Gaya, May 5: In Gaya, Bihar, renowned as a hub of knowledge, individuals excelling in manuscript preservation and digitization were honored at a ceremony organized under the Gyan Bharat Mission. The event aimed to inspire others to contribute to these vital efforts.
District Magistrate Shashank Shubhankar stated that Gaya ranks second in Bihar for its work in manuscript preservation and digitization. He commended the honorees for their exemplary efforts, encouraging others to draw inspiration from them and support the administration in preserving manuscripts.
This program marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to safeguard the district’s cultural heritage and digitize it. Through this initiative, ancient manuscripts are not only being protected but also made accessible in digital form for future generations.
A comprehensive survey and verification of preserved manuscripts have been conducted across various key locations in Gaya district, including the Bodh Gaya Monastery, Magadh University Library, the District Collectorate Library, the District Archives, and several private collections.
Shubhankar highlighted that the successful verification of 121,938 manuscripts is a remarkable achievement. This accomplishment reflects the collaborative efforts of the administration and society in preserving the district’s rich historical, literary, and cultural heritage.
Notable contributors to the manuscript preservation and digitization efforts, such as Shambhunath Vittal, Rajendra Kumar Sijuar, Chintu Lal Jhangar, and Sanjay Kumar (also known as Swami Sudarshan Acharya Maharaj), played significant roles in the collection, verification, and preservation of these manuscripts.
The main objectives of the event were to raise public awareness about the importance of manuscript preservation and digitization, encourage individuals working in this field, and strengthen collective participation in safeguarding cultural heritage.
The ceremony was attended by representatives from various departments, educators, researchers, writers, archival experts, and other dignitaries. The District Magistrate emphasized that this event is not only a crucial step towards manuscript preservation but also an inspiring initiative to safeguard the district’s rich cultural traditions and pass them on to future generations.
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