Budgam : In a significant step towards safeguarding the rich cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir, an awareness programme on identification and digitization of ancient manuscripts was organized by the District Administration Budgam under the Gyan Bharatam initiative.
The programme was presided over by Dr. Jahangir Iqbal, Director, Gyan Bharatam (J&K) and Professor & Head, Department of Persian, University of Kashmir, who served as the key resource person for the event.
The programme aimed to equip local stakeholders with essential methodologies for identifying, documenting, and digitizing valuable manuscripts. Panchayat Secretaries from all blocks of Budgam district, along with representatives from municipal wards, have been designated as surveyors for the initiative.
During the programme, participants were sensitized about survey protocols, use of the Gyan Bharatam mobile application for data collection, and the broader objectives of the Government of India’s initiative. Practical guidance on manuscript identification and reporting procedures was also shared.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Iqbal emphasized the importance of conducting systematic door-to-door surveys for proper documentation of manuscripts, highlighting that the initiative will help preserve invaluable knowledge repositories in digital form and facilitate research.
The District Administration reiterated its commitment to the successful implementation of the initiative and assured full logistical and administrative support for conducting the survey across the district.
The programme concluded with a call for immediate commencement of the survey process, marking the beginning of a district-wide effort to preserve and promote the region’s intellectual and cultural legacy.
