Reference library a storehouse of old manuscripts, books
At a time when historical manuscripts have become a treasured part of the country’s heritage, here is a reference library in the city which houses many of these antiques. From a 1796 copy of the Guru Granth Sahib to the books of English grammar and the economic history of Punjab published in 1890, the library, located at Punjabi Bhawan, also has many manuscripts of religious tomes and books containing the popular Punjabi ‘kissas’ of Heer-Ranjha, Sassi Pannu and Sohni Mehiwal.
Set up in 1995 by the Punjabi Sahit Academy, this library has become a haunt for research scholars engaged in graduate and doctoral studies in India as well as abroad. Said Prem Singh Bajaj, the principal: We’ve over 100 books which are more than 100 years old, which have been printed through litho printing. There are also about 50 manuscripts of religious and well-known Punjabi ‘kissas’. All these have been donated to us through book lovers and their families. These books are like an old man in a joint family who gets due respect and care. And of course we are taking care of these priceless manuscripts and books."
”I’ve proposed to the Academy to prepare a plan for preserving these books through the latest techniques for the benefit of future generations”, he added.
