Date:30/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/30/stories/2008013059270400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Gandhi Bhavan to digitise library

Bageshree S.

Bangalore: Gandhiji may have done all his writing painstakingly in longhand at a humble writing desk. But if they are to be read by the e-savvy generation, they have to be made accessible through forms other than print.

Gandhi Bhavan in Bangalore is trying to do just that by making material on and by Gandhiji compliant with the information technology age. It has put forward a proposal to digitise its library and start a website at a cost of Rs. 30 lakh, which is now pending before the Ministry of Human Resource Development.

“Young people are interested in Gandhiji. We should also do our bit to make him more accessible to them,” said president of the bhavan H. Srinivasiah. He is in touch with Infosys Chief Mentor N.R. Narayana Murthy and Sudha Murthy of Infosys Foundation for help with the process of digitisation. “Gandhi Museum in Delhi has already gone digital and is receiving enquiries from all over the world,” said Mr. Srinivasiah.

Updating museum

The bhavan also plans to update its museum at a cost of Rs. 10 lakh. “We want to add features like audio aids to listen to the taped speeches of Gandhiji,” he said.

The bhavan building, which was done up at a cost of Rs. 1 crore by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) last year, might soon get additional facilities such a guesthouse and a canteen. The bhavan authorities have sent a proposal asking that the BDA to refurbish the building on Kumara Krupa Road at a cost of Rs. 50 lakh. “Freedom fighters and Gandhian activists find it difficult to find a place to stay when they come to Bangalore. This will help them,” said Mr. Srinivasiah.