Project Identity
​The Living Epics Project is a digital oral history archive dedicated to documenting the lived experiences of Indian Armed Forces veterans. Structured around thematically guided conversations, the project records and curates each interview as a primary oral record intended for long-term preservation and future reference. The archive positions personal memory as a legitimate historical record within the broader framework of military and social history.
Purpose
The project emerges in response to the erosion of sustained dialogue across generations, which has limited the preservation of oral testimony. Contemporary society often lacks consistent access to personal narratives, particularly those rooted in institutional service and firsthand experience. Domains rich in individual histories, such as military service, frequently remain undocumented or confined to private recollection.
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By creating a structured and accessible archive of recorded conversations, The Living Epics Project seeks to ensure that these firsthand accounts are preserved, and made available for future engagement and research.
Scope
The Living Epics Project focuses on documenting the experiences of Indian Armed Forces veterans across branches and generations. The archive includes both combat and non-combat service, with attention to institutional life, and reflections beyond active duty. The project does not engage in operational analysis, strategic commentary, or political evaluation. Its emphasis remains on lived experience and personal recollection as a historical record.
Methodology
The archive is built upon structured, thematically guided interviews designed to elicit reflective and comprehensive accounts of service. Each conversation follows a consistent framework, allowing for both narrative continuity and analytical depth. Interviews are recorded, transcribed, and edited for clarity while preserving the integrity of the speaker’s voice. All material is included with the consent of the contributor and preserved with attention to accuracy.
Associated Archives
In addition to recorded conversations, the project maintains an Associated Archives section comprising materials voluntarily shared by contributors. These may include recommended readings, written reflections, photographs, documents, or objects of personal and professional significance. Together, these materials provide further context and extend the archival record beyond the spoken interview.