Bhubaneswar, 11 June (H.S.): A ten-day workshop on manuscriptology, organised under the aegis of the Odia Virtual Academy, concluded on Thursday in Bhubaneswar. The programme saw the participation of 52 students, researchers, teachers, and trainees from across the state. As part of the training, participants also undertook field visits to the Odisha State Museum for practical exposure to manuscript preservation and documentation practices.

Delivering the valedictory address as chief guest, Vishal Kumar Dev, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Electronics and Information Technology, emphasised the importance of applying skills in manuscript collection, cataloguing, and transcription to help Odisha’s rich knowledge heritage gain wider global recognition. He expressed confidence that the trainees would contribute significantly to future language enrichment initiatives.

Dr. Pradeep Kumar Raut, Secretary of the Odia Virtual Academy, lauded the successful completion of the programme and described the participants as “Manuscript Ambassadors,” encouraging their continued engagement in heritage preservation activities.

The workshop featured academic sessions led by several eminent scholars, including former Vice-Chancellor and former Director of the National Mission for Manuscripts Dr. Prafulla Kumar Mishra, Vice-Chancellor of Shri Jagannath Sanskrit University Prof. Prabhat Kumar Mahapatra, Prof. Harekrishna Mishra (Santiniketan), Prof. Braja Kishore Swain (Puri), Prof. Braja Sundar Mishra, curriculum coordinator Dr. Bibhuti Bhusan Mahapatra, former Deputy Director General of the Ministry of AYUSH Dr. Madan Mohan Padhi, INTACH Director Dr. Mallika Mitra, Dr. Mamata Mishra, State Museum Superintendent Dr. Bharati Pal, and several other experts.

During the closing ceremony, a book on manuscriptology was released. Dr. Prafulla Kumar Mishra and Dr. Bibhuti Bhusan Mahapatra also addressed the gathering. Workshop coordinator Debananda Bhanja delivered the vote of thanks.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda