October 6, 2004
Microfilm and Book Binding Equipment Handed Over to TU Central Library
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Minister-Counselor of the Embassy of Japan, Mr. Hiroshi Zingu handed over the microfilm and book binding equipment to TU Central Library in a function organized on October 4, 2004 at Tribhuvan University. The Embassy of Japan had extended a grant of thirty-one million and three hundred thousand Yen ( 31,300,000), equivalent to twenty million, three hundred and seventy-six thousand Rupees (NRs. 20,376,000) under the cultural grant-in-aid scheme for the supply of microfilm and book binding equipment to the library in Japanese fiscal year 2002.
The main objective of the grant is aimed at promoting cultural, educational and research activities, preservation of cultural assets and relics, as well as preserving historically valuable books and old documents. The grant covers the cost for procurement, transportation and installation of the necessary equipment.
The microfilm and book binding equipment provided to the TUCL is expected to preserve valuable literature and historical records including Sanskrit manuscripts, literature, books on religion, as well as repair them.
Since 1978, the Government of Japan has been providing equipment to Nepal under this scheme, including paleo-magnetic equipment to the Central Department of Geology of Tribhuvan University, display equipment to the National Museum, an offset printing machine to the Royal Nepal Academy, sports equipment to the National Sports Council, and educational TV programs to Nepal Television, etc.
The TUCL was established in 1959 along with the Tribhuvan University. Since then it has been rendering service to university teachers, students, foreign scholars and the general public. The library has been deemed as the only library in Nepal that has a huge collection of documents and periodicals for research purposes. The library has planned to incorporate programs such as total library automation, Internet online databases, and ultimately to develop the TUCL as one of the best training centers of South East Asia, networking with the national and regional libraries for resource sharing in the future.
After handing over the equipment, Mr. Jingu warmly praised the aim and work of the university and the library. Emphasizing the importance of preserving archives of Sanskrit, Hindi, Nepali and other languages in the library as a legacy of the Nepali people, he expressed his hope that the equipment would also benefit the visitors, both Nepali and foreigners for their research and studies. Furthermore, He expressed his belief that the grant will be utilized properly and effectively and the project will prove to be yet another milestone in fostering cordial relations of friendship and cooperation existing between the two countries.
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