How complicated is the process of film archiving—and how many films have we already lost, especially from India’s silent era? In this episode of India Unarchived, YIF students speak with Dr. Monia Acciari, Associate Professor at De Montfort University and Associate Director of the UK Asian Film Festival (Leicester), about the often-overlooked world of film preservation. From fragile reels to digital storytelling, they explore what it truly means to archive a film—not just the visuals, but the emotions, contexts, and cultural legacies that come with it. Tune in for a fascinating conversation on what we’ve lost, what’s at risk, and how we can reimagine the future of film heritage.

About India Unarchived 

India Unarchived, produced by Ashoka University, explores the power of archives in remembering history. Through conversations with historians, archivists, and scholars, the podcast uncovers untold stories and highlights the significance of historical preservation. Created in collaboration with the Archives of Contemporary India and Young India Fellows (Class of 2025), Season 1 delves into history through the lenses of cinema, environment, public memory, and pivotal events.

Watch India Unarchived on YouTube (link) 

Shot at AshokaX Studio

In collaboration with ELM Team 10 of YIF’ 25 and Archives of Contemporary India 

About Ashoka University

Ashoka University is India’s leading liberal arts and sciences university with 3,000+ students, 21 research centers, and 5,500 alumni in 38 countries. Offering a transformative education rooted in diversity and innovation, Ashoka empowers its alumni to pursue higher education at top global institutions and excel in industries like consulting, technology, media, research, and the social sector. With a faculty-student ratio of 1:11, financial aid for 60% of students, and partnerships with 50+ global institutions, Ashoka exemplifies inclusivity and excellence.

Explore More About Ashoka University

Official Website: https://www.ashoka.edu.in
Apply to Ashoka Now: https://tinyurl.com/u7m6sf8w
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashokauniv/
Twitter: https://x.com/AshokaUniv
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/school/ashoka-university
Facebook: https://facebook.com/AshokaUniversity
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AshokaUniversity

In the 4th episode of India Unarchived, YIF students sit down with Professor Aparna Vaidik, a distinguished historian, author and professor at Ashoka University. She is known for challenging traditional historical narratives by uncovering overlooked and marginalized histories. Her influential books, such as Imperial Andamans, uncover hidden stories and offer new ways to understand India's past.

About the Episode

History is not only what’s documented—it’s also the stories left untold. Join YIF students as they speak with Professor Aparna Vaidik about the power of oral histories, alternative archives, and challenging traditional narratives. Discover her fascination with Indian revolutionaries, her trip to Lahore, and her research on the colonial history of the Andaman Islands. Tune in for an engaging conversation on forgotten histories and the discipline of history.

About India Unarchived 

India Unarchived, produced by Ashoka University, explores the power of archives in remembering history. Through conversations with historians, archivists, and scholars, the podcast uncovers untold stories and highlights the significance of historical preservation. Created in collaboration with the Archives of Contemporary India and Young India Fellows (Class of 2025), Season 1 delves into history through the lenses of cinema, environment, public memory, and pivotal events.

Watch India Unarchived on YouTube (link) 

Shot at AshokaX Studio

In collaboration with ELM Team 10 of YIF’ 25 and Archives of Contemporary India 

About Ashoka University

Ashoka University is India’s leading liberal arts and sciences university with 3,000+ students, 21 research centers, and 5,500 alumni in 38 countries. Offering a transformative education rooted in diversity and innovation, Ashoka empowers its alumni to pursue higher education at top global institutions and excel in industries like consulting, technology, media, research, and the social sector. With a faculty-student ratio of 1:11, financial aid for 60% of students, and partnerships with 50+ global institutions, Ashoka exemplifies inclusivity and excellence.

Explore More About Ashoka University

Official Website: https://www.ashoka.edu.in
Apply to Ashoka Now: https://tinyurl.com/u7m6sf8w
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashokauniv/
Twitter: https://x.com/AshokaUniv
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/school/ashoka-university
Facebook: https://facebook.com/AshokaUniversity
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AshokaUniversity

In the third episode of India Unarchived, YIF students sit down with Professor Mahesh Rangarajan, a distinguished historian and environmental scholar whose work has shaped the field of environmental history in India. A Rhodes Scholar and professor at Ashoka University, his research examines the intersections of colonial policy, conservation, and ecological change. From his seminal book Fencing the Forest to his contributions in environmental policy and governance, Professor Rangarajan offers a unique perspective on how archives help us understand India’s environmental past—and what lessons history holds for a sustainable future.

About The Episode 

How does the history of our environment shape our present? YIF students Arushi Bhargava and Mumtaz Mohiuddin sit down with Professor Mahesh Rangarajan to explore the evolving field of environmental history. From colonial conservation policies to the cultural and geopolitical significance of lions and elephants, he unpacks how archives help uncover and preserve lost ecological narratives. Reflecting on his seminal work, Fencing the Forest, he delves into history, nature, and the stories that continue to shape our planet.

About India Unarchived 

India Unarchived, produced by Ashoka University, explores the power of archives in remembering history. Through conversations with historians, archivists, and scholars, the podcast uncovers untold stories and highlights the significance of historical preservation. Created in collaboration with the Archives of Contemporary India and Young India Fellows (Class of 2025), Season 1 delves into history through the lenses of cinema, environment, public memory, and pivotal events.

