Patiala, 14 July
The Punjab Language Department has achieved a major milestone by digitising 8,095 books and 476 rare handwritten manuscripts, making them available online to preserve the state’s literary and cultural heritage for future generations.
The announcement was made during the department’s monthly Book Discussion Session, where officials reviewed and discussed books read by the department’s staff. The event also featured Davinderpal Singh, Founder of the Punjab Digital Library, as the special guest.
Welcoming the participants, Director of the Punjab Language Department Jaswant Singh Zafar said the journey from oral knowledge to printed books and now to digital books is both fascinating and essential for preserving knowledge. He noted that while every era has witnessed resistance to new technologies, technology plays a vital role in serving society. He described the digitisation of the department’s vast literary collection as a landmark achievement that will benefit future generations.
He congratulated the department’s employees for their contribution to promoting reading and encouraged them to understand the practical aspects of the digitisation process and its long-term importance.
Addressing the gathering, Davinderpal Singh highlighted the importance of preserving the collective memory of a nation. He said that a society’s historical memory shapes its identity and future, and preserving authentic historical records through digitisation is crucial in the digital age.
He expressed concern over the decline of libraries, erosion of ethical values, and the overwhelming volume of unfiltered digital information, which often weakens genuine historical memory. He said digitisation helps safeguard authentic knowledge and ensures that valuable historical records remain accessible to future generations.
Sharing the journey of the Punjab Digital Library, Davinderpal Singh said the organisation has digitised over 200,000 letters written before 1947, 51,000 newspapers, and hundreds of rare photographs of historical personalities and places. He added that more than 10 million pages have already been digitised, and the digital archives are regularly updated every five years to ensure long-term preservation.
On the occasion, the Punjab Language Department officially launched its newly digitised collection of 8,095 books and 476 rare manuscripts, which can now be accessed through the department’s official website.
Davinderpal Singh was honoured with a traditional shawl and a set of books in recognition of his contribution to digital preservation.
Deputy Director Alok Chawla delivered the vote of thanks, while Dr. Manjinder Singh, Research Officer, conducted the proceedings of the event.
Among those present were Prof. Jaswinder Singh, Gulzar Patialvi, Eng. Jatinder Singh, Darshan Singh Darsh, Amarinder Singh, Surinder Kaur (Assistant Director), Dr. Santokh Singh, Satpal Singh, Baldev Singh (Research Officer), along with officers and employees of the Punjab Language Department.
