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Acquisition of the private paper collection of Baal Sahitya by “SHIKSHARTHI”

Newdelhi:12/8/25:The 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 provisions of Public Records 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 a rich and ever-growing collection of private papers of eminent Indians from all walks of life, who have made significant contributions 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.

 

About Editor in chief

Ashok Palit has completed his graduation from Upendranath College Soro, Balasore and post graduation from Utkal University in Odia Language and literture.. He has also carved out a niche for himself as a scribe of eminence after joining the profession in 1988. He is also an independent media production professional. He brings loads of experience to Advanced Media, Ashok Palit as a cineaste has been active in film criticism for over three decades. As a film society activist, he soared to eminence for his profound commitment to the art film appreciation and aesthetics of cinema. His mode of discourse is often erudite but always lucid and comprehensible marked by a perfect acumen so rare in the field. A film aesthete with an immense fond of critical sensibilities, he wrote about growth and development of odia cinema in New Indian Express, The Times of India, The Hindustan Times, The Asian Age and Screen. He has been working as an Editor for Cine Samaya from 2002-2004.. He had made solid contribution on cinema in many odia Dailies and weekly such as Samaj, Prajatantra, Dharatri, Samaya, Satabadi, and weekly Samaya.
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