Introduction

The Gyan Bharatam Mission is a national initiative launched by the Government of India to preserve, digitize, and disseminate the country’s vast manuscript heritage. Announced in the Union Budget 2025–26, the mission aims to integrate traditional knowledge with modern technology, ensuring that India’s intellectual legacy is accessible to future generations.

Key Objectives

1. Identification and Documentation: Establishing Manuscript Resource Centres across states to identify and catalog manuscripts.

2. Conservation and Restoration: Setting up facilities for the preventive and curative conservation of manuscripts.

3. Digitization and Accessibility: Creating a National Digital Repository to make manuscripts accessible online.

4. Research and Education: Promoting research on manuscripts and integrating them into educational curricula.

5. Public Awareness and Engagement: Organizing workshops, seminars, and exhibitions to raise awareness about manuscript heritage.

Implementation Strategy

• Budget Allocation: An outlay of ₹482.85 crore has been allocated for the period 2024–31, with ₹60 crore earmarked for the current financial year.

• Technological Integration: Utilizing AI, cloud repositories, and multilingual platforms to digitize and preserve manuscripts.

• Collaboration: Partnering with academic institutions, libraries, and cultural organizations to facilitate the mission’s objectives.

Significance

• Cultural Preservation: Safeguards India’s rich intellectual and cultural heritage.

• Educational Resource: Provides valuable resources for research and education.

• Global Accessibility: Makes India’s manuscript heritage accessible to a global audience.

• Technological Advancement: Integrates traditional knowledge with modern technology, bridging the gap between the past and the future.

Challenges and Considerations

• Resource Constraints: Ensuring adequate funding and infrastructure for the mission’s objectives.

• Technical Expertise: Developing the necessary technical skills for digitization and preservation.

• Public Engagement: Encouraging public participation in preserving and sharing manuscript heritage.

• Sustainability: Ensuring the long-term sustainability of the mission through continuous funding and support.

Conclusion

The Gyan Bharatam Mission represents a significant step towards preserving and promoting India’s manuscript heritage. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern technology, the mission aims to ensure that India’s intellectual legacy is safeguarded for future generations. Its success will depend on effective implementation, collaboration, and public engagement.