The New Nation - Internet Edition

High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh H.E. Mr Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty presented a 55 volume work on the History of India Science, Philosophy and Culture that has been brought out by the Centre for Studies in Civilization in India as a gift to the Central Library of the Dhaka University. The books were handed over to the Vice Chancellor Prof S.M.A Faiz at a ceremony held in the Senate building of the University yesterday in the presence of Deans of Faculties and other Academicians.

This 55 volume publication is a part of a research project presently being administered by New Delhi-based Non Governmental Organisation, Centre for Studies in Civilization, under the Chairmanship of Professor D. P. Chattopadhaya, and is expected to be spread over 100 volumes. The idea of undertaking a comprehensive research project of interdisciplinary study of history of Indian Science, Philosophy and Culture was initially conceived in 1981. It was approved for funding by Government of India under its 8th Five Year Plan in 1991. The scope of the work includes history of Indian philosophy; various Indian art forms including Music, Art, Architecture; Mathematics; Science; aspects of India's international relations; Medicine and life sciences in India, Indian women; etc.

At the ceremony, High Commissioner H.E. Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty mentioned that given the high prestige associated with the project, only a select academic institutions of excellence worldwide are being presented with this publication. The University of Dhaka has been selected as one of the two leading institutions in Bangladesh for presenting this collection.

While accepting the gift, Vice Chancellor Prof S.M.A Faiz extended his thanks to the High Commissioner for the presentation of the books, and said that the publications would be a significant addition to the Central Library, and constitute important reference material for students and scholars of the University, says a press release.

Kazi Zafar Ahmad