India’s ‘History Hunter’ Aims to Preserve the Past

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    NEW DELHI — In an age dominated by digital advancements and artificial intelligence, stepping into Aditya Vij’s home in New Delhi is akin to traversing through history. An essence of nostalgia permeates his residence, which functions as a personal museum filled with relics from the past. Cameras from yesteryear, rusty typewriters, and vintage radios sit alongside countless matchboxes that conjure images of a different era, igniting contraband cigarettes.

    As an anthropologist impassioned by antiquities, Vij has spent decades amassing a collection of artifacts that capture the essence of various centuries. His devotion to preserving these items serves as a stand against the tide, ensuring that history isn’t dissolved in the modern-day rush. “The sense of satisfaction from saving a slice of history is immense,” he shared amid his trove of vintage cameras and gramophones, each a trophy salvaged from oblivion.

    Vij possesses an extraordinary collection, from fossils of ancient marine life to a remarkable array of matchboxes dating back to the early 20th century. His fascination with matchboxes began in childhood, igniting when he picked up his first as a boy. Today, his collection exceeds 22,000, showcasing religious imagery and political themes reflective of their time. The thrill of discovering these objects fuels his passion, adding a layer of excitement to the preservation journey.

    The act of saving these pieces acts as a catalyst for reflection on bygone craftsmanship, characterized by deliberate and patient efforts. Often, chance encounters have led to significant acquisitions, like saving an old radio from being dismantled by a scrap dealer. “Thirty more seconds and I would have lost it,” he reminisced, emphasizing the importance of quick action.

    Vij envisions his home as a bridge from the past to the future, an evolving museum for younger generations to appreciate the innovations of yesteryears. Without such interventions, these symbols of past life risk being forgotten amidst today’s technological avalanche. “What was once common has become rare, leaving only whispers of nostalgia and memories,” he remarked, underlining the imperative to preserve history.

    Parents frequently reach out, wishing their children to witness firsthand the functioning of bygone tools—typewriters, film cameras, and rotary phones among them. These interactions are a testament to the urgency of preserving history, as young minds marvel at the existence of such devices. “When kids express disbelief at these objects, it strengthens my resolve to preserve history,” Vij expressed.

    As technology advances rapidly, obsoleting once-common gadgets almost overnight, Vij emphasizes the necessity of archival efforts. He hopes future generations understand this historical significance and help carry forward the baton of preservation, ensuring that the past lives on not just in memory, but in physical artifacts.