The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi, and the CSIR-Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (CSIR-TKDL) Unit signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi for cooperation related to digitisation and inclusion of information on traditional knowledge of India from manuscripts and traditional cultural expressions.
The MoU was signed by Prof.Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA and DrViswajanani J Sattigeri, Scientist H and Head, CSIR-TKDL Unit in the presence of several senior officials from both organisations.
India is home to over two crore manuscripts containing valuable information on Indian heritage and Traditional Knowledge (TK). Our Traditional Cultural Expressions (TCE) are still passed on from one generation to the next through word of mouth.
With fewer people understanding the scripts and languages of these manuscripts and our cultural expressions, the MoU between IGNCA and CSIR-TKDL Unit will facilitate protection and preservation of the manuscript knowledge for current and future times, through the inclusion of the information into the TKDL database. This cooperation between the parties is also expected to enable digitization and the inclusion of non-written, oral and audio-visual materials related to traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions into the TKDL.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof.Sachchidanand Joshi spoke of the importance of manuscripts and documentation of local practices in the context of preserving this valuable information for future generations. He also mentioned the efforts of the IGNCA on the above, including the existence of priceless manuscripts in all subject areas, and manuscripts in languages and older scripts such as Sanskrit, Arabic and Persian. Speaking of local traditions and practices, Prof. Joshi highlighted the IGNCA initiative on “meragaonmeridharohar” in reference to the mapping of information at village levels related to modern and traditional practices. He stated that the cooperation between the two organizations is a much-required initiative towards addressing national needs on preserving and disseminating information on our invaluable heritage.
Dr Sattigeri highlighting the deliberations over the years between the organisationson various aspects related to TK and TKDL stated that the signing of the agreement is a forward-looking action towards enriching and enhancing the scope and value of the TKDL. Stating that the TKDL offers a unique platform to bring together traditional knowledge and technology that can be understood by the current generations, she opined that the cooperation with IGNCA offers immense potential for both parties to work across diverse aspects of TK and TCEs.
Besides focused activities related to manuscripts and local practices, both organizations have also agreed to collaborate and undertake outreach and dissemination activities such as publications, seminars, conferences, workshops and exhibitions jointly, and also pursue research studies in areas of common interest.
