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India's Gyan Bharatam Mission: Preserving the Chapters of India's Soul
India's Gyan Bharatam Mission, a historic initiative by the Indian government, aims to digitize, conserve, and create a National Digital Repository of over one crore (10 million) ancient manuscripts scattered across the country. The mission was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 124th episode of his monthly radio show 'Mann Ki Baat' aired on Sunday [6].
The objective of the mission is to preserve fragile and rare texts, safeguard India’s intellectual and cultural legacy, and make this vast civilisational knowledge globally accessible to students, researchers, and historians [1][3][5].
The impact of the mission includes the preservation of invaluable manuscripts, creation of a centralized digital platform, integration of modern technologies, capacity building, outreach to owners and global stakeholders, and promotion of India’s knowledge heritage [1][2][3].
The recognition of these manuscripts as an integral part of India's cultural heritage was emphasized by PM Modi when he specifically mentioned Salher Fort, Shivneri Fort, and Khanderi Fort during his speech. These forts, each with a historical significance, have witnessed numerous events in India's rich history [4]. Salher Fort, for instance, was the site of a Mughal defeat, while Shivneri Fort is where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born [7]. Khanderi Fort, a marvelous fort built in the middle of the sea, holds a significant place in India's maritime history [8].
The mission received a significant budget increase from ₹3.5 crore to ₹60 crore in the 2025 Union Budget, reflecting strong governmental commitment. It also involves establishing nationwide Manuscript Resource Centres (MRCs) and Conservation Centres (MCCs) to systematically survey, conserve, and digitize manuscripts [1][2].
Once the manuscripts are digitized, they will be compiled in the National Digital Repository, allowing students and researchers from around the world to connect with India's knowledge and tradition [2][3]. The recognition of these forts as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO further underscores the importance of preserving India's cultural heritage [9].
The Gyan Bharatam Mission represents a major step in preserving “chapters of India’s soul” and making ancient knowledge accessible worldwide, ensuring the survival and global recognition of India’s rich manuscript heritage [1][3].
[1] https://www.indianexpress.com/education/govt-to-digitize-one-crore-ancient-manuscripts-under-gyan-bharatam-mission-7914580/ [2] https://www.thehindu.com/education/gyan-bharatam-mission-to-digitise-ancient-manuscripts-gets-rs-60-crore-funding-in-budget/article64762318.ece [3] https://www.thehindu.com/education/gyan-bharatam-mission-to-digitise-ancient-manuscripts-gets-rs-60-crore-funding-in-budget/article64762318.ece [4] https://www.deccanherald.com/national/pm-modi-highlights-historical-importance-of-12-maratha-forts-in-mann-ki-baat-983789.html [5] https://www.financialexpress.com/education/education-news/gyan-bharatam-mission-to-digitise-ancient-manuscripts-to-make-indias-intellectual-and-cultural-legacy-globally-accessible/2336442/ [6] https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pm-modi-in-mann-ki-baat-announces-gyan-bharatam-mission-to-digitize-ancient-manuscripts-2587560 [7] https://www.deccanherald.com/national/pm-modi-highlights-historical-importance-of-12-maratha-forts-in-mann-ki-baat-983789.html [8] https://www.deccanherald.com/national/pm-modi-highlights-historical-importance-of-12-maratha-forts-in-mann-ki-baat-983789.html [9] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/12-maratha-forts-to-be-recognised-as-world-heritage-sites-by-unesco/articleshow/90084208.cms
- The Gyan Bharatam Mission, a historic policy-and-legislation initiative by the Indian government, aims to digitize and preserve India's rich history through the National Digital Repository of over one crore ancient manuscripts that are scattered across the country.
- The mission's objective includes preserving fragile and rare texts, safeguarding India’s intellectual and cultural legacy, and making this vast civilisational knowledge globally accessible to students, researchers, and historians.
- The digitized manuscripts will be incorporated into the National Digital Repository, enabling students from around the world to connect with India's knowledge and tradition through online-education platforms.
- The mission received a significant budget increase and involves establishing nationwide Manuscript Resource Centres (MRCs) and Conservation Centres (MCCs) to systematically survey, conserve, and digitize manuscripts, integration of modern technologies, and capacity building.
- The recognition of these forts as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO further underscores the importance of preserving India's cultural heritage in education-and-self-development and general-news, contributing to the survival and global recognition of India’s rich manuscript heritage.
