Proper upkeep on priceless documents stressed
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 06 2023: The 42nd Archives Week celebration cum record exhibition-2023 commenced under the aegis of Manipur State Archives, which is under the Department of Art and Culture, at the State Archives complex, Keishampat, here, on Wednesday.

The inaugural function was attended by Art and Culture commissioner M Joy, Wangkhei MLA Thangjam Arunkumar and Art and Culture former director Dr K Sushila as president, chief guest and guest of honour respectively.

Speaking at the event, MLA Th Arunkumar noted that Manipur State Archives is an invaluable place where priceless documents are being preserved.

These documents which include history, culture, tradition and identity of Manipur and its people need to be maintained with utmost care and propriety for the future generations.

The role that archives play in identifying and preserving our historical facts and figures is immense and the people of the state should extend all possible help in this regard, he stressed.

Delivering the keynote address of the event, Manipur State Archives deputy director Y Yaima said that there has been instruction to celebrate the Archives week from June 5 to 9 every year.

However, following the outbreak of Covid pandemic in the last two years and considering the unstable situation in the state, the celebration has not been as grand as in the past.

He further informed that Archives Day is intended to raise awareness on the importance of records and archives as the foundation of people s rights and identity.

The event has been organised in the state to foster healthy relationship between archives and the students, readers and scholars.

Y Yaima also informed that the documents preserved at the archives are divided into primary and secondary sources.

Under the primary source, documents related with Darbar resolution, territorial council and administrative reports are included while library, electoral roll, old newspapers and maps come under the secondary source.

Documents related with Manipur gazette has not been collected for the last many years and started collecting only from March 2022.All the documents in primary source have been digitalized.

Among the private collections, around 30 percent of the books written by RK Sanahal have been digitalised while another 1700 files of public records of the secretariat have been digitised, he said and added that the digitisation process of more records would be further initiated.

A book entitled "Tour Diaries of Mr AW Davis, ESQ.

ICS & Mr Porteous 1893, 1894, 1895 & 1896 Political Officers, North Lushai Hill" was also released by the chief guest on the occasion and gifts presented to private custodians during the function.

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