Objectives of the Society for the Preservation of Archival Materials & Monuments of Calcutta
| 1. | Disseminate and collect information on the present state of archival material and monuments of Calcutta |
| 2. | Prepare list of documents, historical records, mss., plans, sketches, old prints and monuments of Calcutta |
| 3. | Undertake the publication of News Bulletins giving and inviting information on historical records of Calcutta and suburbs |
| 4. | Establish contact with organizations and individuals for permission to acquire on loan or as gift such papers and objects of historical importance as may be available with them |
| 5. | Collaborate and suggest to Government agencies, autonomous organizations, private bodies, etc. in preparing catalogues of archival materials in their respective custody with a view to compiling a union list of historical papers, documents and monuments in Calcutta and its immediate vicinity |
| 6. | Publish catalogues, monographs, news bulletins, etc. |
| 7. | Organizing lectures in collaboration with like-minded bodies. |
Spreading awareness
Thanks to the relentless efforts of Professor Ray, the Society began creating awareness about Calcutta's heritage and the need to protect it through exhibitions, seminars and lectures. The Book Fair authorities came forward in lending pavilion space to the Society in the 1980s to put up its exhibitions on Calcutta's heritage. The Society's slogan "Save Calcutta's Past to Save its Future" gained sustained popularity.
These efforts bore fruit as heritage laws were framed, and buildings and noteworthy sites came to be listed in Calcutta for the first time.
The Society’s pavilion - a popular site at the Book Fair
The Society’s pavilion - a popular site at the Book Fair
The then Chief Minister Jyoti Basu and the then Municipal Affairs Minister Prasanta Sur at the Society’s pavilion
Pandit Ravi Shankar at the Society’s pavilion
Sambhu Mitra at the Society’s pavilion
Mrinal Sen at the Society’s pavilion