Hyderabad: India is taking a big step to share its ancient knowledge with the world through the new Gyan Bharatam Mission. This national movement aims to protect, digitize, and spread the country’s rich collection of manuscripts.
The Mission was officially launched during the Gyan Bharatam International Conference, held from September 11 to 13 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Organized by the Ministry of Culture, the event attracted over 1,100 participants, including 500 delegates, 95 academics, 230 students, and 17 international speakers. This gathering highlighted India’s effort to blend traditional wisdom with modern technology, supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047.”
The Mission has received a budget of Rs 482.85 crore for 2024–31, with Rs 60 crore designated for the current year. It continues the work of the National Mission for Manuscripts, which has already cataloged over 44.07 lakh manuscripts in its Kriti Sampada repository.
The conference included 4 plenary sessions, 12 technical sessions, and several academic panels discussing topics like manuscript conservation, digitization tools, AI usage, cultural diplomacy, and legal issues. Keynote speeches and a valedictory ceremony outlined the Mission’s strategic plan.
A key feature was the launch of the Gyan-Setu National AI Innovation Challenge. This invites students, researchers, and startups to create tools for cataloguing, script recognition, OCR, multilingual translation, and smart archiving. It aims to turn fragile manuscripts into digital resources for global access by scholars and the public.
Before the conference, working groups focused on areas like conservation science, manuscript studies, paleography, and ethical access. These groups laid the groundwork for lasting partnerships, curriculum integration, and international cooperation.
The Gyan Bharatam Mission goes beyond just preserving manuscripts. It is a bold plan to make India’s intellectual heritage a global treasure. By merging tradition with innovation, the Mission seeks to include ancient manuscripts in modern education, cultural pride, and international conversations.
