Chandvankar Family's Generous Donation Enhances NFDC-NFAI's Music Preservation Efforts

The Chandvankar family recently donated a large collection of records to the National Film Development Corporation - National Film Archive of India (NFDC-NFAI). This donation is a major step in preserving India's musical history. Shri. Suresh Chandvankar, known for his love of music and record collecting, amassed rare shellac and vinyl records over many decades.

Suresh Chandvankar, a scientist, archivist, and musicologist, began collecting 78 RPM records in the 1970s. His mission was to safeguard India's audio heritage. As a founding member of the 'Society of Indian Record Collectors', he collaborated with others to document and share knowledge about India's musical past. Through his writings, he provided insights into rare recordings and artists' stories, ensuring their legacies endured.

The NFDC-NFAI has expressed gratitude for this significant contribution from the Chandvankar family. The collection serves as a valuable resource for researchers, historians, and music enthusiasts. It enriches the Archive's holdings and ensures that Chandvankar's pioneering efforts in preserving India's audio history will continue to inspire future generations.

After Suresh Chandvankar passed away at 71, his family decided to donate his cherished record collection to the NFDC-NFAI. This act reflects their dedication to preserving India's musical heritage. His wife, Smt. Prerana Chandvankar, and daughter, Smt. Rucha Chandvankar, have been actively involved in this process. They visited the NFDC-NFAI to witness the cataloging and preservation efforts firsthand.

The NFDC-NFAI is committed to conserving Indian cinema and music while promoting cultural heritage. The addition of the Chandvankar collection significantly enhances these efforts by making music and memories accessible for future generations.

The family emphasized Suresh Chandvankar's generosity and desire to share his music with the public. They expressed joy that his collection found a home at the NFDC-NFAI, ensuring that his work in preserving and digitizing music will continue.

This donation marks an important milestone in safeguarding India's musical legacy. It honors Suresh Chandvankar's life's work while ensuring his passion for music continues to inspire future generations.