TFP Bureau, New Delhi, October 8, 2025: The National Archives of India (NAI), under the Ministry of Culture, will organize a special exhibition titled “सुशासन और अभिलेख 2025” (Good Governance and Archives 2025) on October 10, 2025, at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. The exhibition will be inaugurated by Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, at 10 a.m. as part of the observance of Good Governance Month.
The exhibition aims to highlight the crucial role of archival preservation in ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in governance. Cleanliness and good governance, integral to the ideals of a prosperous society, have been central themes of national initiatives such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. The campaign, besides improving sanitation and public health, also contributed to the preservation of the country’s archival legacy. Between 2021 and 2025, various ministries, departments, and public sector undertakings transferred over 75,500 historically valuable documents to the National Archives of India.
The exhibition will feature a curated collection of records that trace India’s administrative evolution and emphasize the importance of documentation in effective governance. It also includes a special section honoring former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, known for his focus on inclusive development and infrastructure growth, and former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, celebrated for his contributions to science, technology, and youth empowerment.
Key exhibits from major ministries and departments will be on display, offering a glimpse into India’s governance and developmental milestones. Highlights include documents from the President’s Secretariat on the elevation of General S.H.F.J. Manekshaw to Field Marshal, and from the Election Commission of India on the introduction of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and electoral reforms. The Ministry of Home Affairs will showcase records related to Vijay Diwas celebrations and the strengthening of Panchayati Raj institutions, while the Ministry of Power will display documents on landmark projects such as the Tehri Dam and Sardar Sarovar Dam.
Other ministries including Parliamentary Affairs, Commerce and Industry, External Affairs, Law and Justice, Jal Shakti, and Railways will present records depicting legislative reforms, trade relations, diplomatic milestones, judicial advancements, and innovations in the transport sector. Collectively, these exhibits narrate the story of India’s evolution in governance, public policy, and nation-building.
Established in 1891 in Kolkata as the Imperial Record Department and relocated to New Delhi in 1937, the National Archives of India today serves as the custodian of the nation’s administrative and cultural memory. Housing over 34 crore pages of records — ranging from official files, treaties, and gazettes to rare manuscripts and cartographic collections — the NAI preserves documents in multiple languages, including Sanskrit, Persian, and Odia.
The exhibition “Good Governance and Archives 2025” stands as a tribute to India’s enduring commitment to clean governance and institutional transparency. It underscores the vital role of record-keeping in strengthening democracy, ensuring accountability, and preserving the nation’s legacy for future generations.
