March 13, 2002

'35'

THE ASIATIC SOCIETY COMPLEX TO BE PROTECTED MONUMENT

    The Asiatic Society building complex at Kolkata would be declared a protected monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites at. A decision to this effect was taken during the recent visit of Shri Jagmohan, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism.

    Shri Jagmohan made on the spot study of various problems which have been plaguing the affairs of the society for the last several years. Annual stock of the book has not been done since 1996 and thousands of books are lying un-catalogued. This building is in the dilapidated condition and the paintings, portraits and busts are in a poor stage of upkeep. There has been no whole time Director or librarian. This was disclosed by the Minister to the press person here today.

    Shri Jagmohan noted’ "It is a matter of deep regret that this society where historic and pioneering work was done by great scholars like Sir William Jones and Colebrooke, today present a depressing picture. This scholar discovered and translated Sanskrit classics into English. Their work, coupled with work of deciphering of inscriptions such as those on Ashokan’s pillars and rocks by James Princep, resulted in the great and glorious past of India being dug out from the huge and heavy debris of its decadence and decline. All this thrilled the country. A wave of pride and self confidence ensued and gave rise to the forces which brought her freedom and dignity and a place of honour in the comity of great civilisation of the world. At the time, the Asiatic Society of Bengal was established at Calcutta in 1784 little was known of India and that little was superficial and inaccurate".

    Shri Jagmohan said, "The entire complex would be repaired and renovated, aesthetically landscaped and fitted with sophisticated equipment. The old building would be subjected to conservative surgery. The library space would be reorganised and full facilities provided for research and scholarship. For undertaking detailed work in this regard, a small Committee of expert and experience librarians would be constituted".

    "By rebuilding the Society and regenerating its original inspiration", Shri Jagmohan said, "we would not only be discharging the debt which we owe to the scholars, researchers and artists of the past but also laying a solid and scientific framework for the scholars, researchers and artists of the present and future to work in congenial atmosphere and raise the level of the Society to an institution of world class".

    Shri Jagmohan also visited the "Victoria Memorial" and said that similar approach woud be adopted towards "Victoria Memorial", the upkeep of which had been sorely mutilated over the years. He said: "The white beauty of the Memorial and the green gandeur around would be fully resorted and upgraded. The history, the art, the literature and other commemorative events connected with the national upsurge of the first half of the 20th century would be specially reflected in the exhibits. A number of paintings by the eminent Indian artists which are presently damped in the stores would be taken out and subjected to extensive conservative and restorative surgery and elegantly displayed I the art galleries which, too, would be suitably renovated".

    Shri Jagmohan noted the demoralisation amongst the staff and exhorted them to shed their diffidence and cynicism. He assured them that their legitimate problems would soon be sorted out.

    The implementation of Bhasha Bhawan Project of the National Library, Kokata, which has been hanging fire since 1992, was also assessed at the spot by the Minister. He instructed that this project which would now cost about Rs. 77 crore, must be completed by January 2003 and it should be made fully operative by that time.

    Earlier, about two months ago, Shri Jagmohan had organised a National Meet of Librarians to discuss the present pathetic state of Public Libraries. In this connection, Shri Jagmohan had also requested the Members of Parliament to set apart at least Rs. 15-20 lakh, out o the ‘Members of Parliament Local Area Development Fund’ (MPLAD), for improvement of libraries in their constituencies.

    Shri Jagmohan also visited the National Museum and Dakshineshwar Temple and formulated a number of proposals for improving the environment of these complexes.