Survey and Collection of Public Domain Texts for Punjabi Wikisource

A significant amount of Punjabi and related historical literature remains unavailable in digital form despite being in the public domain. To address this gap, this project was launched to identify rare and out-of-print texts preserved in religious institutions and private collections, with the goal of making them accessible through Punjabi Wikisource and other Wikimedia projects.

Objectives

To identify copyright-free and out-of-print texts suitable for Punjabi Wikisource.

To locate rare manuscripts and historical publications preserved in religious institutions and private collections.

To establish contacts with custodians, scholars, and local resource persons for future digitization efforts.

To assess the availability of materials that can contribute to Wikimedia projects and the preservation of Punjabi literary heritage.

Survey and Collection of Public Domain Texts for Punjabi Wikisource

As part of an effort to identify and preserve copyright-free and out-of-print literary and historical materials for use on Punjabi Wikisource, a field survey was conducted across several religious and cultural centres in Punjab and Haryana on June 7, 2026.

The journey began at Dera Baba Gyan Dass Takhatmal (Sirsa), where we met Baba Purshoutam Dass, the caretaker and custodian of the dera. He provided information about the available manuscripts and old printed works preserved at the site. The survey then continued to Dera Baba Gobind Dass in Village Kewal (Sirsa), where Mahant Shiva Nand, who oversees the dera and its collections, facilitated access to historical materials and shared information regarding their preservation.

Further visits were made to Dera Sadhu Sadda Ram Ji in Village Giyana (Bathinda) and Dera Udaeen in Village Jajjal (Bathinda). The final visit was conducted at the residence of renowned Kavishar Rewati Raman in Talwandi Sabo.

During these visits, a significant collection of old texts was examined. Several manuscripts and printed works relating to Sanskrit literature, religion, philosophy, and Ayurveda were identified. A number of handwritten manuscripts were also found, indicating the potential availability of rare primary sources suitable for future digitization and preservation efforts.

At the residence of Kavishar Rewati Raman, old Punjabi qissas and other literary works were reviewed. These materials may provide valuable resources for enriching Punjabi-language digital heritage projects, including Punjabi Wikisource. Discussions were also held regarding the preservation of traditional Punjabi literary heritage and the possibility of making rare works more accessible through digital platforms.

The survey was conducted in the company of journalist Surinderpal Singh. Valuable local support and guidance were provided by Master Gurdarshan Singh of Village Giyana, who facilitated contacts and access to relevant collections. Professor Jagmeet Singh of Village Jajjal also assisted the effort by arranging visits to local deras, introducing resource persons, and helping identify old texts of potential historical and literary significance.

Besides examining the available materials, efforts were made to document information about the history of the institutions, the condition of the collections, and the prospects for future digitization. Preliminary discussions were held with custodians and local scholars regarding the importance of preserving rare and public-domain works through open-access platforms such as Wikisource.

The survey confirmed the existence of a considerable amount of unpublished, rare, and potentially public-domain material preserved in religious institutions and private collections. Further documentation, copyright assessment, digitization planning, and community collaboration will be required to make these resources accessible through Wikimedia projects.

Co-ordinator

Mulkh Singh

Discussion on VP

ਪਾਠਕਾਂ, ਲੇਖਕਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਮੁਲਾਕਾਤ ਅਤੇ ਘਰੇਲੂ ਲਾਇਬ੍ਰਰੇਰੀਆਂ ਤੱਕ ਪਹੁੰਚ

Outcomes of the Survey

Identified several collections of old printed books and handwritten manuscripts related to Sanskrit, religion, Ayurveda, and Punjabi literature.
Located a number of potentially public-domain works suitable for further copyright review and possible inclusion on Punjabi Wikisource.
Established contacts with custodians and scholars who can assist in accessing and documenting historical materials in the future.
Prepared a preliminary list of locations and collections for future digitization and preservation efforts.
Created opportunities for future collaboration between Wikimedia volunteers and local institutions preserving historical texts.

Phase II: Author Outreach and Permission Collection

On 21 June 2026, as part of the next phase of the project, a visit was made to the residence of Punjabi novelist, short story writer, and poet Gurdas Singh Palna in Village Phaggu, District Sirsa. The purpose of the visit was to discuss the possibility of making some of his literary works available through Wikimedia projects.

The visit was conducted in the company of two district-level journalists, Bhupinder Singh Panniwalia and Surinderpal Singh, who supported the outreach effort.

During the meeting, Gurdas Singh Palna expressed support for the initiative and granted permission for his novel Wahiwaan to be made available as free content for use on Wikimedia projects. This contribution will help expand the collection of freely accessible Punjabi literary works and support the preservation and dissemination of Punjabi literature through Wikisource.