Mysuru:  “Just as we safeguard personal documents like Aadhaar and PAN cards, it is vital to save and maintain public records,” said Dr. J.V. Gayathri, Retired Dy. Director, State Archives Department.

She was addressing after inaugurating a workshop on “Maintenance of Public Records” at Archives Department Office in Visveshwaranagar recently.

Highlighting the significance of public records, Dr. Gayathri noted that today’s files would become tomorrow’s historical documents. “Records are essential for substantiating historical events. Their conservation must leverage modern technology, ensuring proper preservation through methods such as scanning, tissue lamination and digital storage,” she emphasised.

Citing notable examples, she pointed out how ancient records served as crucial evidence in Court cases. “In the Ayodhya Ram Mandir case, the research papers of Mysuru-based epigraphist K.V. Ramesh were pivotal during the Allahabad High Court hearings, ultimately aiding the temple’s construction. Similarly, public documents preserved from 1905 supported Karnataka during legal proceedings in Cauvery dispute,” she added.

Gayathri outlined four grades of document conservation: Grade A: Permanent conservation of essential public records, Grade B: Preservation for 30 years, Grade C: Maintenance for 10 years and Grade D: Conservation for one year only.

She also highlighted cost-effective preservation techniques using natural materials such as neem branches, leafy plants and stems, which are readily available in markets and require no government funding.

 State Archives Department Director Dr. Gavisiddaiah, Assistant Director H.L. Manjunath and other dignitaries were present.