Mysore/Mysuru: Karnataka State Dr. Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nagesh V. Bettakote has regretted that the Universities of Folk, Music and Sanskrit are severely being deprived of development in the absence of adequate financial grants.

He was giving a special lecture programme ‘Grantha Sampadanashastrada Parichaya’ (Manuscriptology – an introduction), jointly organised by the Oriental Research Institute (ORI), University of Mysore, Mysuru and Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA), Regional Centre, Bengaluru, at Vijnana Bhavan, University of Mysore,   here recently.

“The habit of studying ancient literary works is diminishing among the present day students. With this trend, how can one know the geographical factors?” he wondered and said that ORI introduced Kautilya’s Arthashastra to the world.

“Even today, Kautilya’s Arthashastra helps us to understand the present political, economical and social conditions of our country,” opined the VC.

“The invaluable books that are housed in ORI should be made easily available to all libraries, researchers and research students. This will facilitate the unearthing of many hidden and unknown true incidents which can be offered for public use. It is commendable that the ORI and IGNCA have signed a memorandum in this connection,” added Prof. Bettakote.

“More research needs to done about ancient manuscripts and inscriptions which needs financial grants from the Government. When it is not made available adequately, the protection and research of ancient will be affected. Of late, people are after fast paced life styles which poses threat to the very existence of life,” said the VC.

“To preserve ancient arts and literature, the Government has established Folk, Music and Sanskrit Universities. The Government should provide sufficient grants and develop them. The Government had said earlier that while implementing the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020, special priority will be given to the development of these Universities. But that has not been implemented yet,” regretted VC Prof. Bettakote.

Retired Scholar of ORI Dr. S. Jagannath spoke about Manuscriptology. ORI Director Dr. D.P. Madhusudanacharya, Deputy Director Dr. C. Parvati, IGNCA Coordinating Assistant R. Swaksha,  Indira Gandhi National Open University Regional (IGNOU)- Bengaluru Director S. Mahendra were present at the function.