BACKGROUND

Unlike other scriptures, the Sikh scriptures (writings included in Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Bhai Gurdas Bani, Bhai Nand Lal Bani, Bani of the 10th Guru) are not available in electronic media for creating data bases to facilitate research and scholarly activity. Towards correcting this situation, the Academy of Guru Granth Studies announced a new project to promote dissemination of several Sikh scriptures in the form of computer data bases. The availability of the Sikh scriptures on a computer disk will: facilitate development and transfer of research data files; increase the ease of publication; enhance capabilities to conduct research On various themes or topics; construct tables of references, indexes and synonyms; provide technology to link words or verses to their translations and graphic material; encourage researchers to undertake type of research which they previously postponed to do for fear of searching of the voluminous material and for personal responsibility of establishing authenticity of available materials.

In the past few years there have been many talks and individual attempts to undertake similar projects. However, it has been found too big a project for individuals to embark upon. We, therefore, undertook to pool the talent of like-minded enthusiasts for planning, coordinating and promoting a comprehensive project with whatever sources we can muster. However, there is no desire on the part of the organizers to discourage any other effort already in progress, The project will be based on the kind of seva as obligated on every Sikh by Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji’s scribe, Bhai Gurdas,

Thus contribution of time for key board entry of the scriptures will be solicited from as many volunteers as can be accommodated. A committee has been formed to coordinate the project. All those interested in participation are urged to write or call to the address given below. Many of those already volunteered are being sent a communication to describe the project in detail to initiate a two way Communication between all those participating in this project. Because no general mailing is planned, everyone is urged to pass on this information to other friends who may be interested in participation,

To provide an organizational structure and stability, the project was organized under the auspices of The Academy of Guru Granth Studies. However, a project coordinating group has been formed to oversee every aspect of the project. The Academy was recently established to promote research and scholarly activities related to Sri Guru Granth Sahib and supporting scriptures. At present our plans call for the contribution of labor and intellect; general collection of funds is not anticipated.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the project is to create a comprehensive data base of the Sikh scriptures in the microprocessor using Gurmukhi fonts and to develop a user friendly software for easy access of these data for the purposes illustrated above, It is planned to package the data bases with the software and made available to the public on a suitable storage disk at a minimal cost. Almost all of the labor will be contributed free of charge with a view that all proceeds can be invested back in the project to cover the cost of development, production, distribution and upgrades, The project is entirely nonprofit.

To participate in the computer data entry phase, you will need access to a computer. The general guidelines for those who already have access   a computer arc given below, Those who wish to purchase a computer, may consult any one of us listed below,

Front

Anandpur Lipi fond developed and distributed by MaBoli Systems, Inc. (contact person, Sardar Jasbir Singh, Ma-Boli Systems, Inc. P.O. Box 32010, Cleveland, OH 44132-0010 tel (216)-7316561 fax (216)-731-6561) has been selected for this project, Arrangements has been made with the distributor to provide this font at discount for use in this project. Additionally, those who cannot afford to purchase the font may apply to the Academy for a small grant to under-write their purchase. Both Macintosh and PC (Window with Adobe Type Manager) versions are available. Only authorized copy of the fonts will be allowed for use in this project. Software

Microsoft Word for Windows, Mac Write or Word-Perfectar preferred word processors. However, any software with flexibility of the font access and file storage in standard text form will be acceptable.

Style

Each participant will be provided with a style sheet and other instructions for typing in the scriptures, Please contact the undersigned at your earliest convenience to obtain these instructions so that you may being this project right away.

Typing Assignments

 Coordination is imperative so that duplications and redundancies are prevented; we have established a system of assigning specific quotas for typing to each volunteer and will monitor the progress closely. Services of skilled Sranthics have been secured to proof-read the typed material, however, we urge every volunteer to proof read carefully immediately after typing to minimize the typing errors.

You are urged to send your request for assignment to Bhai Harbans Lal as soon as possible. Completed assignments are required to be copied on a floppy disk and mailed to Dr. Gurpal Singh (Mac) or Bhai Harbans Lal (PC) at your earliest convenience,

Please do not hesitate to call any of us, should you have a suggestion to make or need any help in this project. We plan to get in touch with all those responding to this letter,

Sikh Scripture

Project Coordinators Several committed volunteers and advisors are helping in this project in different capacities. How- ever, you may correspond with the following with the following members of the Project team as given be- low.

Dr.Harbans Lal, 6415 Amicable Dr., Arlington TX 76016 tel.(817)-654- 0844, fax (817)-735-2091; Dr. Gurpal Singh, 14713 Green Forest Dr., Colonial Heights VA 23834 tel. (804)-530-3001 fax (804). 452-1270,

Article extracted from this publication >> October 23, 1992