Watch India Unarchived on YouTube (link) 

Shot at AshokaX Studio

In collaboration with ELM Team 10 of YIF’ 25 and Archives of Contemporary India 

About Ashoka University

Ashoka University is India’s leading liberal arts and sciences university with 3,000+ students, 21 research centers, and 5,500 alumni in 38 countries. Offering a transformative education rooted in diversity and innovation, Ashoka empowers its alumni to pursue higher education at top global institutions and excel in industries like consulting, technology, media, research, and the social sector. With a faculty-student ratio of 1:11, financial aid for 60% of students, and partnerships with 50+ global institutions, Ashoka exemplifies inclusivity and excellence.

Explore More About Ashoka University

Official Website: https://www.ashoka.edu.in
Apply to Ashoka Now: https://tinyurl.com/u7m6sf8w
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashokauniv/
Twitter: https://x.com/AshokaUniv
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/school/ashoka-university
Facebook: https://facebook.com/AshokaUniversity
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AshokaUniversity

In this episode of India Unarchived, YIF students sit down with Deepa Bhatnagar, Founder-Director of the Archives of Contemporary India at Ashoka University. With over three decades of experience in archival research, she has played a pivotal role in preserving India’s modern history. Before establishing the archives at Ashoka, she was Head of Research & Publications at the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (now PMML), where she worked on the Selected Works projects of Motilal Nehru, Jayaprakash Narayan, and C. Rajagopalachari. A historian and academic, she has also taught at Jesus and Mary College and the University of Allahabad, bringing a deep scholarly perspective to the world of archiving.

About The Episode

What does it take to build an archive from scratch? Join YIF students Arushi Bhargava and Mumtaz Mohiuddin as they explore the making of the Archives of Contemporary India with Deepa Bhatnagar. From securing the first collections to the challenges, innovations, and milestones of Ashoka’s archives, she offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the process of curating modern India’s voices.

About India Unarchived 

India Unarchived, produced by Ashoka University, explores the power of archives in remembering history. Through conversations with historians, archivists, and scholars, the podcast uncovers untold stories and highlights the significance of historical preservation. Created in collaboration with the Archives of Contemporary India and Young India Fellows (Class of 2025), Season 1 delves into history through the lenses of cinema, environment, public memory, and pivotal events.

Watch India Unarchived on YouTube (link) 

Shot at AshokaX Studio

In collaboration with ELM Team 10 of YIF’ 25 and Archives of Contemporary India 

About Ashoka University

Ashoka University is India’s leading liberal arts and sciences university with 3,000+ students, 21 research centers, and 5,500 alumni in 38 countries. Offering a transformative education rooted in diversity and innovation, Ashoka empowers its alumni to pursue higher education at top global institutions and excel in industries like consulting, technology, media, research, and the social sector. With a faculty-student ratio of 1:11, financial aid for 60% of students, and partnerships with 50+ global institutions, Ashoka exemplifies inclusivity and excellence.

Explore More About Ashoka University

Official Website: https://www.ashoka.edu.in
Apply to Ashoka Now: https://tinyurl.com/u7m6sf8w
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashokauniv/
Twitter: https://x.com/AshokaUniv
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/school/ashoka-university
Facebook: https://facebook.com/AshokaUniversity
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AshokaUniversity

In the first episode of India Unarchived, YIF students sit down with Professor Rudrangshu Mukherjee, a distinguished historian and Chancellor of Ashoka University. A celebrated scholar of modern Indian history, his groundbreaking work on the 1857 rebellion has shaped historical discourse for decades. From his early days at Presidency College to earning a DPhil from Oxford and leading The Telegraph as Editor, his journey reflects a deep commitment to history and public thought. With influential writings on Nehru, Gandhi, and Bose, Professor Mukherjee continues to inspire scholars and students alike.

About The Episode 

Join the Young India Fellows as they journey into the fascinating world of archives with Professor Rudrangshu Mukherjee, exploring their impact on India’s historical narrative. From the significance of archiving to pivotal moments like the 1857 rebellion, he offers deep insights into history’s influence on the present. He also shares the vision behind establishing the Archives of Contemporary India at Ashoka and reveals which historical figures he would most like to converse with. 

About India Unarchived 

India Unarchived, produced by Ashoka University, explores the power of archives in remembering history. Through conversations with historians, archivists, and scholars, the podcast uncovers untold stories and highlights the significance of historical preservation. Created in collaboration with the Archives of Contemporary India and Young India Fellows (Class of 2025), Season 1 delves into history through the lenses of cinema, environment, public memory, and pivotal events.

Shot at AshokaX Studio

In collaboration with ELM Team 10 of YIF’ 25 and Archives of Contemporary India

About Ashoka University

Ashoka University is India’s leading liberal arts and sciences university with 3,000+ students, 21 research centers, and 5,500 alumni in 38 countries. Offering a transformative education rooted in diversity and innovation, Ashoka empowers its alumni to pursue higher education at top global institutions and excel in industries like consulting, technology, media, research, and the social sector. With a faculty-student ratio of 1:11, financial aid for 60% of students, and partnerships with 50+ global institutions, Ashoka exemplifies inclusivity and excellence.

Explore More About Ashoka University

Official Website: https://www.ashoka.edu.in
Apply to Ashoka Now: https://tinyurl.com/u7m6sf8w
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashokauniv/
Twitter: https://x.com/AshokaUniv
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/school/ashoka-university
Facebook: https://facebook.com/AshokaUniversity
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AshokaUniversity