The State Institute of Encyclopaedic Publications (SIEP) in Thiruvananthapuram is set to launch an online encyclopaedia in Malayalam, enabling people to search and access encyclopaedic information about Kerala. This initiative marks the institute's transition from print to digital, driven by the limited reception of printed encyclopaedias and the success of its existing digital products such as audiobooks, short videos, and website write-ups.
Community-Involved Digital Encyclopaedia
The planned online multilingual Kerala Vijnanakosam will be a community-driven project. Muse Mary George, director of SIEP, explained that individuals will be able to upload information, photos, videos, and audio, which will be verified and published. The work is nearly complete, with script preparation underway for Kollam district. The encyclopaedia will be a live project, undergoing constant updates as new developments occur in the districts. "The idea is to include college students and residents in gathering information about almost everything about a locality, including its culture, habits, and cuisine," she added.
Digitisation and Updates
SIEP plans to update information in existing encyclopaedias and short encyclopaedias soon, offering a searchable digital version in collaboration with the Centre for Development of Imaging Technology (CDIT). "The information in these books needs to be updated before they are digitized. A weeklong camp may have to be done to update these works," George said. She noted that 50% of the output will be digital—including podcasts, videos, website content, and audiobooks—while the rest will remain printed publications.
Audiobooks and Future Plans
The printed book ‘Moolaka Vijnana Kosham' has already been converted into an audiobook with an audio-friendly script, and there are plans to turn some mini encyclopaedias into audiobooks. "There is a need for a recording studio, and funds sanctioned by the state government will be used for the project," George added. Beyond audiobooks and YouTube videos, the next step is to create interviews. The institute recently released five mini encyclopaedias, including ‘Keralathinde Paristhitika Charitra Vijnanakosam' (Encyclopaedia of Kerala's Environment History) and ‘Samudrajaiva Vaividhyavum Sambadvyavastayum' (Marine Biodiversity and Economy). Travancore Devaswom Board president and retired bureaucrat K Jayakumar released the publications, praising the institute's readiness for an online transition.
The shift reflects a broader trend towards digital accessibility, ensuring that encyclopaedic knowledge reaches a wider audience while preserving the richness of Kerala's culture, history, and biodiversity.
