Archives, where public records are preserved, are indispensable for a healthy dialogue between the "past" and the "present". But unfortunately, the Public Record Act of 1993 is a piece of legislation without meaning because the government neglects its role in preserving records. Across the country, government archives are in poor shape and few institutions are taking an interest in preserving records. This article, based on personal experiences with the archives, appeals to the larger public and the academic community to come together and save the documental legacy of India.
