Date: August 29, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Grade: 8
Chaperones: Ms. Sheila, Ms. Prithika & Mr. Amit Munjal & Ms. Reina
Facilitators – Asiatic: Ms. Ashwini, Mr. Dhairya (Archaeologists), Mr. Biplov & Mr. Aslam (Guides)
Group 1: Conservation Department This group witnessed the fascinating process of paper conservation explained by Conservation expert Mr Bhirud. They observed how old texts were cleaned of chemicals and reinforced with Japanese tissue to ensure their longevity. The students had the opportunity to ask questions and gain insights into the delicate art of preserving historical documents.
Group 2: Library Tour The second group embarked on a tour of the library, exploring its vast collection of books, from ancient texts to modern publications. They visited the research areas where scholars and Ph.D. students conduct their studies. The library’s use of the Dewey Decimal Classification system was also discussed.
Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Grade: 8
Chaperones: Ms. Sheila, Ms. Prithika & Mr. Amit Munjal & Ms. Reina
Facilitators – Asiatic: Ms. Ashwini, Mr. Dhairya (Archaeologists), Mr. Biplov & Mr. Aslam (Guides)
Introduction
Our class embarked on a fascinating educational trip to the Asiatic Library on August 29th. This renowned institution, known for its vast collection of historical and cultural artifacts, provided us with a unique opportunity to delve into the world of books and research.Arrival and Welcome
Upon reaching the library, we were warmly greeted by the tour guide and his team at the iconic steps. A group photo was taken to capture the moment.Durbar Hall Presentation
We were then led to the Durbar Hall, where archaeologists Ashwini , Dhairya , Biplov welcomed us and expressed their gratitude for our visit. A captivating presentation was given, highlighting the rich history of the library building and the significant contributions of the people involved in its establishment.Activities at Asiatic
The classes were divided into two groups to explore different aspects of the library.Group 1: Conservation Department This group witnessed the fascinating process of paper conservation explained by Conservation expert Mr Bhirud. They observed how old texts were cleaned of chemicals and reinforced with Japanese tissue to ensure their longevity. The students had the opportunity to ask questions and gain insights into the delicate art of preserving historical documents.
Group 2: Library Tour The second group embarked on a tour of the library, exploring its vast collection of books, from ancient texts to modern publications. They visited the research areas where scholars and Ph.D. students conduct their studies. The library’s use of the Dewey Decimal Classification system was also discussed.
Conclusion
Our visit to the Asiatic Library was an enriching experience for the students. They gained a deeper understanding of the library’s role as a center for research and learning. The exposure to historical artifacts and the opportunity to witness the conservation process were invaluable. This trip has undoubtedly sparked a renewed interest in books and knowledge among most of our students.Testimonials
Ahaan Kapadia, 8B
Visiting the Asiatic Library was an enriching experience. We started with a presentation in the gigantic Darbar Hall with a presentation about the history of the building which is based on Greek Neo – Classical architecture, Some important figures of the library and some special books such as the 13th ever copy of Dante’s Divine Comedy donated to the library by Mr. Elphinstone. We visited the conservation lab where we studied the process of restoring books. Starting with neutralizing acidic paper to then gluing on thin sheets of Japanese tissue paper, stitching all the pages together and covering them up. This was an intriguing process and I gained a newfound appreciation for book conservers and librarians. Next we visited the main library where we learnt about how libraries are organized using systems like the Dewey Decimal System and even about some texts that date back more than 500 years! In addition we discussed how the books are kept safe and about this library’s issuing and membership policies. All of this contributed to an incredible field trip experience. Thank you Miss Reina for organizing this amazing field trip.
Anika Bhimrajka, 8B
Visiting the Asiatic Library was like entering a whole new world, a world full of books and texts from ancient history. This tour, led by the helpful experts, was extremely informative and enticing, especially learning about the captivating process of conserving salient texts. The moment I stepped into the colossal neoclassical-art themed building, the pungent aroma of the paper wafted through the air, giving me an excited feeling to learn all about the art of making book covers, the importance of old texts, and the history of this breathtaking society. I had a pleasurable experience, and it certainly left an indelible mark on me. Thank you to the teachers for planning such an amazing field trip!
