Public Records are the Cornerstone of Good Governance, Transparency, and Historical Continuity: Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

Ministry of Culture Public Records are the Cornerstone of Good Governance, Transparency, and Historical Continuity: Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat National Archives of India inaugurated Exhibition on ‘Sushasan aur Abhilekh 2025’ Posted On: 10 OCT 2025 5:18PM by PIB Delhi The National Archives of India (NAI) curated an exhibition titled “Sushasan aur Abhilekh 2025” as part of the ongoing Good Governance Month, at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. The exhibition was inaugurated by Union Minister of Culture & Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat marking the beginning of a significant event dedicated to exploring the synergy between good governance and archival th preservation. This exhibition will be open for public till 12 October 2025. In his inaugural address, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat emphasized the critical importance of preserving public records as a cornerstone of good governance, transparency, and historical continuity. He lauded the National Archives of India’s pioneering efforts in implementing one of the world’s largest Digitization Projects, noting that over 15 crore pages have been digitized to date.The exhibition showcased a curated collection of rare and significant archival records that highlight India’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective governance. These records, preserved and organized under initiatives aligned with the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, reflected the nation’s resolve to uphold both administrative efficiency and the preservation of its documentary heritage. This Exhibition is available on the NAI’s official website digitally. The website link: https://nationalarchives.nic.in/sausaasana-aura- abhailaekha-2025. Between 2021 and 2025, over 75,500 historically important documents were reviewed and transferred to the National Archives of India—an important milestone in strengthening the nation’s record-keeping systems and ensuring the long-term preservation of vital public information. The exhibition featured contributions from various Ministries that have played pivotal roles in shaping India’s administrative framework and developmental trajectory. Highlights included archival records from the Ministry of Power, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, and others. Key exhibits focused on landmark moments such as:The introduction of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) by the Election Commission of India (cid:108) The elevation of General S.H.F.J. Manekshaw to the rank of Field Marshal (cid:108) Initiatives of the Ministry of Home Affairs on Panchayati Raj and the Vijay Diwas celebrations (cid:108) The exhibition also paid tribute to two of India’s most revered leaders — Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam — whose visionary leadership shaped India’s growth in governance, technology, and national development. Through archival photographs and documents, the exhibition illuminated their enduring legacies in promoting inclusive growth, youth empowerment, and infrastructure advancement. Established in 1891, the National Archives of India serves as the custodian of the nation’s documentary heritage, housing over 34 crore pages of public records. Its vast collection includes rare manuscripts, treaties, legislative documents, and administrative reports — offering unparalleled insights into India’s governance, policy evolution, and social transformation. Shri Sanjay Rastogi, Director General, National Archives of India, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the institution’s ongoing initiatives toward modernization and public outreach. Shri Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, spoke about fostering greater collaboration between State and International Archives. Shri V. Srinivas, Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances, also addressed the gathering, underscoring the NAI’s vital role in preserving Born Digital Records.Through this exhibition, the National Archives of India reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the link between archival preservation and good governance. The showcased records offered valuable insights into India’s administrative evolution — from electoral and judicial reforms to infrastructural and policy advancements — underscoring the essential role of documentation in ensuring a transparent, accountable, and th forward-looking governance system. The exhibition will be open for public till 12 October 2025. **** Sunil Kumar Tiwari pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com (Release ID: 2177418)