हेडर

(1) The Asiatic Society, Mumbai

The Asiatic Society of Mumbai is one of the oldest non-governmental institutions in Mumbai. It was set up on 26th November, 1804, by Sir James Mackintosh, the Recorder or King’s Judge for Bombay (as it was then called) to promote useful knowledge connected with India. In this venture, Sir James Mackintosh was inspired by Sir William Jones who had established the Asiatic Society of Bengal, two decades earlier. After its incorporation in 1830 with Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland, it was denominated the Bombay Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society in 1954, it was renamed the Asiatic Society of Bombay. It was renamed ‘The Asiatic Society of Mumbai in 2002. The Society is a Public Charitable Trust under the jurisdiction of the Charity Commissioner. It is registered under the Mumbai Public Trusts Act, 1950. The Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra is the ex-officio Chief Patron of the Society. The aims and objectives are as below:

1. To encourage the study of research in language, Philosophy, arts and natural and social science in relation to Asia in general and India, in particular.

2. To publish journals and other research publications

3. To maintain library.

4. To maintain museum.

5. To establish and maintain institutes and centers in fulfilment of the aims and objects of the Society.

6. To undertake all activities which are incidental and conducive to fulfilment of the above mentioned aims and objects.

The details of funds allocation and funds released during the last five years are as under:

(2) CONNEMARA PUBLIC LIBRARY (CPL), CHENNAI

Connemara Public Library is at Egmore in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. This is one of the oldest libraries in the country. This library is one of the four National Depository Libraries which receive a copy of all books, newspapers and periodicals published in India under the provisions of Delivery of Books and Newspapers (Public Libraries) Act, 1954 and amended in 1956.

Connemara Public Library in Tamil Nadu was established in the 19th century by Lord Connemara, the Governor of Madras from 1886 to 1890, who recognized the importance of library services. The foundation stone was laid on March 22, 1890, and the library was formally opened on December 5, 1896. It was named in honor of Lord Connemara for his contributions.

The library became the State-Central Library on April 1, 1950, under the Tamil Nadu Public Libraries Act, 1948. On September 10, 1955, it was designated as one of the four depositories for Indian publications under the Delivery of Books and Newspapers (Public Libraries) Act of 1954. It also became a UNESCO Information Centre in 1955 and a depository for Asian Development Bank publications in 1992.

This contains a huge collection of Books (more than 9 lakhs). The library contains mainly books in English and Tamil. Also, the library contains books in languages such as Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali. Connemara Public Library is a truly multifaceted institution providing information, inspiration and recreation to research, reference and general reading public, not only to the residents of Chennai but also to the entire country.

The details of funds released during last five years:-

(3) THANJAVUR MAHARAJA SERFOJI’S SARASVATI MAHAL LIBRARY

Thanjavur is renowned for her great art, culture and literature for over ten centuries. Successive generations of the Chola, the Nayaks and the Marathas have enriched its cultural heritage. The Cholas contributed their magnificent temples, sculptures and paintings to enrich the culture of the Tamil. The Brihadeshwara Temple is the symbol of the patronage of art by the Chola dynasty.

The Sarasvati Mahal Library is one such institutions. It was started during the reign of Raghunatha Nayak when it was known as “Saraswati Bhandar” which later became the Thanjavur Maharaja Serfoji’s Sarasvati Mahal Library and Research Centre. It is one of the oldest libraries in Asia.

The Sarasvati Mahal Library stands as a prestigious institution housing a vast collection of manuscripts, maps, paintings, and ancient books. Regarded as one of the marvels of the world, it is undeniably a valuable repository of knowledge. The profound impact of the great Cholas, the scholarly contributions of the Telugu Nayak Kings (1535-1675), and the intellectual endeavors of the Maratha Kings (1675 to 1855) who governed the Thanjavur principality over the centuries have significantly enriched Tamil culture. Serfoji II the best that both the east and west had to offer. He was a great lover of art and ardent collector of books, Manuscripts etc. He is largely responsible for the priceless collection of books, manuscripts and other artifacts available in the library. Rajah Serfoji, a polymath, has further enhanced this esteemed legacy with his linguistic prowess and refinement. The library's manuscripts, written on palm leaves and paper, in various languages like Sanskrit, Telugu, Marathi and Tamil which cover a wide array of subjects including Philosophy, Medicine, Astrology, Grammar, Folklore, and Mythology. Serving as a hub of knowledge, it provides research scholars and students with a vast reservoir of literary wealth for their academic pursuits. Scholars from across India and beyond frequent the library to access information for their studies and research. In order to disseminate the knowledge contained in these manuscripts, the library publishes books and offers editing services by esteemed scholars.

