COLLECTION

A constant Mahayagna to gather precious artefacts, letters, photographs, documents, memories and other rare items related to the Chinmaya Mission. Today, the Archives is home to a treasure trove of rare and authentic information and artefacts of Swami Tapovan Maharaj and Swami Chinmayanada. Invaluable memories have been documented through hundreds of interviews with Gurudev's family members and devotees. The archives collection can be broadly categorized as:

• Rare artefacts of Swami Tapovanji Maharaj and Pujya Gurudev.
• Photographs in paper, negative and digital formats.
• Documents such as letters, notes and precious scribbles.
• Diaries of Pujya Gurudev.
• Magazines, publications and souvenirs.
• Recorded memories of devotees.

ORGANISATION

Organization of the treasure trove of material collected from Pujya Gurudev's work is a highly challenging yet deeply rewarding endeavour. One that generations will come to enjoy. The archives organization process includes:

• Dividing the collection into distinct units such as series and sub-series.
• Tagging each item in a systematic way, for easy retrieval.
• Digitizing all material for e-storage records.
• Arranging items in a methodical filing pattern.
• Documenting items along with metadata details.

PRESERVATION

Preservation is a central function of the Archives. Any material, be it paper, photograph or even digital media is invariably susceptible to loss. Light, temperature, humidity, bugs, air pollutants, humans, all have an adverse impact on them. Chinmaya Archives is responsible for the long-term preservation of the historic memorabilia of Pujya Gurudev and the mission. We adopt various techniques in preservation including:

• Storing all items in proper climate controlled facilities away from humidity and sunlight.
• Using acid-free folders, boxes and containers for storage.
• Supplementing preservation efforts with restoration techniques where necessary.
• Digitization of photographs, letters, books using high-end equipment.