Experts lay stress on conservation of manuscripts

PATNA: Library scientists and conservation experts here on Sunday highlighted the importance of manuscripts in preserving the intellectual heritage of mankind and stressed the need of their preservation and conservation.

Addressing the participants of a five-day workshop on ‘Preservation and Conservation of Manuscripts’, organized by Patna University (PU) library in collaboration with the National Mission for Conservation of Manuscripts they narrated the details of various traditional and modern techniques of conservation.

Reserve Bank of India (Pune) chemist Sarvesh Kumar Singh said that initial treatment and protection of manuscripts from harmful agents like dust, moisture and moths would save them from decay and enhance their life. He presented the details of chemical techniques of preservation of manuscripts.

National Museum coordinator Kriti Srivastava enumerated different methods of conservation of manuscripts and answered the questions asked by the participants. He opined that the government must initiate necessary steps for conservation of all our manuscripts lying in precarious condition in different parts of the country.

National Mission for Conservation of Museum conservator Archana Gehlot apprised the participants with various forms of manuscripts and proper use of chemicals for their preservation.

PU vice-chancellor Rash Bihari Prasad Singh said if due attention is not given for conservation of manuscripts, there is every possibility that our cultural heritage and nation's collective memory available in the form of manuscripts may disappear. He pleaded for digitization of all rare and valuable manuscripts for the benefit of future generation.

PU library incharge Rabindra Kumar welcomed the guests. Deputy librarian Ashok Kumar Jha proposed the vote of thanks. The workshop will conclude on Monday.