First of its kind automatic book-sanitizing machine unveiled at NEHU

SHILLONG: The first-of-its-kind device — the 'Auto Book Sanitizing Composite Machine' — was unveiled and inaugurated at the Central Library of the North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), here by Prof. SK Srivastava, Vice Chancellor (VC) of the varsity in the presence of faculty and staff. The programme was conducted following the nCoVID-19 SOPs (Standard Operating Protocols).

In his inaugural address as the chief guest of the programme, Prof. Srivastava acknowledged the talent and hard work put in by the NEHU team in bringing out this innovative product for the University Library. He also lauded this timely intervention of the indigenous technology to generate safety measures to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic for the benefit of the society at large. The development of such a sanitizing machine is a fantastic fusion of libraries — a place to provide knowledge — and the School of Technology — the place to convert that knowledge into the means for social benefit. Prof. Srivastava introduced the idea of christening the product by the acronym, 'ABSCoM'.

This sanitizing machine functions in an auto-controlled mode to sanitize all kinds of reading materials without causing any kind of damage to the material. Dr. FR Sumer, Librarian In-charge, NEHU, stated that such a device was the need of the hour. He added that its necessity was felt about two months ago. The technology helps to manage the handling of the books and other reading materials, while in circulation among the students and other users, especially in the post lockdown situation, stated a release.

The objective to bring about this innovation is to keep a facility ready for a COVID-free environment in the University Library for a safe use of the books under circulation.

The innovative product of 'Book Sanitizing' has been translated from a thought to reality and invented by a team of the innovators and product developers from the Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Department of Basic Sciences & Social Sciences, NEHU. The team comprises Vinayak Majhi, Ashit K. Baruah, Richman Kharwanniang, Dr Aseem Sinha and Dr. Sudip Paul in collaboration with Dr. FR. Sumer, JP Nongbri and BJD Wahlang from the Central Library of the University.

The project was sanctioned by the 'Incubation Centre' of the University. The product was made ready along with its testing in the short period of nearly two-and-half months. The team had to overcome many challenges due to the pandemic situation, during the months of May to July this year. Training was imparted to the library staff to operate the machine.

ABSCoM is an indigenously developed safe, user-friendly, and cost-effective device, with the capacity to sanitize up to 150 books in a single cycle of about 45 minutes at a recurring minimal cost of 20-30 paise per book.

Other dignitaries and the invited guests who spoke in the function included Prof. H. Lamin, PVC, NEHU Shillong Campus, Dr. JN Nayak, Registrar, LMK Lyngrah, Finance Officer and Prof. D Walia, CEO, Incubation Centre, NEHU.

Dr. Aseem Sinha — one of the members of the product-development team — presented an overview of the project. It was followed by the live demonstration of the machine by Vinayak Majhi and Ashik K. Baruah.

Dr. Sudip Paul delivered the vote of thanks in the function, the release added.

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