The details of funds released during last five years: -

(4) STATE CENTRAL LIBRARY, MUMBAI

The Central Library was established on 26th June, 1947 under the Privatemanagement of Asiatic Society of Bombay on the recommendation of the LibraryDevelopment Committee, which was appointed under the chairmanship of Shri. A. A.A.Fyzee by the Government of Bombay in 1939-40.

In 1955, the Government of India notified the Central Library as National DepositoryPublic Library under the Delivery of Books and Newspaper Act, 1954 (amended in 1956) and Booksstarted coming in from December 1955.

Functions of the State Central Library

1. Acquisition, maintenance and preservation of books and periodicals received under the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867 and the Delivery of Books and Newspaper Act, 1954 (amended in 1956).

2. To serve the general public as a reference library for all books, periodicals, and newspaper received under the acts.

3. To maintain a collection of rare books.

4. Reference service on the premises and by correspondence.

5. According to the above-mentioned Act, this Library publish and maintain bibliography of books of Marathi language every year.

Library Building

The library is a growing organization and there is insufficient space in State Central Library, located at Mumbai. Hence, the library has 04 sub-centers located at Thane, Andheri, Mulund, Byculla.

The details of funds released during last five years: -

(5) Vrindaban Research Institute, Vrindavan (Mathura)

The Vrindavan Research Institute (VRI) was founded by Dr. Ram Das Gupta on an auspicious occasion of Bihar Panchami (Prakatya diwas of Lord Thakur Shri Bankey Bihari Ji) 24th November, 1968. The VRI has successfully completed 55 years of its work since establishment.

The Primary aim of the institute is to save and preserve the Indian cultural heritage by collecting, preserving, studying and publishing the manuscripts and to demonstrate other archival material and artifacts of folk art and culture of India as general and of Braj as particular. The VRI is completely devoted to fulfill its aims and objects by research and bringing out publications on rare and unpublished manuscripts preserved in its library. The VRI works on folk cultural and traditional heritage of Braj also. The VRI organizes regularly, lectures, seminars, exhibitions on Indology, workshops on manuscript conservation and Braj music and other cultural programs to save our cultural heritage. More than 60 research based, literary and cultural publications have been brought out by the VRI so far. A quarterly literary magazine ‘Braj Salila’ is also published by the VRI. The institute has completed several research projects and is regularly engaged at present.

There is a rich collection of manuscripts on paper, palm leaf and bamboo leaf etc. including rare manuscripts in the field of Vaishnva Philosophy, Religious and Devotional Historical, Literature, Astrology, Ayurveda, Jyotish, Tantra etc. Together with these the Institute has collected Farmans and other documents a number of which include royal court edicts of immense importance. A Jain manuscript bears the earliest date V.S. 1460. The Palm leaf manuscripts have still earlier dates.

The VRI has a well developed conservation laboratory to preserve the manuscripts in which the experts provide respective treatment to the damage manuscripts with advanced technology.

The VRI has developed the Braj Culture Museum it its campus with the financial support of Ministry of Culture, Government of India and Department of Culture, Government of Uttar Pradesh. Rare manuscripts on paper, palm leaf, bamboo leaf etc., miniature paintings, Farmans, Images, Coins and other artifacts related to Braj culture viz. musical instruments, apron of deities, the articles used by the vaishnavas etc. are displayed in respective galleries of the museum. Several low relief panels demonstrating religious history, festivals and other cultural aspects of Braj culture are also displayed with their introduction.

The details of funds allocation and Fund released to the VRI by the Ministry of Culture, Govt. India are as under:-

(6) LIBRARY OF TIBETAN WORKS AND ARCHIVES (LTWA), DHARMASHALA

The LTWA set up in the year 1970 in Dharamshala is a non-governmental organisation. The aims of the LTWA are to acquire and conserve Tibetan books and manuscripts, to provide intensified reference service and to act as a reference center for Tibetan manuscripts, painting and objects of art. The main activities of the library are to provide research facilities, act as a reference center through collection of all manuscripts, texts, documentation and written materials to run regular courses on Buddhist Philosophy and Tibetan tradition wood carving and Tagka paintings make films and document all aspect of Tibetan Civilization under its Oral History Project, publish and reprint Tibetan texts, research papers, translation of important Tibetan works including Tibetan Journal and Tibetan Medicine Service and conduct lectures and seminars from time to time.

