Administrator's Desk

Administrators' Message

It is a privilege to serve as the Administrator of the Asiatic Society Kolkata, an institution of exceptional historical and scholarly significance, established in 1784 and internationally recognised for its contribution to the advancement of knowledge.

For more than two centuries, the Asiatic Society has functioned as a custodian of India’s intellectual and cultural heritage, preserving invaluable manuscripts, rare books, archives, artefacts, and scholarly traditions. This distinguished legacy carries with it a responsibility to uphold the highest standards of conservation, scholarship, and institutional integrity, while ensuring continued relevance in a rapidly changing academic and technological landscape.

The approach of the present administration is guided by three fundamental objectives: the preservation of collections and the historic institution, the responsible expansion of access through digitisation and research facilitation, and the strengthening of the Society’s national and international academic engagement. These objectives seek to balance continuity with renewal, ensuring that tradition and innovation progress in harmony.

Particular emphasis is being placed on reinforcing scientific conservation practices, improving cataloguing and documentation, and adopting appropriate digital technologies to support research, teaching, and public outreach. At the same time, efforts are underway to enhance scholarly programmes, publications, lectures, and institutional collaborations, reaffirming the Society’s role as a leading centre of learning and research.

An institution of this stature advances through collective endeavour. The dedication of scholars, members, staff, collaborators, and stakeholders remains central to the Society’s progress. Their continued support and commitment are sincerely acknowledged and deeply valued.

As the Asiatic Society Kolkata moves forward, the aim is to consolidate its position as a globally engaged, academically rigorous, and publicly relevant institution—rooted in India’s civilisational heritage and aligned with internationally recognised best practices in heritage stewardship and research.

I extend a cordial invitation to scholars, researchers, institutions, and the wider public to engage with the Asiatic Society in the shared pursuit of knowledge, scholarship, and cultural understanding.