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The National Archives of India (NAI), Ministry of Culture, has acquired a rare and valuable private paper collection of noted writer and cartoonist Ram Padarth “Shiksharthi” (1919–1981). Donated by his daughter Ms. Alpana Nigam, the collection comprises novels, cartoons, books, and handwritten works that reflect the socio-political and cultural fabric of his time. While his political cartoons captured the spirit of the era, his satirical depictions of everyday life and his pioneering efforts in Baal Sahitya (children’s literature) enriched India’s literary landscape.

The collection also includes material from “Shiksharthi’s” printing press, underlining his role in nurturing children’s literature in India. With this acquisition, NAI reinforces its commitment to safeguarding India’s documentary and creative heritage, making it accessible to researchers, scholars, and the public. This addition further strengthens NAI’s diverse repository of private papers of eminent Indians who have contributed significantly to the nation’s art, culture, and society.