Governor Visits Asiatic Society; Announces 20 Lakh Donation

‘Rajaratnakaram’, a Book Related to Tripura, Seen in Mumbai!

Governor of Maharashtra Jishnu Dev Varma today visited the library of the historic Asiatic Society in Mumbai and viewed its rich collection of books, rare documents, archaeological artefacts from Sopara, maps and rare coins. The Governor announced a donation of 20 lakh to the Asiatic Society for the preservation and conservation of books.

The Governor said that he was extremely happy to visit the Asiatic Society. He said that preserving the historical and intellectual heritage housed here and passing it on to future generations is a collective responsibility. He said there should be serious reflection on how the younger generation can be attracted to this rich heritage and institution. The Asiatic Society should not remain merely a repository of books and documents, but should become a vibrant and dynamic institution, continuously alive with readers, researchers and seekers of knowledge, he said.

The Governor said that culture does not comprise only music, dance and theatre; our historical literary heritage is also an integral part of Indian culture.

He said that ‘Viksit Bharat’ does not mean economic development alone. ‘Viksit’ encompasses not only ‘Vikas’ development but also our ‘Virasat’ our historical and cultural heritage. Moving forward with both development and heritage is the right path towards a Viksit Bharat.

Speaking about the preservation of books, the Governor said that preservation is not merely an office task to be carried out from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; it requires passion, a sense of purpose and dedication to the work. He expressed satisfaction at the excellent work being undertaken by the Asiatic Society in this regard.

‘Rajaratnakaram’, a Book Related to Tripura, Seen in Mumbai!

There is considerable discussion in Tripura about the Sanskrit work ‘Rajaratnakaram’, relating to the State of Tripura and its royal family. The Governor said that although the work has been widely discussed in Tripura, he had never personally seen the book there. He said that he was delighted and honoured to have the opportunity to see this historic work for the first time today at the Asiatic Library in Mumbai.

On the occasion, Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe expressed his desire to present a copy of the ‘Rajaratnakaram’ to the Governor.

Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe briefed the Governor about the various activities and work of the Asiatic Society and introduced him to the newly elected members of the Managing Committee and the Scrutiny Committee.

Dr. Bhalchandra Mungekar, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Society; former Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President Dr. Sanjay Deshmukh; office-bearers Vivek Ganpule, Rajesh Behre, Surendra Kulkarni and Madhav Bhandari, among other dignitaries, were present on the occasion. Vaijayanti Chakravarti proposed the vote of thanks.