A rare heritage in the form of century-old books might soon be lost forever if left unattended to rot on the shelves of the Panjab University library. If quick and appropriate steps are not taken on a priority basis, the books might take along with them several treasures and gems of knowledge. Though university officials claim to be trying their best to restore the books, they attribute the lack of funds as a major factor in the continuing deterioration of books.
The rare collection at the library includes The Historie of the World printed by Adam Flip in 1634. This is the oldest book that the library possesses and while the pages have become brittle, officials admit that the book is “beyond physical repair”.
In a move to preserve the grand collection, the library has started with the digitalisation of the available literature. The process includes taking electronic pictures of the books and putting them online.
Though Union Minister of State For Finance Pawan Kumar Bansal had sanctioned Rs 2 lakh from his MPLAD fund for the repair of books in 2005, the library has received only Rs 1 lakh and that too only in November last year. Sources claim that though the fund was sanctioned, it was not being released by the Centre.
Talking to Newsline, Assistant Archivist Mritunjay Kumar, who is responsible for the conservation of rare books at the library, says, “We are trying our best to restore the books and around 600 books are repaired every year. The approximate budget for the purpose stands at alt Rs 10 lakh annually. There are many books which are beyond repair and the only hope for them is the digitalisation technique.”
Meanwhile, with the Model Code of Conduct in force and elections round the corner, the university authorities have lost all hope to get the remaining fund amount. Also, the proposal sent five years ago was according to the rates back then but now even Rs 2 lakh seems to be inadequate.
A few other books, which are in the rare category, include Education in India 1987-88 to 1891-92 by Professor A M Nash. With several pages missing, the book has been sent for repair. Besides digitalisation, many books are also being catalogued in order to conserve them.
Though the library has got some machinery, the installation of proper machinery needs more funds. The library boasts of over 1,492 manuscripts in Persian, Urdu, Sanskrit, Punjabi, Hindi and Sharda language. Another rare and significant book from the past that lies in the library waiting for repair is the 1857 series. This book records personal experiences written by British officials while they were in India and includes interesting bits where officials have stated that they are doing their duties against their wishes and do not wish to rule in India.
With the restoration procedure moving at a snail’s pace in the library, one can just hope that these priceless treasures are not counted among the ‘once upon a time’ list of books.
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