Chief Secretary Vikassheel has given instructions to speed up the Gyan Bharatam manuscript survey. Emphasis has been laid on completing the survey, identification, digitization and conservation of manuscripts by May 31. New efforts have also been suggested to increase public participation.
Raipur. Chief Secretary Shri Vikassheel said that all government and private institutions should make active efforts to survey the preserved manuscripts in the state. He told that many important manuscripts may be safe in temples, monasteries, libraries, colleges and other institutions, which are very important to be identified and preserved.
Special focus on traditional communities and archaeological areas
The Chief Secretary directed that special attention should be paid to the discovery of manuscripts in traditional communities and archaeological areas also. There is a greater possibility of finding ancient knowledge-wealth in these areas, hence the survey should be made comprehensive and in-depth.
Suggestion of “Manuscript Treasure Hunt” to increase public participation
He suggested organizing innovation programs like “Manuscript Treasure Hunt” to connect the common people with this campaign. This will increase public participation and people will be able to contribute to the preservation of their cultural heritage.
High level meeting in the Ministry: Review of progress of survey
Under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Shri Vikassheel, a high level meeting was organized at the Ministry Mahanadi Bhawan regarding the effective implementation of ‘Gyanbharatam’ National Manuscript Survey. Campaign committee members and collectors of all the districts participated in this meeting through video conferencing.
Instructions to complete the survey by May 31
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary reviewed the progress of the survey work and directed that this work should be completed by May 31 under all circumstances. He said that this is not just an administrative task, but an important campaign to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the state.
Emphasis on identification, digitization and conservation of manuscripts
The Chief Secretary said that identification, documentation, digitization and conservation of manuscripts available in the districts should be given priority. For this, a district level committee should be formed in every district, nodal officers should be appointed and proper training should be given to the survey teams.
Incentives to participants and involvement of experts
It was also decided in the meeting that people participating in the survey would be encouraged by giving them certificates. Also, emphasis was laid on connecting local journalists, litterateurs, historians and public representatives with this campaign, so that the campaign can become more effective.
Transparency and respect for ownership rights
During the survey, instructions were given to fully respect the ownership rights of the manuscripts, not to transfer any material without permission and to maintain transparency in all work.
Experts’ suggestion: Research will strengthen the campaign
In the meeting, Dr. Rohit Yadav, Secretary of Tourism, Culture and Public Relations Department, explained the outline and objectives of the campaign through a presentation. Vice Chancellor of Pandit Ravi Shankar Shukla University said that with the cooperation of researchers, information about important manuscripts can be collected even from remote areas, which will further strengthen the campaign.
Emphasis on presence and coordination of officers
In this meeting, Joint Secretary of School Education Department Dr. Fariha Alam Siddiqui, Culture Director Mr. Vivek Acharya and many senior officials were present. Everyone together stressed on better coordination and efforts to make this campaign successful.