Why in the News?
- India will host the first-ever International Manuscript Heritage Conference in September 2025.
- The conference is a part of the launch of a new mission called the ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’.
- It will also mark the anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s famous speech in Chicago on September 11, 1893, which showed India’s knowledge and spiritual strength to the world.
Gyan Bharatam Mission
| Aspect | Details |
| Launched | Announced in Union Budget 2025–26 |
| Implemented by | Ministry of Culture, Government of India |
| Inspired by | Revives and expands the National Mission for Manuscripts (2003) |
| Primary Aim | To preserve, digitise, and disseminate India’s ancient manuscript knowledge |
| Key Objectives |
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| Target Audience | Scholars, researchers, cultural institutions, startups, students |
| Key Technologies Involved |
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| Associated Event | International Manuscript Heritage Conference (Sept 11–13, 2025, Delhi) |
| Cultural Link | Commemorates Swami Vivekananda’s Chicago Address (1893) |
| Special Initiatives |
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| Expected Outcomes |
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Key Highlights
- The conference is titled ‘Reclaiming India’s Knowledge Legacy Through Manuscript Heritage’.
- It is being organised under the Gyan Bharatam Mission (GBM).
- The event will see participation from global scholars, cultural experts, and Indian dignitaries.
- There will be exhibitions, live demonstrations, workshops, and even a startup showcase related to manuscripts.
- A special exhibition will feature Indian manuscripts and scripts, including those listed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World.
- The Ministry of Culture has invited research papers on topics like:
- Conservation and Restoration
- Digitisation using AI and new technologies
- Script and paleography training
- Legal and ethical aspects of manuscript care
Significance for India
- India has over 10 million ancient manuscripts, one of the largest collections in the world.
- These manuscripts cover many areas like:
- Philosophy, Science, Ayurveda
- Mathematics, Astrology, Sanskriti, Vastu
- Vedic texts, Literature, and Arts
- They are kept in temples, libraries, monasteries, mathas, and even private collections.
- This conference and the GBM will help:
- Preserve and protect old manuscripts
- Use modern technology to digitise and store them
- Create awareness among the youth
- Train scholars to study and teach this traditional knowledge
Challenges and Way Forward
| Challenges | Way Forward |
| 1. Many manuscripts are in poor physical condition. | Set up more conservation centres with trained staff |
| 2. Lack of trained experts in scripts and languages. | Provide training in paleography and codicology |
| 3. Manuscripts are often scattered and undocumented. | Create a national digital registry of all known manuscripts |
| 4. Legal issues in ownership and access. | Develop clear policies and ethical guidelines for manuscript custodianship |
| 5. Need for modern tools for digitisation. | Promote the use of AI, IIIF protocols, and innovative tech platforms |
Conclusion
India’s rich manuscript heritage is a priceless treasure that carries centuries of wisdom and cultural pride. By bringing together experts and using modern tools, this new mission can unlock the full potential of these ancient texts for today’s and tomorrow’s generations.
National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM)
| Aspect | Details |
| Launched | February 2003 by Ministry of Tourism & Culture |
| Announced By | PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee (Independence Day speech, 2002) |
| Nodal Agency | Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) |
| Aim | To identify, conserve, document & make accessible India’s manuscript wealth |
| Estimated Manuscripts | About 10 million – world’s largest collection |
| Subjects Covered | Philosophy, Science, Ayurveda, Literature, etc. |
| Challenges | Poor storage, lack of cataloguing, private custody |
| Key Focus Areas | Sanskrit promotion, tech-based digitisation, public awareness |
| Motto | “Conserving the past for the future” |
| Ensure IAS Prelim MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’:
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Answer: b. 2 only Statement 1 is incorrect: Gyan Bharatam Mission was announced in Union Budget 2025–26, not as part of NEP 2020. Statement 2 is correct: It aims to preserve, digitise, and disseminate knowledge from ancient manuscripts. Statement 3 is incorrect: It does not replace but revives and expands the vision of the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) launched in 2003. |
| Ensure IAS Mains Question
Q. “India’s manuscript heritage reflects its rich intellectual, spiritual, and cultural traditions. In this context, discuss the objectives and significance of the Gyan Bharatam Mission. Also, suggest measures to overcome the challenges in preserving manuscript knowledge.” (250 words) |
