Sri Vijaya Puram, April 30: A Union Territory-wide initiative to identify and preserve rare manuscripts and historical records has been launched in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with authorities urging citizens to contribute archival material lying in private collections.
The initiative forms part of the Government of India’s Gyan Bharatam Mission under the Ministry of Culture, which aims to survey, document, conserve, digitize and make accessible manuscripts across academic institutions, museums, libraries and personal holdings nationwide.
In line with this, the Art and Culture Department of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration has begun a coordinated effort across all three districts to locate and document old manuscripts, rare books, maps, photographs and other archival material that reflect the region’s historical and cultural evolution.
Officials said the campaign focuses on bridging the gap between historical knowledge and younger generations by making ancient records accessible for research and public engagement. Residents have been encouraged to donate or share documents for digitization through the Gyan Bharatam Survey App.
The administration has appealed to individuals, scholars, institutions and collectors to come forward with manuscripts, personal diaries, letters, photographs, maps, administrative records and audio-visual material of historical value. Authorities also sought assistance in identifying and documenting such materials held in private or institutional archives.
Officials clarified that while digital copies of submitted materials will be archived for preservation and research, ownership will remain with the original holders. The department assured that technical expertise will be provided for proper documentation, conservation and digitization of all submitted records.
Interested contributors can submit details or approach the Department of Art and Culture at the Cellular Jail complex or contact designated phone numbers and email addresses for assistance. The outreach effort aims to build a comprehensive repository of the islands’ historical records.
The initiative highlights the urgent need to preserve archival material that documents different phases of life in the islands, including indigenous traditions, colonial history, migration patterns and post-independence development. Officials noted that such records are critical sources of knowledge about the socio-cultural landscape of the region.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, known for their diverse cultural fabric and historical significance, hold a wide range of undocumented materials that remain scattered across households and institutions. Authorities said these materials form an essential part of the collective memory and intellectual heritage of the islands.
The administration has called for public participation, stating that safeguarding manuscripts and rare records is a shared responsibility. The campaign is expected to play a key role in preserving the historical narrative of the islands for future generations.
