Udupi: Deputy commissioner Swaroopa TK directed officials to carry out the manuscript survey initiated in the district in an effective and systematic manner.Speaking at a meeting, she said the survey has begun in the district under the Gyan Bharatam Mission. The initiative aims to preserve India’s vast knowledge heritage and pass it on to future generations using modern technology. She said under the mission, centuries-old handwritten texts, manuscripts and documents available across the country will be identified and preserved permanently through digitisation. It will include survey, conservation, digitisation, documentation, critical editing, translation and publication, making this rich cultural heritage accessible to the public on a single platform. Ancient knowledge related to science, literature, medicine and religion is preserved in palm-leaf manuscripts and other traditional formats. Protecting these is the responsibility of everyone, she said, adding that manuscripts are an invaluable part of the country’s culture, tradition and knowledge wealth. The DC stressed that the survey must be carried out in an organised and time-bound manner. Manuscripts preserved in mutts, temples, priests’ houses, institutional repositories, libraries, ashrams and private collections must be safeguarded carefully to prevent damage. Public can participateShe said the public can also participate in the survey by uploading details through the Gyan Bharatam app. There is no need for concern or hesitation regarding the survey, as its sole purpose is to collect information and digitally preserve manuscripts for posterity. Noting that the enumeration of manuscripts has already begun in the district, she said over 6,000 manuscripts across 40 centres have been digitised through the app so far. For info related to digitisation, contact Gopalachar, district coordinator of Gyan Bharatam Udupi, 7892991690
