I am a passive member of the group but I watch all the activities (My other commitments doesn't permit me to participate in the group and I am sorry for that). It is really refreshing to see all your activities.
I write this mail in reference to Poongulazhi's two mails on (Apr 22 & May 22) about discussions with Dr. Nagasamy. Also, I saw some talk about digitizing various Tamil works in the group (I couldn't trace that mail). I write this based on the above two.
It all started with the effort of single man Roja Muthiah from Kottaiyur in Chettinad who single handedly collected all these precious pieces as he had dedicated his life and wealth for this sole purpose. And his death illustrates his commitment to his passion, as he died due to the chemicals he used for preserving the books.
It houses tens of thousands of old Tamil (some other languages too) books, magazines, pamphlets, leaflets and so on. They digitize these valuable publications by microfilming and many other advanced techniques. And the master copies of all these microfilms are preserved underground in USA. This library is particularly useful for many researchers around the world who come and stay here and use the library resources. And to tell the professional way of RMRL, the employees of Tamil Nadu state Archival department were trained in RMRL for various techniques including microfilming.
Having said about RMRL I believe that RMRL will be in an unique position to house the books of Mr. Nagasamy and I am reasonably sure that RMRL will also accept it if it comes through. Also, the digitizing efforts that is being planned can be executed in collaboration with RMRL as they employ highest standards in doing this.
Currently Mr. Sundar is the Director of it after stalwarts like Theodare Baskaran and few others.
I am to meet him on 9/6 Monday (it is not confirmed) afternoon at RMRL to discuss these and some other issues. I would like to know your views abt these points.