evidence behind it. We have released a press note featuring photographs of rare documents from the 1857 revolution. We believe that "seeing is believing"when people see the actual proof of our history, their connection to our heritage grows stronger.
Q2: Which is the most surprising or rare document currently kept in your archives?
Deputy Director : The most significant and rare records are related to the 1857 crisis, specifically concerning the revolutionary heroTatya Tope. We have preserved documents related to the circumstances of his capture and the legal proceedings against him. These are extremely rare archival pieces that offer a direct link to our first struggle for independence.
Q3: What are the primary challenges in preserving such old documents?
Deputy Director : Environment and chemical decay are our biggest enemies. Over time, paper forms sulphuric acid, which makes it brittle. To counter this, we use a specialized conservation process. We use Japanese tissue paper on both sides of the document to provide strength and remove the acidic content. This scientific restoration ensures that the paper remains intact for centuries to come.
Q4: How can a common person access these historical records?
Deputy Director : We currently house approximately 68.8 million records. Our department has a vision to digitize all these documents within the next five years. So far, about 1 million have been digitized. We are in the process of creating a dedicated portal and mobile application so that any student, researcher, or citizen can search and read these archives from anywhere in the world.
Q5: How can the media and content creators contribute to this field?
Deputy Director : You play a vital role. Media platforms reach the general public in a way we cannot do alone. Our Commissioner, Dr. Urmila Shukla Mam has a clear vision: these historical truths must reach the people who need them. Under the PM's vision, there is also a massive push to collect and conserve Manuscripts (Pandulipis) from villages and private homes. By highlighting these stories, you help us preserve our national identity.
