Sanskrit Universities to link up via shared digital library

NEW DELHI: In a move set to transform access to Sanskrit manuscripts and research, the Central Sanskrit University (CSU), New Delhi, has announced plans to develop a shared digital library platform linking Sanskrit universities and institutions across India. This initiative, officials said, will significantly advance the government’s flagship Digital India campaign while preserving and disseminating the country’s rich knowledge traditions.

The decision was taken at the second meeting of CSU’s central library committee held at the university’s headquarters in Janakpuri. CSU vice chancellor professor.

Srinivas Varakhedi, who chaired the meeting, said the digital platform would ensure seamless access to critical Sanskrit texts, manuscripts, and research materials from a single location. “The CSU library is playing a significant role in Sanskrit literature , research and education. This shared digital library will safeguard and disseminate the digital heritage of Indian culture and knowledge, while also fulfilling the vision of a digitally empowered India,” he said.

The Sanskrit Library Network and Sanskrit Libraries Consortium will manage the operations of the platform. According to officials, the initiative will allow Sanskrit universities and institutions nationwide to exchange resources and collaborate more effectively, promoting teaching and research in traditional Indian knowledge systems .

The meeting also reviewed plans for expanding ICT resources, digitising collections, upgrading library facilities to meet the needs of students and researchers, and renovating libraries at CSU’s headquarters and its Devprayag campus. “This digital library platform will be a historic milestone in preserving and promoting Sanskrit knowledge and science,” said Varakhedi, adding that a nationwide dialogue would also be organised among Sanskrit universities to strengthen collaboration.

The meeting was attended by CSU registrar RG Muralikrishna; Ramesh Chandra Gaud, dean (administrative), Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts , Delhi; Madan Mohan Jha, dean, academic affairs; Shridhar Mishra, director, CSU Jammu Campus; Hansdhar Jha, director, Sringeri Campus; Deepak Kapade, librarian, KKSU Ramtek, Nagpur; and library experts from other leading Sanskrit institutions.