New Delhi, June 8: Your diary, letters from grandparents, land documents, bank passbooks, or school report cards are not just pieces of paper. The documents that are part of our daily lives today can serve as a means of preserving memories for families, communities, or nations in the future. This is why the significance of archives is continually increasing. Every year, June 9 is celebrated as International Archives Day.
The aim of this day is to help people understand that records are not merely documents; they are vital evidence of our identity, culture, governance, and history. In today’s digital age, where information is rapidly changing, the preservation of old documents has become even more crucial.
As human civilization has evolved, the role of archives has also grown. From ancient inscriptions to modern digital files, each era has recorded its story through archives. The history of any nation, its social changes, political decisions, and cultural heritage are conveyed to future generations through these records.
The International Council on Archives (ICA) promotes the global importance of archives. In 2004, during an international conference held in Vienna, Austria, a call was made to the United Nations to declare a special day recognizing the significance of archives. Subsequently, in 2007, it was decided during the ICA’s annual meeting that June 9 would be observed as International Archives Day. This date was chosen because the ICA was established under UNESCO’s auspices on June 9, 1948.
Archives are not only a means of safeguarding the past but also form a strong foundation for democracy and good governance. Records of government decisions, judicial documents, administrative files, and historical evidence ensure transparency and accountability. If these records are not preserved, many crucial pieces of history could be lost forever.
In India, significant efforts are being made towards the preservation of archives. There is an ongoing campaign to digitize centuries-old documents. Rare documents related to princely states, British-era properties, and historical buildings are now being secured in digital form. The greatest benefit of this initiative will be that researchers and the general public will have access to important information at the click of a button. Additionally, this will help prevent damage to documents caused by repeated handling.
The Bihar Archives Building is another treasure trove of history. It houses thousands of important documents from the Mughal era to the freedom struggle and independent India. Records related to the zamindari system, Todarmal’s diary, and rare documents concerning Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Bihar are preserved here. These archives not only aid in understanding Bihar’s history but also that of the entire nation.
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