Berhampur University Collaborates with CCRAS to Preserve Ayurvedic Heritage Through Digitization
In a significant move to safeguard India's ancient medical wisdom, Berhampur University has entered into a strategic partnership with the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), under the Ministry of Ayush. The memorandum of understanding (MoU), signed on Sunday, focuses on the comprehensive digitization, cataloguing, and publication of rare Ayurvedic manuscripts and palm-leaf documents housed at the university's South Odisha Cultural Study Centre (SOCSC).
Formal Agreement Signed in Bhubaneswar
The official signing ceremony took place in Bhubaneswar, with Berhampur University Vice-Chancellor Geetanjali Dash and CCRAS Director-General Rabinarayan Acharya formalizing the collaboration. This initiative will be spearheaded by the National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage in Hyderabad, a peripheral unit of CCRAS, leveraging advanced digitization techniques to ensure the preservation of these fragile historical artifacts.
Scope and Objectives of the Preservation Project
The project encompasses an ambitious plan to digitize more than 2,000 palm-leaf manuscripts, the majority of which contain priceless Ayurvedic knowledge, along with rare Ayurveda books and periodicals. These digitized copies will be made available to Berhampur University, facilitating easier access for academic and research purposes.
Furthermore, a detailed catalogue titled 'Descriptive Catalogue of Ayurveda Manuscripts of SOCSC-BU, Odisha' will be compiled. This catalogue will feature 44 distinct data fields, designed to provide researchers with comprehensive insights into the manuscripts' content, origin, and historical context. The entire project is scheduled for completion within a two-year timeframe, marking a crucial step in the conservation of India's traditional medical heritage.
Enhancing Research and Academic Access
This collaboration is poised to transform the way Ayurvedic studies are conducted, offering scholars and students unprecedented access to digitized versions of rare texts. By preserving these documents through modern technology, the initiative aims to prevent the loss of invaluable knowledge due to physical degradation, ensuring that future generations can continue to explore and benefit from the rich traditions of Ayurveda.
