PM Modi Introduces "Gyan Bharatam Mission" in the 124th Episode of "Mann Ki Bharat": Digitization of Ancient Manuscripts Gets a Boost
Announcing the Gyan Bharatam Mission: A National Initiative to Preserve India's Ancient Manuscripts
The Gyan Bharatam Mission, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is a significant nationwide initiative aimed at digitizing and preserving over one crore (10 million) ancient manuscripts scattered across India. The mission's primary goal is to create a National Digital Repository, providing global access to India's rich civilizational, cultural, historical, and spiritual knowledge contained in these manuscripts.
Key aspects of the mission include digitization and conservation, creation of a National Digital Repository, accessibility, wide scope, government support, and continuity. The mission covers manuscripts held by academic institutions, museums, libraries, and private collectors across the country.
The Gyan Bharatam Mission builds upon the earlier National Mission for Manuscripts (established in 2003) and represents a restructuring and expansion of efforts to document, conserve, and promote India’s manuscript heritage. The project received a significant budgetary increase from ₹3.5 crore to ₹60 crore, reflecting the government’s strong commitment to the initiative.
The mission is envisioned as a national endeavour to safeguard India's intellectual legacy and create a centralised, structured approach to knowledge preservation. During the 124th episode of his monthly radio show, Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Modi lauded Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha forts, emphasizing that every stone of these forts has witnessed a historical event.
Some of the recognized forts under the Gyan Bharatam Mission include Khanderi Fort, built in the middle of the sea, Salher Fort, where the Mughals faced defeat, and Shivneri, where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born. The PM highlighted that the manuscripts are the "chapters of India's soul" and should be taught to the coming generations.
The National Digital Repository, to be created under the Gyan Bharatam Mission, will provide students and teachers worldwide with an opportunity to connect with India's knowledge and tradition. By expanding India's ancient knowledge and enriching the world with its intellectual heritage and timeless wisdom, the Gyan Bharatam Mission is set to make a lasting impact on the world's cultural landscape.
[1] Union Budget 2025: Announcement of Gyan Bharatam Mission [2] UNESCO Recognizes 12 Maratha Forts as World Heritage Sites [3] Prime Minister Narendra Modi Announces Gyan Bharatam Mission for Digitization of Ancient Manuscripts [4] PM Modi Discusses Gyan Bharatam Mission in Mann Ki Baat [5] Gyan Bharatam Mission: A New Initiative for Digitization and Preservation of Ancient Manuscripts
[1] Upcoming Union Budget 2025: Allocation of Funds for the Implementation and Expansion of the Gyan Bharatam Mission
[2] Sports and Education: National Digital Repository from the Gyan Bharatam Mission Serves as a Valuable Resource for Historical Research and Analysis in Sports History
[3] Political Discourse: The Gyan Bharatam Mission and its Impact on India's Education and Self-Development Policies
[4] General News: Proposed Legislation Supporting the Gyan Bharatam Mission and the Preservation of India's Ancient Manuscripts Discussed in Parliament
[5] Cultural Events and Festivals: Celebrating India's Rich Tradition and Heritage through Special Exhibitions of Manuscripts Preserved under the Gyan Bharatam Mission
