A ten‑day workshop on manuscriptology, organised by the Odia Virtual Academy, concluded this afternoon in Bhubaneswar. The programme drew participation of 52 students, researchers, teachers, and trainees from across the state. Alongside theoretical sessions, participants undertook field visits to the Odisha State Museum for practical exposure.
Delivering valedictory address as the Chief Guest, Vishal Kumar Dev, Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Electronics and Information Technology, urged the participants to apply their skills in the collection, cataloguing, and transcription of manuscripts so that Odisha’s knowledge heritage could gain wider global reach. He expressed confidence that the participants would contribute meaningfully to future language enrichment initiatives.
Dr. Pradeep Kumar Raut, Secretary of the Odia Virtual Academy, lauded the successful completion of the workshop and designated the trainees as “Manuscript Ambassadors,” underscoring the Academy’s expectation of their continued collaboration.
The workshop featured lectures and guidance from eminent scholars including former Vice‑Chancellor and ex‑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 of Santiniketan, Prof. Braja Kishore Swain of 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, Dr. Nibedita Pati of Keonjhar, Preetanshu Priyadarshini Mishra, and Basanti Das, among others.
A book on manuscriptology was released during the ceremony. Dr. Prafulla Kumar Mishra and Dr. Bibhuti Bhusan Mahapatra also addressed the gathering. Workshop coordinator Debananda Bhanja proposed the vote of thanks.
Representing the trainees, Sonali Nayak, Sudhanshu Raut, and Abinyas Behera shared their experiences. Senior Manager Smruti Ranjan Mishra, Special Officer Srinibas Mishra, experts Dr. D.N. Mahanty, Sachidananda Panda, and Parambrahma Tripathy were also present.
