Students from the Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya completed a fifteen-day internship at the Andaman and Nicobar Archives, as part of the curriculum aligned with the National Education Policy, which mandates practical training and field-based learning.
The programme, conducted from March 9 to 31 at the Archives in the Secretariat, involved 24 students from the Department of History and two from the Department of Computer Science. It was implemented under guidelines prescribed by Pondicherry University to integrate academic learning with real-world exposure.
Officials said the internship focused on equipping students with hands-on experience in archival research, preservation techniques, and management of historical records. The initiative reflects the NEP’s emphasis on experiential learning and skill development beyond classroom teaching.
During the programme, students participated in cataloguing and indexing archival materials, classification and documentation of records, digitisation of historical documents, and maintenance of archival databases. These activities provided exposure to the operational framework of archival institutions and the handling of primary historical sources.
The internship also offered insights into the cultural and historical legacy of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, enabling students to engage directly with original records and documentation. Authorities stated that such exposure is critical for developing research skills and a deeper understanding of regional history.
Upon completion of the programme, Secretary (Archives) Jyoti Kumari interacted with the students at the Archives and reviewed their learning outcomes. She acknowledged their participation and engagement with the archival processes and oversaw the distribution of certificates of appreciation.
Officials indicated that the Archives will continue to facilitate similar programmes in the future, aligning with the broader objectives of the National Education Policy to promote applied learning and strengthen academic-industry linkages.
The internship is part of ongoing efforts to integrate institutional resources with higher education frameworks, ensuring that students gain practical competencies in specialised domains such as archival science and historical data management.
