Did Jairam Ramesh Unveil a Smartphone-Friendly Nehru Archive?
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Synopsis
Discover the groundbreaking launch of the smartphone-friendly digital archive by the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund. This new resource offers easy access to thousands of documents and illustrations from India's critical historical period, making it a vital tool for historians and enthusiasts alike.
Key Takeaways
- The Nehru Archive is smartphone-friendly and accessible for free.
- It contains over 75,000 pages of documents and 3,000 illustrations.
- The archive will continue to grow with ongoing updates.
- Researchers can find resources related to Nehru's speeches in both Hindi and English.
- The initiative aims to make Indian history more accessible to everyone.
New Delhi, Nov 20 (NationPress) Congress General Secretary overseeing Communications, Jairam Ramesh, emphasized the launch of a new digital archival platform by the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund. This facility will allow access to documents linked to India's freedom struggle and the formative years of its independence.
Sharing on X, Ramesh stated, “The Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund has unveiled a smartphone-optimized website at nehruarchive.in.”
“This user-friendly archive is easily searchable and offers free downloads of materials initially centered around the 100 published volumes of the Selected Works of Jawaharlal Nehru spanning the years 1903-1964. It includes over 75,000 pages and more than 3,000 illustrations to start,” explained Ramesh.
“The archive will continuously grow to incorporate additional texts, photographs, audio, and films. Global archives holding letters to and from Nehru are being approached to enrich the collection. Works by and about Nehru from his lifetime will also be included,” Ramesh noted.
Previously, the JNMF announced, “The Nehru Archive is now available at nehruarchive.in. The complete set of 100 volumes has been digitized for easy searching and downloading, accessible just as conveniently on mobile devices as on laptops. Digital versions of the original printed volumes are available alongside the text.”
“This online resource will greatly benefit anyone interested in studying any aspect of Indian history from the 1920s through the 1960s, a period during which Nehru was a pivotal figure in the Independence movement and later served as Prime Minister,” remarked JNMF Secretary Professor Madhavan Palat in the statement.
The archive comprises approximately 35,000 documents and around 3,000 illustrations. From volume 44 onwards, starting in September 1958, both the original Hindi speeches and their English translations are available. The documents include his correspondence, speeches, interviews, administrative notes, diary entries, and even sketches. However, this is just the beginning, as stated.
“In the future, new materials will be gradually added, including photographs, audio recordings, videos, books written by Nehru, publications about him released during his lifetime, unpublished Hindi speeches, and other relevant items,” the JNMF explained.
Point of View
This initiative by the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund is a significant step towards democratizing access to historical documents. By facilitating easier access to these resources, it not only enriches public knowledge but also fosters a deeper understanding of India's rich historical narrative. Such endeavors are crucial for a society that values its past and seeks to learn from it.
NationPress
20/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Nehru Archive?
The Nehru Archive aims to provide easy access to historical documents related to India's freedom struggle and the early years of independence, allowing researchers and the public to explore this important period.
How can one access the Nehru Archive?
The Nehru Archive can be accessed through its website, nehruarchive.in, which is designed to be smartphone-friendly and allows for easy searching and downloading of materials.
What types of documents are included in the archive?
The archive includes over 75,000 pages of documents, illustrations, speeches, interviews, correspondence, diary entries, and more, all related to Jawaharlal Nehru's life and contributions.
Is there a cost to use the Nehru Archive?
No, the Nehru Archive is freely accessible to the public, allowing anyone interested in Indian history to explore its valuable resources.
Will the archive continue to be updated?
Yes, the archive is set to expand over time, with new documents, photographs, audio, and video materials being added regularly.
