Sri Vijaya Puram, April 21: A nationwide initiative to preserve India’s manuscript heritage has been extended to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with the local administration launching a Union Territory-wide drive to identify, document and digitise archival materials held across institutions and private collections.
The initiative is part of the Gyan Bharatam Mission, introduced by the Government of India under the Ministry of Culture. The mission focuses on surveying, documenting, conserving and digitising manuscripts located in academic institutions, museums, libraries and private holdings, with the aim of making them accessible for research and future generations.
In the islands, the Department of Art and Culture has initiated efforts across all three districts to trace and preserve historical records. The move is aimed at connecting younger generations with their cultural roots while ensuring that valuable knowledge systems are not lost over time.
As part of the campaign, residents have been encouraged to contribute historical documents, maps and old photographs for inclusion in the Gyan Bharatam Survey App. Authorities have also appealed to individuals, institutions, scholars and collectors to assist in identifying and documenting rare archival materials related to the islands.
The department has invited contributions in multiple forms, including manuscripts, rare books, personal diaries, letters, photographs, maps, administrative records and audio-visual materials. Officials stated that such records provide critical insights into the socio-cultural evolution of the islands, including aspects of indigenous traditions, migration patterns and the region’s role in India’s freedom struggle.
The administration has assured that necessary technical expertise will be provided for the preservation, documentation and digitisation of submitted materials. Contributors will be acknowledged for their participation, while ownership of original materials will remain with them. Only digital copies will be archived for research and preservation purposes.
Officials have emphasised that many historically significant materials remain scattered across households and institutions, often undocumented and at risk of deterioration. The initiative seeks to address this gap by creating a structured repository of archival resources.
Residents interested in participating have been asked to submit details to the Department of Art and Culture by visiting its office at the Cellular Jail complex or contacting designated phone numbers and email addresses provided by the administration.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands hold a distinct place in India’s historical and cultural narrative, shaped by indigenous communities, colonial-era developments and post-independence social transformation. Archival materials from the region are considered vital for understanding these diverse phases of history.
Authorities have underlined the importance of collective participation in preserving such records, noting that manuscripts and rare documents represent a shared intellectual and cultural legacy that requires systematic conservation.
The initiative forms part of a broader effort to safeguard India’s documentary heritage and ensure that historical knowledge remains accessible to future generations.
