The Indian Historical Records Committee (IHRC) is currently holding its 63rd session in Lucknow at the Uttar Pradesh State Archives, Mahanagar Extension. The body's mission is to preserve the rich history and culture of the nation and it continues to do so. Organised by National Archives of India (NAI), New Delhi, the two-day event is slated to conclude today, post a riveting academic session.

As many as 24 papers on multiple historical aspects are being presented here by seminal scholars. NAI Director General Chandan Sinha also presented a report on development of archives.

On December 18 or day 1 of the conference, the audience saw a stimulating inaugural and business session.

What is IHRC, you ask? Established in 1919, IHRC was seen as a consulting body in tandem with the public, giving its recommendations to the government on archives of historical studies, management and treatment of documents employed in historical research, alike. Today after 62 successful sessions, the IHRC remains as an all-India forum comprising custodians, creators, and users of records.

Who makes up the IHRC? The body, headed by the union minister of culture, is constituted of 134 members, including central government agencies, their nominees, representatives from the state/union territories archives, institutions and universities.

Besides the academic exchange at the 63rd IHRC session, the exhibition “Saga of Freedom: Known and Lesser-Known Struggles” was inaugurated at the event. Moreover, a heritage walk for the delegates has been planned post the academic session on Dec 19.

The exhibition will remain open for public to explore from December 19, 2022 - January 18, 2023. You can visit the exhibition anytime between 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM during the given period.

This 63rd edition is the fifth IHRC session hosted in Lucknow, following sessions in the Uttar Pradesh capital city in 1926, 1975, 1987, and 2013.