How Are Madhya Pradesh & Maharashtra Preserving the ‘Modi Script’?
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Synopsis
Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra are taking significant steps to preserve the historical 'Modi script,' vital for documenting the Marathi language. This collaborative effort not only aims to protect cultural heritage but also to digitize manuscripts and promote their relevance in today's digital age.
Key Takeaways
- Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra are collaborating to preserve the Modi script.
- 21 lakh manuscripts in Modi lipi have already been preserved.
- Digitization efforts are underway to protect historical manuscripts.
- Digital resources and applications are available for learning the Modi script.
- Competitions and community events promote awareness and appreciation of the script.
Bhopal, May 10 (NationPress) Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra have united to safeguard the “Modi scripts”, which once served as a crucial means for documenting Marathi and other languages.
The Chief Ministers of both states convened in Bhopal on Saturday to address this important issue.
According to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, “We have already preserved 21 lakh (2.1 million) manuscripts in Modi lipi (script), and we can collaborate to further preserve and publish these manuscripts.”
As this script faces the threat of fading away, efforts are being made by scholars and linguists in both states to protect its cultural heritage.
A significant initiative includes the ongoing digitization of historical manuscripts in Maharashtra, aimed at preventing their decay and ensuring accessibility for future generations.
Modi is a script used primarily to write the Marathi language, which is predominantly spoken in Maharashtra.
The oldest known document in the Modi script originates from 1389 and is housed at the Bharat Itihas Sansodhan Mandal in Pune. A scholar informed IANS that Modi is thought to have evolved from fragmented Devanagari characters and represents a modification of the Balbodh style of the Devanagari script, designed for continuous writing.
To promote the script, various web applications, Facebook groups, and YouTube pages for online learning are already in place, alongside competitions held in Maharashtra.
A dedicated app named Modi Puratan Dastavej Jatan Pranali serves as a platform for annotating and typing Modi text, while also offering a transliteration system that enables smooth conversion to Devanagari.
This strategy effectively connects the ancient with the modern, allowing the Modi script to maintain its identity while adapting to contemporary requirements.
Researchers can access a dataset called MODI-HHDoc, which contains thousands of handwritten Modi documents, assisting in the development of recognition and transcription systems to further facilitate digitization.
To enhance learning and application of the script, digital resources have been developed. For instance, the ‘The Modilipi Shika’ app is an essential resource for those keen on grasping the fundamental characters and the complex conjunct writing of the Modi script.
Moreover, the specially created font MODI-SHAHU ensures accurate text display across digital platforms, preserving the unique characteristics of the script.
Virtual keyboards and transliteration tools have also been introduced, simplifying user interaction with and study of the script in a modern digital context.
The Jagtik Mod Lipi Prasar Samiti in Mumbai actively promotes the script through state-level competitions. Initiatives like the Modi Script Online and various Facebook groups encourage discussions about the script's historical and cultural significance while providing a platform for enthusiasts to exchange information and discoveries.
Educational resources are being crafted to teach the intricacies of the script, ensuring that it is not only preserved but also actively utilized in writing and calligraphy across various platforms. A key element of this preservation effort is the connection between the Modi and Devanagari scripts, a widely used writing system in India.
Point of View
The preservation of the Modi script exemplifies a commitment to cultural heritage and linguistic diversity. Ensuring that such vital scripts are protected and promoted reflects a broader appreciation for India's rich tapestry of languages and traditions, reinforcing the nation's cultural integrity.
NationPress
14/05/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Modi script?
The Modi script is a writing system used primarily for the Marathi language, known for its unique characteristics and historical significance.
Why is the Modi script being preserved?
The Modi script is at risk of fading away, and preservation efforts aim to protect this vital cultural heritage for future generations.
What initiatives are in place for digitizing Modi manuscripts?
Ongoing digitization projects in Maharashtra aim to prevent the deterioration of historical manuscripts and make them accessible for future generations.
How can people learn the Modi script today?
Various digital resources, including apps and online platforms, have been developed to facilitate the learning of the Modi script.
What role do competitions play in promoting the Modi script?
Competitions organized by groups like Jagtik Mod Lipi Prasar Samiti encourage engagement and interest in the Modi script, fostering community involvement.
