The Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Rashtrapati Nivas, Shimla, successfully concluded a two-day workshop on “Heritage of Ancient Writing Traditions in the Western Himalaya—Conservation of Scripts and Manuscripts of Himachal Pradesh” today.
The workshop, held on April 21–22, 2026, brought together scholars and experts for in-depth discussions on the preservation of ancient scripts and manuscripts, along with their reading traditions, digitization, documentation, and historical and cultural significance.
The programme aimed to promote research and conservation of manuscript traditions in the Western Himalayan region, particularly Himachal Pradesh. It highlighted scripts such as Pabuchi, Tankri, Pandavani, and Chandvani, which are historically linked to the Sharada script.
During the technical sessions, experts delivered lectures on manuscript preservation techniques, the evolution of regional scripts, traditional reading methods, and documentation practices. The sessions also included interactive academic exchanges on key themes related to manuscript studies.
The workshop was inaugurated with a manuscript exhibition showcasing rare examples of ancient writing traditions. Scholars present at the event stressed the urgent need to preserve and document such invaluable cultural heritage.
The valedictory session was presided over by Prof. Uma C. Vaidya, Tagore Fellow at IIAS, with Prof. Kavar Singh Sharma attending as the Chief Guest. Prof. Om Prakash Sharma, Coordinator of the workshop, presented a comprehensive report outlining the key discussions and outcomes, emphasizing the importance of digitization, cataloguing, and systematic preservation for future research.
In his address, Prof. Kavar Singh Sharma described ancient scripts and manuscripts as a vital foundation of India’s knowledge heritage and called for stronger efforts to preserve them at all levels.
Prof. Uma C. Vaidya, in her remarks, highlighted both the technical and practical dimensions of manuscript conservation and stressed the need for sustained research and capacity building in the field.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Om Prakash Sharma. The proceedings were moderated by Dr. Akhilesh Pathak, Public Relations Officer of IIAS.
The workshop concluded as an important academic initiative, strengthening dialogue and research in the field of ancient script and manuscript preservation, and paving the way for future scholarly work.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
