Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Sept 30: The first-ever digital library in the state was inaugurated at Kedarnath Research Centre at Old Town here Tuesday.
The library, named Manmohan Digital Library after renowned literature lover Late Manmohan Patnaik, has 1,30,000 pages of prominent Oriya newspapers and magazines of the past in digital form. These periodicals, published between 1856 and 1950, include Utkal Deepika, Sambalpur Hiteishini, Utkal Sahitya, Sahakara, Mukura, Naveen, Nababharata, Dagara, Shankha and Chaturanga. It took eight years to compile and digitise these rare specimens of Orissa’s journalistic and literary heritage, said sources.
Since the digital library has a ready list of contents of its entire collection, it would be easier for ordinary readers, enthusiasts and researchers to find the writings. The digital system at the library would also support addition of new books and magazines to the existing collection. The research centre is making efforts to promote and popularise the digital initiative, touted as a stimulant to the library revolution.
Addressing the inaugural function as the chief guest, renowned linguist Debiprasanna Pattnaik underscored the significant role the digital library plays in changing times. The function, chaired by Kedarnath Research Centre president Raghunath Mishra, was attended, among others, by Pushpashree Patnaik, Tanaya Dash Goswami and Bhagirathi Mahasuar.
