On November 23, 2021, the Abdul Majid Bhurgri Institute of Language Engineering, Hyderabad, launched a groundbreaking tool designed to convert Sindhi texts composed in the old Ayaz Shah font into modern Unicode standards. This tool addresses a critical need in the preservation and accessibility of Sindhi language resources, as many valuable documents created using the Ayaz Shah font have become difficult to use in contemporary digital environments.
The converter tool stands out for its ability to handle bulk conversions, making it particularly useful for individuals and organizations with large volumes of Sindhi material in the outdated font. Its user-friendly interface ensures that even those with limited technical skills can easily convert their texts, enabling broader access to these important cultural documents.
However, despite the tool’s potential to significantly enhance the usability of Sindhi texts, a major limitation remains: it has not been made available online. This restricts access to the tool, particularly for those who are not physically close to the institute or lack local access. As a result, many users are unable to convert their documents as needed, limiting the tool’s overall impact.
The introduction of this converter is a significant step toward preserving the Sindhi language in the digital age, ensuring that older documents can be integrated into modern platforms. However, to fully realize its potential, it is essential to make the tool available online. Doing so would remove barriers to access, allowing a wider audience to benefit from this important resource. Increased accessibility would ensure that the rich literary and cultural heritage of the Sindhi language is preserved for future generations.