E-Paper
Mission antiquities charms this ?man of letters? most
HE IS always on his toes. Often to attend a seminar or to partake in an archaeological survey. Unhesitatingly, he admits that such events which may sound quite unexciting to others attract him most.
HE IS always on his toes. Often to attend a seminar or to partake in an archaeological survey. Unhesitatingly, he admits that such events which may sound quite unexciting to others attract him most.
Dr Om Prakash Lal Srivastav, Registering Officer (Antiquities and Art Treasures) at Regional Archives, Allahabad, is a man of letters. Basically, he deals with an important job of survey, registration and cataloguing of antiquities.
"I believe that interest in one's job is the most significant aspect which brings in a sense of excitement and inculcates an essence of responsibility towards it," he said.
Calling him as the man of letters is necessary as his strength is his deep knowledge of the subject. "I completed my higher education from BHU. And then I also wrote a book titled 'Archaeology Erich--Discovery of new dynasties'.
However, since it is necessary to get acquainted with the historical facts and figures, I have to read much. And the interest in studies developed in me since childhood as my village Khagwal had a library which had the collection of almost one thousand books", he said. He also knows Brahmi, Kharosthi and Greek and he is a PhD in numismatics, epigraphy and palaeography.
According to Dr Srivastav, he is proud to be a part of such an important job of survey, registration and cataloguing of antiquities. "This helps in keeping a check on the smuggling of antiquities as their records are maintained and supplemented with their proper photographs. District-wise album is maintained which helps the scholars in research work", he added.
Dr Srivastav started his career with his first posting as Registering Officer at Naini Tal in 1977.
Thereafter he was posted in Bareilly, Jhansi, Gorakhpur and then sent to Allahabad.
"Registering office, antiquities and art treasures is a section of Culture Department which started functioning in the year 1975 and it is located everywhere", he said.
Till now Dr Srivastav's 86 research papers have been published in various journals and he has attended 53 seminars. He has also been incharge of Jhansi and Gorakhpur museums for quite sometime.
And just ask him about his favourite pastime. "I like to remain busy. I have been to several places as a part of my job and never feel tired as I always learn and explore something new", he says.
"India which is identified as the land of rich cultural heritage will fail to identify itself if its antiquities are not preserved properly. Putting it the other way, we are preserving the Indian culture. Our work facilitates research and helps in supporting the historical facts", he said.
