Delhi: Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts launches book on manuscript preservation

The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) has launched a significant publication titled ‘Pandulipi evam Samikshit Patha-Sampadan (Abhinav Paramarsh ke Sath)’, authored by noted scholar Vasantkumar M Bhatt. Organised by IGNCA’s Kalanidhi Division, the book release and discussion event brought together eminent scholars, cultural experts and academicians.

The event was presided over by Sachchidanand Joshi, member secretary, IGNCA, with Ramesh Chandra Bhardwaj, former Vice-Chancellor of Maharshi Valmiki Sanskrit University, as the chief guest. Speakers highlighted the importance of preserving India’s manuscript heritage and making critical editions more accessible to scholars and the general public.

Joshi emphasised that manuscripts are living repositories of civilisational knowledge, not just archival artefacts, and called for greater societal engagement in manuscript studies.

He spoke about IGNCA’s pivotal role in preserving manuscripts not only from India but also from countries such as Thailand, Vietnam and Mongolia. Stressing that no single institution can accomplish this task alone, he appealed for collaborative efforts from scholars, technologists and cultural practitioners.

The publication, which delves into methodologies of textual editing and the contemporary relevance of critical editions, was praised as a timely contribution to the field. Joshi also highlighted initiatives such as IGNCA’s manuscript reading courses, aimed at building scholarly capacity and fostering wider public interest.

Bhardwaj described the book as a foundational work, essential for shaping the future of manuscript preservation in India.

He called on the youth to take up the responsibility of safeguarding this invaluable heritage.

Bhatt elaborated on the traditional process of compiling and editing manuscripts, underscoring the need for thoughtful contextualisation to ensure deeper understanding.