GUWAHATI, March 21 - Scholars and experts underlined the need to digitise the manuscripts for their proper conservation while speaking at a workshop on reading and conservation of old manuscripts of Assam here yesterday. The workshop was organised by the Dr SK Bhuyan Library of Cotton University.
According to a press release received here today, Prof Ranjit Kumar Dev Goswami, a former Sankaradeva Chair Professor of Tezpur University, highlighted the significance of digitalisation of manuscripts for their proper preservation. He also advised the participants to cultivate love for the old manuscripts of Assam. Prof Dev Goswami was speaking at the inaugural function of the workshop as the chief guest. Altogether 260 enthusiasts took part in the workshop.
Earlier, Cotton University Vice Chancellor Prof Bhabesh Chandra Goswami, in his speech, laid emphasis on the importance of preserving old manuscripts of Assam by the University library itself. Dr Zabeen Ahmed, Librarian of Dr SK Bhuyan Library, delivered the welcome speech and explained the aims and objectives of the event.
In her address at the first technical session of the workshop, Prof Malini Goswami of Gauhati University spoke extensively on restoration of text from the manuscripts. She could arouse interest among the students present in the session in the subject.
The second session on illustrious manuscripts of Assam was conducted by miniature artists Mridu Moucham Bora and Chittaranjan Borah. They presented different painting styles of old manuscripts and also the methods of preparing the ink for the manuscripts. Chittaranjan Bora extensively explained the method of preparing manuscripts and different types of brush used for the purpose.
While speaking at the third technical session, Naba Patgiri, chief chemist of the Assam State Museum, spoke on various issues concerning handling of the manuscripts and also on some of the preservatives used to preserve them.
Tarun Chandra Saikia, archivist, and Dhanjit Talukdar, archival assistant of the KK Handiqui Library, Gauhati University, conducted the last session on physical demonstration on methods of conservation of old manuscripts.
Joyraj Kalita offered the vote of thanks.
