The Archaeological Society of India has renovated some parts of the building and given permission to erect two new floors on the building. The society is also coming up with a new campus on 5.6 katha of land in sector II of Bidhan Nagar.

Speaking at the 224th Annual General Meeting of the Asiatic Society, Prof Ramakanta Chakraborty, General Secretary of the society, said: “With all the new developments, the problem of space now seems to be solved.” He also made a reference to the upcoming book store of the society.

The society will soon come up with a publication — John Ogiliby’s account of medieval Persia and India published in 1673. Only two copies of the book are available worldwide currently, he added.

Touching upon the 200 years from 1808 to 2008, the institute’s patron dwelt upon the possibilities for year 2108.

“As long as we can see the beauty of heritage and feel the magnetism of archives, we have to be the instruments of conservation,” said Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi.

Regarding the newly-elected council of the Asiatic Society, he mentioned in passing that the new council is a continuation of the old council.

“But there is no harm in continuance if it is non-egoistic and capable of self-correction and self-introspection,” he said.