Workshop highlights urgent need for preservation of manuscripts
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, November 20 2025: A 1-Day National Workshop on "Conservation of Manuscript" was successfully conducted today at State Central Library, Keishampat.

The workshop was organised by the Directorate of Art & Culture, Government of Manipur, in association with the National Archives of India (NAI), New Delhi.

The inaugural function was graced by dignitaries, including RK Nimai, former Commissioner, Art & Culture, Manipur; Naoroibam Raju Singh, Deputy Director, NAI; K Dinamani Singh, Director, Art & Culture, Manipur; Mutua Bahadur, director, Mutua Museum; and N Indramani Singh, former Microphotographist, Manipur State Archives.

In his address, RK Nimai spoke extensively on the importance of preserving ancient manuscripts, noting that many invaluable records from the era of Maharaja Pamheiba were written on paper, bark and cloth.

He added that real archival materials are priceless and irreplaceable.

Expressing concern over the loss of historical authenticity, he cited examples from Tibetan and Mongolian histories, which are largely documented by outsiders.

He also stressed the need to distinguish genuine manuscripts from fake ones and warned that many rare documents, such as the late 19th-century sketches of Kangla, are at risk of disappearance if not properly preserved.

Naoroibam Raju highlighted best practices in digital and physical record management in India and abroad.

He also discussed the growing role of social media and artificial intelligence in archival development.

He pointed out issues such as colour and texture degradation and emphasized community responsibility in safeguarding manuscripts currently held by individuals.

K Dinamani said the workshop was organised to address concerns over the large number of manuscripts lying scattered across villages.

"Over 5.87 lakh manuscripts have already been digitised, but many more require immediate attention", said K Dinamani while urging elders and custodians to allow proper handling and learning of Puya manuscripts, noting that reluctance to treat them as study materials may lead to their eventual disappearance.

In the technical Sessions, resource persons PK Mishra, Scientific Officer, NAI gave a talk on the strategies for manuscript preservation; while Dr Thingnam Sanjeev, Archivist, NAI elaborated on the role of the Public Records Act and the 2000 Rules in appraisal and transfer of records; and N Indramani spoke on traditional methods of preserving Puya.

A website of Manipur State Archives was also launched as part of the event.

The workshop concluded with an interactive session, facilitating discussions on practical approaches to safeguard Manipur's rich archival heritage.

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