PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Haridwar
The five-day workshop on Conservation of Manuscripts, organised by the Gyan Bharatam Mission under the Union Ministry of Culture, concluded at the Patanjali Research Foundation in Haridwar on Saturday. The intensive programme has trained heritage professionals, scholars, and students on safeguarding invaluable, ancient handwritten documents, the organisers said, adding that theoretical lectures and hands-on practical sessions were held too. The principal topics covered included heritage concepts, digital documentation, deterioration factors, risk and disaster management and live demonstrations of traditional writing techniques and inks.
Addressing the workshop, Acharya Balkrishna said that Patanjali is proud to be associated with this great manuscript conservation mission. “These manuscripts, though in worn-out condition, are the foundations of our ancient culture and historical heritage. Digitalisation of these manuscripts is a must for their proper preservation for the future generations,” he added.
He also stressed on conserving 400 to 500 years old manuscripts to preserve the historical heritage for the upcoming generations. He mentioned classical historical texts like ‘Baburnama’ and ‘Ain-i-Akbari’ for preservation of the period’s history.
