Manuscript digitising project takes off in Udupi

Speaking on the occasion, Pejawar math seer Vishweshatheertha Sripada opined that the project is indeed a novel venture in the direction of conserving the documents authenticating the past. The epic Mahabharata is the replica of the human minds. It is a blend of politics, economy, philosophy, spirituality, devotion and all other good and bad things that is being envisaged by the human thoughts, he said.

Paryaya Putthige math seer Sri Sugunendratheertha Sripada in his address opined that conserving remains of the past is our foremost duty. “Most of the manuscripts and other relevant data revealing the history have vanished owing to the ignorance of people. We are in a position to struggle and bargain for all these documents which are conserved in other countries. It is very essential to preserve the manuscripts. The work of digitisation signifies IT as well as spiritual revolution taking place together”, he added.

A centre to monitor the digitisation process will be opened up in Geetha Mandir. Gradually the digitisation of the manuscripts in the Putthige math will be taken up, he informed.
Speaking on the occasion, ISRO Scientific Secretary Bhaskaranarayana said that ISRO is proud to be associated with the project to make available the technology to the lowest stratum of the people. It is a noble idea to preserve the manuscripts and enhance our knowledge. Our forefathers were aware of all the recent technologies through constant observation rather than instrumentalisation. Technology like the one related to space should have outreach programme connecting to lay man, he added.

‘Samanveshak’ a state of the art digital mobile lab is set up in an air conditioned bus with all technical and infrastructural needs, and was inaugurated by Puthige seer. It comprises “Vyasa” an automated robotic manuscripts scanner, GPS devices for recording the manuscripts exact location, telepresence system for connecting experts in Delhi and Bangalore. A team of manuscriptologists, conservation experts, scholars and technicians are part of the digital mobile lab to scrutinise and document the manuscripts. The manuscripts are digitally documented together procuring related information on the legend and history, supposed content and nature of the manuscripts and transmit the same via space communication. Samanveshak will take up the works of digitising the manuscripts in the three district of the coastal belt of the State for a period of 4-5 months. National Sanskrit Vidyapeeth Former Principal Prahlad Acharya and others were present.