Bhawanipatna: In a significant stride in its initiative to preserve ancient texts and educate students about the importance of historical manuscripts through a manuscript collection drive, 18 rare manuscripts were received by Maa Manikeshwari University on April 2, 2025.
The initiative aims to recover and conserve ancient manuscripts while also providing students with valuable insights into the literary heritage of Odisha.
Under the guidance of Vice-Chancellor (I/c), Dr. Nibedita Nath, and with the efforts of Assistant Professor of the Postgraduate Department of Odia, Shri Dolamani Dharua, the set of ancient manuscripts were acquired from the residence of Dr. Dasarathi Acharya, Retd. Reader in Odia.
Dr. Acharya emphasized the literary richness of the Kalahandi region but lamented the lack of sufficient efforts to promote its legacy. He has been a dedicated contributor to the manuscript collection initiative at Maa Manikeshwari University, having previously donated 15 rare manuscripts.
He further enriched the university’s collection by donating 18 more manuscripts. These manuscripts have been meticulously preserved in the university’s manuscript library and are expected to provide valuable research material for Odia students and scholars. Dr. Acharya expressed his desire for these texts to inspire new avenues of research and academic exploration.
Recognizing his invaluable contributions, the Vice-Chancellor (I/c), along with the university’s faculty and staff, extended their heartfelt gratitude and admiration for Dr. Acharya’s dedication to preserving Odisha’s literary heritage.
This initiative continues to serve as a beacon of cultural preservation and academic enrichment at Maa Manikeshwari University.
