Pune: Deccan College Postgraduate and Research Institute (Deemed University) has launched an online platform called 'Virasat,' offering access to its rare manuscripts, ancient texts, and valuable research materials.
The institution, known for its rich cultural heritage, has now digitized these resources, making them accessible through an online portal and mobile app.
At a recent convocation ceremony, the digital library 'Virasat' and its accompanying app were officially launched. The event was graced by dignitaries such as Dr. Pramod Pandey, Vice-Chancellor of Deccan College, and Dr. Prashant Dhakephalkar, Director of Agharkar Research Institute.
The digital platform was developed in collaboration with VIR Softech Private Limited, a New Delhi-based startup.
According to Dr. Trupti More, the librarian at Deccan College, the initiative aims to promote innovation and preserve the institution's extensive cultural heritage.
“We are dedicated to encouraging innovation and protecting our rich cultural legacy through this initiative. The digital repository supports the institution's research, education, and historical collections, promoting professional engagement,” she stated.
The app developed alongside the portal allows users to explore and interact with the rich content of Deccan College’s library. It provides access to a wide range of e-books, rare maps, topographic sheets, and research publications.
Users can easily navigate through e-books, e-journals, e-resources, and other Deccan College publications through the app.
This digital library aims to make the institution's rare and valuable resources accessible to scholars, researchers, and users worldwide. The platform focuses on personalizing access to research and academic knowledge, as highlighted by Dr. More.
Key Features of the Portal:
Access to manuscripts and ancient texts from Deccan College’s library
Rare books published between 1523 and 1960
Annual research and major research publications from the university
Annual reports, Ph.D. dissertations, dissertation maps, topographic sheets, and audiovisual content
Microfilms and microfiches
The Virasat portal can be accessed at https://virasat.dcpune.ac.in/jspui/.
