Assamese Literature Digitization :
In a monumental achievement, over 1.28 million pages of rare Assamese manuscripts, journals, and books have been digitized, marking a significant milestone in preserving and promoting Assamese literature. This massive undertaking was completed over a span of 36 months, with the collaborative efforts of the Nanda Talara Foundation (NTF) and the Assam Jatiya Bidyalay (AJB) Educational and Socio-Economic Trust. The initiative is considered one of the largest digitization projects dedicated to regional literature in India.
According to Narayan Sharma, president of the AJB Educational and Socio-Economic Trust, this digitization project is a vital asset for researchers, students, and the global Assamese community. “This ensures the timeless legacy of Assam is preserved with the aid of cutting-edge technology,” Sharma emphasized.¹ The project also aims to serve as a model for other states in India to preserve their cultural and literary heritage.
The digitized collection boasts an impressive array of literary works, including 26,000 ‘Xasipats’ – manuscripts on Vaishnavism, Buddhism, and Assamese traditions. Additionally, the repository features nearly all editions of Orundoi, Assam’s first magazine, alongside other iconic publications like Bahi, Abahan, and Ramdhen. These publications reflect the evolution of Assamese literature and offer insights into the socio-cultural fabric of Assam through the centuries.
This vast digital library also includes 33,970 books and 41,071 journal issues, all of which are accessible for free. The project’s second phase aims to integrate OCR-AI technology, enabling advanced keyword-based search and revolutionizing how researchers and scholars access these materials. With this technological advancement, users will be able to search specific terms across thousands of documents in seconds, significantly reducing research time.
A Collaborative Effort
The digitization project was made possible through the collaborative efforts of several organizations. The NTF and AJP Educational and Socio-Economic Trust worked together, with support from Asam Sahitya Sabha, Dibrugarh University, and corporate entities like Oil India Limited, NRL, and ONGC. This multi-stakeholder collaboration underscores the importance of community-driven efforts in preserving cultural heritage.
The financial and technical support from corporate entities and academic institutions also highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in executing large-scale cultural projects. The involvement of Oil India Limited, NRL, and ONGC not only provided funding but also facilitated access to advanced digitization tools and technology.
Preserving Assamese Heritage
The NTF has been working tirelessly to preserve Assamese literature and culture. Founded in 1996, the organization has been digitizing rare books, journals, and manuscripts to create a comprehensive digital library.² By digitizing these invaluable documents, the NTF is ensuring that the literary heritage of Assam remains intact, even as physical copies of these works face the threat of degradation over time.
In 2022, the NTF digitized its entire journal section, making 245 journals from 1846-1970 available to researchers. This monumental effort enabled scholars to explore a wide range of historical and cultural topics in Assamese literature. The organization aims to make digitization a community project, involving individuals and institutions in preserving Assamese literary heritage. Through various outreach programs, the NTF is encouraging young students and local communities to actively participate in the preservation process.
A New Era for Research
The digitization of Assamese literature marks a new era for research and scholarship. With this vast digital library, researchers and students can access rare and valuable materials from anywhere in the world. This unprecedented accessibility bridges the gap between global and local audiences, ensuring that Assamese literature is appreciated and studied by a wider demographic.
As NTF secretary Mrinal Talukdar noted, the integration of OCR-AI technology will enable advanced keyword-based search, making it easier for researchers to find specific materials. This capability will be particularly beneficial for academic scholars and students conducting comparative studies, as it will allow them to seamlessly navigate between texts and extract relevant data.
Moreover, the digital library is expected to enhance the visibility of Assamese literature in international academic circles. It provides a platform for cross-cultural exchange, inviting researchers and enthusiasts worldwide to explore the richness of Assamese heritage.
Conclusion
The digitization of 1.28 million pages of Assamese literature is a monumental achievement, marking a significant milestone in preserving and promoting Assamese culture. This collaborative effort has created a vast digital library, accessible to researchers, students, and the global Assamese community. The project is not just a technological triumph but also a cultural awakening that reinforces the importance of preserving regional literature.
As we look to the future, this project ensures the timeless legacy of Assam is preserved for generations to come. It stands as a shining example of how technology, collaboration, and vision can come together to protect and promote cultural heritage on a global scale.
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