Ministry of Culture provides regular grant-in-aid for maintenance and development to LTWA. The details of funds allocation and Fund released for last five year:-

(7) TIBET HOUSE, NEW DELHI

The Tibet House, New Delhi, a Charitable Society set up by his Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1965, is a regular grantee under this Department’s scheme of Financial Assistance for the Development of Buddhist/Tibetan Organization. The main aims and objectives of the Tibet House are to promote, Preserve and protect the Tibetan Culture, encourage the exchange of ideas and techniques between Tibetan and non Tibetan artists and craftsmen, to assist the Tibetan artists and craftsmen, to educate Tibetan in Indian History and Indian way of life, etc. and to promote and revive the various classical and folk dances, music, art and crafts etc.

The organization is given regular grant-in-aid for maintenance and development by Govt. of India, Ministry of Culture. The details of funds allocation and Fund released for last five years are as under: -

(8) TAWANG MONASTERY, ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Tawang Monastery is one the oldest and largest Monastic institution in the North-East India. It was established in the 17th Century. It has about 300 monks, about 150 of whom are students.

In 1972, the Prime Minister, Smt. Indira Gandhi, paid a visit to the Monastery at the invitation of the then Abott of the Monastery, Ven. Rigya Rinpoche. At her inspiration, a school was started by the Monastery for educating the monks. Some seed money was also given by the Government of India for it. The School started functioning since 1977. It has been re- christened as Centre for Buddhist Cultural Studies (CBCS, Tawang Monastery)

The regular grant-in-aid is being given by the Ministry of Culture to the Monastery every year. The details of funds allocation and Fund released for last five years are as under:-

(9) NAMGYAL INSTITUTE OF TIBETOLOGY (NIT), GANGTOK

The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (NIT), Gangtok is an autonomous organization under the State Government of Sikkim and was set up in 1958 for research and studies in Tibetology. The Institute has done significant work in promoting research in Chho (Tibetan of Dharma) and of associated subject like Iconography, medicine, astrology, history etc. It undertakes special research and publication programmes. It publishes quarterly journal, a bulletin on Tibetology conversing the history, art, and culture of Tibet. It also provides research facilities to scholars in Tibetology and allied subjects.

The Institute receives maintenance and development grant from the Government of India, Ministry of Culture. The details of funds allocation and Fund released during last five years are as under:-

(10) International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), New Delhi

International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), New Delhi was conceived in August 2011, at an International Workshop in New Delhi, where 28 delegated from 11 countries unanimously agreed on the need to form a new international Buddhist umbrella body that would serve as a common platform for Buddhists worldwide.

It has been established under the patronage of the supreme Buddhist religious hierarchy, it currently has a membership drawn from 39 countries, of over 320 organisations, both monastic and lay, that include world bodies, national and regional federations, orders, temples bodies and monasteries, international organisations, institutions etc.

The IBC aims to make Buddhist values and principles a part of the global discourse by presenting a united Buddhist voice in issue that concern all humankind.

Financial support: During the financial year 2013-14, the Ministry of Culture sanctioned a non-recurring grant of Rs. 73,97,000/- to IBC under the Scheme of Institute of National Presence. During the current financial year 2014-15 regular grant–in-aid allocated to IBC and the position of funds allocation and funds released for last five years are as under:

(11) GRL Monastic School, Bomdila,Arunachal Pradesh

The GRL Monastic School, Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh was established with the government initiative and assistance after the Chinese Aggression of 1962. During the course of this aggression panic-stricken people and monks fled from this area to take shelter in Shilong and other areas. Due to the confidence building measures of the government normalcy was restored and people returned to their native places. Observing the influence of the Buddhist Monasteries on the people of this area the then Chief Commissioner of NEFA, Mr. K.A.A. Raja and the then Deputy Commission of the then Kameng District, Mr. T.Haralu took keen interest and initiative for establishing the Bomdila Monastery and the GRL Monastic School under the aegis of Buddhist Cultural Preservation Society for cultural integration of this tribal and border area with Indian mainstream.

The Mungekar Committee submitted its report in Feb. 2010 making various recommendations which were considered by the Committee of Secretaries in its meeting held on 8th July, 2010 under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary. As per one of the recommendations of the Mungekar Committee regular financial support to GRL Monastic School on the same pattern of Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh, was considered. Accordingly, with the approval of Secretary(C), an amount of Rs. 486.17 lakhs has been approved to GRL Monastic School Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh initially for a period of 5 years i.e 2012-13 to 2016-17(regular non-plan support) to meet its recurring expenses:

The Ministry of Culture started regular grant-in-aid to GRL Monastic School during the year 2012-13 to meet its recurring expenses. The details of funds allocation and released for last five years are as under:-