Kodagu District Initiates Comprehensive Manuscript Survey Under Gyan Bharatam Mission
In a significant move to preserve historical and cultural heritage, Deputy Commissioner SJ Somashekhar announced that the manuscript survey under the Gyan Bharatam Mission has officially commenced in Kodagu district. During a preliminary review meeting held at the DC's office on Friday, Somashekhar issued a directive to officials, mandating the completion of this crucial exercise by the end of May.
Preserving Original Sources of History and Knowledge
Somashekhar emphasized the immense value of manuscripts as original sources of history, literature, culture, and traditional knowledge. He stressed the urgent need to protect and conserve handwritten records found on various materials, including palm leaves and paper. "Manuscripts serve as vital links to our past, offering insights into the beliefs, rituals, and lifestyles of our ancestors," he stated, highlighting their role in understanding social and cultural history.
The Deputy Commissioner pointed out that Kodagu boasts a rich historical legacy, making the collection and digitization of ancient manuscripts imperative. These documents not only contain valuable traditional knowledge but also aid in the study of old Kannada and other regional languages, providing a foundation for linguistic research.
Strategic Implementation and Public Participation
To ensure effective execution, Somashekhar instructed officials to begin manuscript collection immediately. He proposed convening a meeting with historians, literary enthusiasts, and community elders to facilitate the identification, scanning, and safe return of manuscripts to their owners. The Gyan Bharatam Mission, launched by the state government in the 2025-26 budget, aims to protect manuscript heritage through systematic survey, documentation, scientific conservation, and digitization.
Public involvement is a key component of this initiative. Somashekhar urged residents to participate actively by:
- Uploading manuscripts discovered at home or nearby locations via the Gyan Bharatam app.
- Sharing details with district-level survey teams to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Key Locations and Departmental Coordination
Archaeology Department Curator Rekha identified potential manuscript repositories, including:
- Omkareshwar Temple
- Palur Mahalingeshwar Temple
- Armeri Math
- Kirikodli Math
- Ainmanes (ancestral homes)
- Dhavas bhandaras (traditional storage facilities)
She confirmed that the project is being implemented through the Department of Archaeology, Museums, and Heritage. District Coordinator Karthikeyan added that the survey is conducted in coordination with the Departments of Archaeology, Museums, Heritage, and Tourism, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach.
Parallel Efforts: Protecting Waterbodies in Kodagu
In a related development, Somashekhar chaired the District Groundwater Committee meeting, where he directed officials to take proactive measures to protect lakes and water sources in Kodagu. "Safeguarding groundwater is essential for environmental sustainability," he remarked, emphasizing that establishments must obtain no-objection certificates from the Groundwater Directorate or Karnataka Groundwater Authority.
Senior Geologist S Sudha reported that applications for no-objection certificates have been received from various locations, including Galibidu, Makkandur, Yavakapadi, Emmemadu, Monnangeri, Kudige, Kumaralli, and Ponnampet, along with three new online applications. Action is being taken against unregistered borewell drilling rigs to prevent unauthorized water extraction.
The meeting also reviewed critical aspects such as borewell performance, closure of failed borewells, observation wells, water sample testing, and drinking water quality, underscoring the district's commitment to holistic resource management.
Field Marshal KM Cariappa College Principal Maj Prof Raghav also contributed to the discussions, reinforcing the importance of collaborative efforts in preserving both cultural and natural heritage.
