Guwahati: Gauhati University on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the family of Jyotiprasad Agarwala to preserve, document, and digitally archive the cultural icon’s original creative works for academic and research purposes.
The MoU was signed between the University’s Department of Communication and Journalism and members of Agarwala’s family, marking a major step in safeguarding Assam’s cultural and intellectual heritage.
Gauhati University has signed an MoU with Jyotiprasad Agarwala’s family to preserve and digitally archive his original manuscripts, film scripts, plays, poems, and correspondence. The materials will be conserved and housed at the Krishnakanta Handique Central Library for academic research and public access.
Preserving Assam’s Cultural Legacy
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Vice Chancellor Nani Gopal Mahanta described Jyotiprasad Agarwala as more than an artist, calling him a powerful voice that reflected Assam’s social, cultural, and human concerns. He said the preservation of Agarwala’s works is both an academic responsibility and a collective cultural duty.
The initiative aims to protect rare and valuable materials, including manuscripts, film scripts, personal correspondence, plays, poems, and other archival documents. Many of these were identified during earlier research on Agarwala’s landmark film Joymoti.
Research-Backed Archival Effort
The materials were traced during scholarly work conducted by Dr Bharati Bharali along with research scholar Sangita Bora, highlighting the academic foundation behind the project. According to university officials, this ensured that the collection is authentic, well-documented, and suitable for long-term conservation.
All materials will be housed at the Krishnakanta Handique Central Library under its manuscript conservation section, where they will be preserved following established archival and conservation standards.
Phased Digitisation for Academic Access
Vice Chancellor Mahanta said Agarwala’s contributions to cinema, literature, and theatre offer invaluable insight into Assam’s cultural history. The MoU will enable systematic preservation and phased digitisation of the collection, ensuring controlled access for students, researchers, and scholars.
The project is formally titled “Preservation and Documentation of the Original Works of Jyotiprasad Agarwala.” Digital archiving will be carried out in stages to maintain material integrity while expanding research accessibility.
Family and Scholars Welcome the Initiative
Dr Bharati Bharali thanked the Agarwala family for entrusting Gauhati University with the original manuscripts, calling it a landmark step in protecting Assam’s cultural heritage for future generations.
Jyotiprasad Agarwala’s daughters, Satyashri Das and Gyanashree Pathak, expressed their gratitude to the University for committing to the long-term preservation and scholarly use of their father’s creative works.
Community and Institutional Participation
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by senior university officials, faculty members, students, and members of Agarwala’s family, reflecting broad institutional and community support for the initiative.
University authorities said the project is expected to strengthen Assam-focused cultural research and encourage deeper academic engagement with Agarwala’s life and legacy.
Why This Matters for Assam
- Preserves rare, original works of one of Assam’s most influential cultural figures
- Strengthens academic research in cinema, literature, theatre, and history
- Ensures long-term digital access for students and scholars
- Reinforces Gauhati University’s role as a custodian of regional heritage
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Jyotiprasad Agarwala?
Jyotiprasad Agarwala was a pioneering Assamese filmmaker, writer, playwright, poet, and cultural thinker, widely regarded as a foundational figure in Assam’s modern cultural movement.
Where will Jyotiprasad Agarwala’s original works be preserved?
The manuscripts and archival materials will be conserved at the Krishnakanta Handique Central Library, Gauhati University, under its manuscript conservation section, with phased digital archiving for research access.
