**Summary:**
The National Archives of India (NAI), under the Ministry of Culture, has acquired the private paper collection of Ram Padarth Shiksharthi (03 June 1919 – 20 November 1981), a renowned writer and cartoonist known for his contributions to *Baal Sahitya* (children's literature). The collection was donated by his daughter, Ms. Alpana Nigam. It encompasses a range of cartoons, novels, and books reflecting the socio-political and cultural environment of his time. Shiksharthi's work includes political cartoons capturing the era's spirit and humorous portrayals of daily life. His establishment of a printing press further highlights his dedication to promoting healthy children's literature in India. Beyond printed materials, the collection also features handwritten documents that underscore his broader impact on Indian art, literature, and society. The NAI, as the custodian of non-current government records under the Public Record Act 1993, aims to preserve and provide access to this collection for researchers, scholars, and the general public. For further information, contact Sunil Kumar Tiwari at pibcultureatgmaildotcom.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Culture: The Indian government ministry that acquired the Baal Sahitya collection.
Baal Sahitya: Children's literature; the subject of the acquired collection.
SHIKSHARTHI: The family name of Ram Padarth Shiksharthi, the creator of the acquired works.
National Archives of India: The institution that is the custodian of the acquired collection and other historical records.
Public Record Act 1993: The legislation governing the management and preservation of government records in India.
Ram Padarth Shiksharthi: The writer and cartoonist who created the Baal Sahitya collection.
Alpana Nigam: Daughter of Ram Padarth Shiksharthi, who donated the collection to the National Archives of India.
Sunil Kumar Tiwari: The contact person at pibcultureatgmaildotcom for the press release.
Ministry of Culture
Acquisition of the private paper collection of Baal
Sahitya by “SHIKSHARTHI”
Posted On: 12 AUG 2025 4:03PM by PIB Delhi
National Archives of India is the custodian of the non current records of the Government of India and holds
them in trust for the use of administrators and researchers as per the provision of Public Record Act 1993. As
a premier archival Institution, National Archives of India plays a key Role in guiding and shaping archival
consciousness. Apart from the vast collection of public records, NAI has rich and ever-growing collection of
private papers of eminent Indians from all walks of life, who have made significant contribution to our nation.
The National Archives of India (NAI), Ministry of Culture, has acquired a rare and valuable collection of
cartoons, novels, and books on Baal Sahitya created by the renowned writer and cartoonist Ram Padarth
“Shiksharthi” (03 June 1919 – 20 November 1981).The collection, donated by his daughter Ms. Alpana Nigam, includes a wide range of works reflecting the
socio-political and cultural landscape of his time. While many of his political cartoons captured the spirit of
the era, his non-political works offered a humorous and satirical portrayal of the daily life of ordinary people.
“Shiksharthi” also established his own printing press and played a significant role in promoting healthy
children’s literature (Baal Sahitya) in India.
In addition to printed works, the collection includes handwritten material highlighting Shiksharthi’s
contributions to Indian art, literature, and society. The National Archives of India remains committed to
preserving the nation’s documentary heritage and making it accessible to researchers, scholars, and the public.
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Sunil Kumar Tiwari
pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com(Release ID: 2155516)