- Keeping records, documents, monuments and any type of historical importance for the benefit of future generations is sacrosanct. Undoubtedly, the rich heritage and cultural diversity available in the Indian context deserve to be safeguarded for posterity. Undeniably, the onus is on each of the stakeholders involved in preserving the legacy to ensure its continuity. None of the renowned civilizations of the past would have received such attention, adulation, and a sense of pride if those history-defining occurrences were not preserved with such care. The present-day generation could relate to the past simply because some sane noble heads of the past deemed it fit enough to preserve inalienable parts for the benefit of future generations.
PC: Kushal Walia
- Kudos to them and their efforts. How do you think nationalism and a sense of belonging originated among the citizens? Precisely because of the farsightedness and purpose exhibited by our older generations to assiduously go about preserving the legacies of the past. How do the Indian archives of recent history are maintained by the body entrusted with the task? Let’s delve into it. However, insofar as record-keeping is central to modern nation-building, revelations about the poor state of the National Archives of India are quite concerning. As you are aware, NAI is the central repository of government non-classified records but it is riddled with big gaps, including in seminal national events such as 1962, 1965, and 1971 wars and the Green Revolution.
- As reported in newspapers, repeated requests to different ministries to transfer non-current files to NAI have fallen on deaf ears. Noted historians had underlined six decades ago that NAI’s public records can facilitate a smooth working of the country’s administration in the same way as memory oils man’s day-to-day life. Sadly, an institutional culture of secrecy has put paid to this potential. Unlike the US where records are automatically declassified after 25 years, India’s conservative approach defies logic. NAI is not even seeking timely declassification. Its problem is that the defence ministry has not shared any files since 1960, while multiple other departments like agriculture, rural development, and food and consumer affairs have not shared any at all.
PC: Divya A
- As such, the NAI director general saying that what is at stake is nothing less than losing a large part of our history since independence makes imminent sense. Mind you, NAI provided invaluable information for the building of the Central Vista recently. Its cartographic treasures can be similarly useful in foreign policy. Beginning with a clear directive to all ministries to share files with NAI would be useful. State-level archives have to be likewise strengthened. Of course, archive administrators must also step up strongly. In India, both the moth-balled and anachronistic stereotypes of libraries need to be corrected. Yes, only a public that feels invested in record-keeping puts pressure on governments to improve it.
