Digitizing vedic treasures

 

Digital revolution has started long back and India has been doing this in a decent phase regardless of kind of content. However, when compared to western countries we have a long way to go. A paradigm shift has to happen for our publishers/authors to jump on this wagon to increase the reach of their content to millions of people. However, the adoption rate on electronic gadgets also plays a significant role in this process.

To be part of this whole thing, to increase the reach of various vedic treasures – particularly to Kanchi Sankara Mutt and Periyavas, I recently kick-started a project with an idea of releasing an e-book on all seven volumes of Deivathin Kural. Although it is available at

http://www.kamakoti.org, my plan was to make it readable in iPads, kindles and all kinds of electronic tablets that can eliminate carrying thick bound books. Also exchanging  ideas, discussing on a specific topics in a discussion forum would be made lot more easier as it is today. However, my plan did not materialize due to various copyright issues etc. So to lay a proper foundation, we gathered around 20 volunteers in US and some from India to correct all the spelling mistakes, type the missing contents in the existing contents of Deivathin Kural in kamakoti site based on Ra Ganapathi mama’s book version. We are nearing completion – hopefully in the next few weeks, kamakoti site will be refreshed with our updated contents. Thanks to all the volunteers who are still doing a fantastic job in this effort. Big thanks to Shri Suresh Panchanathan for rallying a great set of folks from his friends’ circle.

During my trip to Kanchi last month, I spent some time with both the Periyavas to show what I have undertaken and get their blessings. HH Pudhu Periyava blessed the whole team. HH Bala Periyava spent little longer time with me. I explained the need to digitize so that all the content from mutt would reach more people if digitized etc. He recognized the need and He directed me to start with digitizing  all of Adi Shankara’s works on stotrams, articles, bashyams etc. He spent some time to emphasis the need to focus on Adi Shankara’s works as they are the foundation to our culture and essential roots to cultivate bakthi etc. He has given a book series on one such thing. I went there to get blessing on one thing and came back with 20 extra books to digitize 🙂

Currently, I am talking to various publishers to bring their contents digitally. Although they appreciate the efforts, they still drag their feet in responding on a timely fashion.

I will be starting my first project soon. Once ready, they will be distributed to all for free. Currently these books are distributed for free at the mutt. These books will be made available for download from Apple, Amazon and various other online book stores for free. I need volunteers, who are tech-savvy for this – preferably with iOS and Android development experience…..

Stay tuned for more updates from me on this…..Hopefully I will deliver a series of eBooks soon.

Looks like either I need more hours in a day or do this as my main job – neither of them are going to be possible… Let us see what Periyava decides!