PM Modi Launches Gyan Bharatam to Preserve India’s Manuscript Heritage

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launch of the Gyan Bharatam initiative on March 15, 2024, during the International Conference on Gyan Bharatam held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. This initiative aims to digitise India’s ancient manuscripts to protect the nation’s intellectual heritage and combat “intellectual piracy,” as traditional knowledge has frequently been misappropriated by others.

During his address, PM Modi emphasised the significance of digitising these manuscripts, stating that it not only safeguards this invaluable knowledge but also prevents misuse by external entities. He remarked, “Digitised manuscripts can feed this sector, serving as a vast data bank. They will inspire data-driven innovation, providing new opportunities for young researchers.” The Prime Minister noted the potential role of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, in this effort.

The Gyan Bharatam initiative aims to document, conserve, digitise, and provide access to over 1 crore manuscripts stored in various institutions and private collections throughout the country. Currently, more than 10 lakh manuscripts have already been digitised, thanks to collaborations between government bodies and private institutions.

Global Collaboration and Cultural Renaissance

PM Modi highlighted India’s collaborative efforts with countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Mongolia, which share similar cultural ties and possess comparable manuscripts. He explained that the Gyan Bharatam Mission includes training scholars from these countries to decipher manuscripts in languages like Pali, Lanna, and Cham. This initiative reflects India’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage on a global scale and engaging with nations that have longstanding historical ties.

The Prime Minister described the conference as a symbol of a new cultural renaissance, asserting that India’s knowledge system has always been rooted in preservation, innovation, and adaptation. He acknowledged the historical importance of manuscripts, stating, “Throughout history, crores of manuscripts were destroyed, but the ones that remain show how devoted our ancestors were to knowledge, science, and learning.”

The Gyan Bharatam portal was also launched at the event. This digital platform aims to enhance manuscript digitisation, preservation, and accessibility for researchers and the general public.

In summary, the Gyan Bharatam initiative represents a significant step toward preserving India’s rich manuscript heritage, fostering innovation, and reclaiming the nation’s intellectual legacy. The Prime Minister’s commitment to this cause underscores the importance of safeguarding cultural knowledge for future generations.