Context

• The first ‘Gyan Bharatam’ International Conference is being organized by the Ministry of Culture from 11–13 September 2025 in New Delhi.

Introduction

• This conference is a historic effort to showcase India’s ancient manuscript heritage and knowledge traditions on a global platform.
• Its objective is to preserve, promote, and present India’s rich cultural and intellectual legacy in a modern context.
• ‘Gyan Bharatam’ is an important scheme announced by the Prime Minister, under which manuscripts across the country will be surveyed and catalogued.
• The conference is also seen as a tribute to the anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s historic address at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago (1893).
• Theme: “Reclaiming India’s Knowledge Heritage through Manuscript Legacy”

Objectives of the Conference

1. Manuscript Preservation: India possesses over 10 million manuscripts, covering diverse fields like philosophy, science, medicine, literature, art, and rituals. The conference will focus on policies and techniques for their preservation.
2. Global Collaboration: Bringing together scholars, researchers, and cultural experts from across the world to share India’s intellectual heritage.
3. Digitization and Access: Preserving manuscripts in digital format and making them accessible to researchers and the public worldwide.
4. Youth Participation: Launching the “Manuscript Research Partners (MRP)” program to provide training and research opportunities to young scholars.
5. Cultural Diplomacy: Strengthening India’s global image as a leader in cultural and intellectual heritage.

Participants and Program

• Over 1100 authors, experts, scholars, artists, and cultural practitioners will participate, including:

• • 95+ academicians
  • 179 professionals
  • 112 scholars
  • 230 students
• The conference will host 17 national and 17 international speakers.
• It will feature 3 days of sessions: an inaugural and valedictory session, 4 plenary sessions, and 12 technical sessions.

Vision and Objectives of Gyan Bharatam Mission

• India’s cultural and intellectual heritage is reflected in its vast manuscript wealth, estimated at over 5 million works.
• These texts span philosophy, science, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, literature, art, architecture, and spirituality.
• Written in multiple scripts and languages, they are preserved in temples, monasteries, Jain bhandaras, archives, libraries, and private collections.
• Together, they form a unique record of Indian knowledge systems, showcasing the continuity of India’s civilizational thought.
• In the current financial year (2025–26), the mission has been allocated ₹60 crore, as part of a Central Sector Scheme with a total outlay of ₹482.85 crore for 2024–31.

National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM)

Importance of Manuscripts

• Definition: A manuscript is a handwritten document on palm leaves, birch bark, cloth, paper, or metal, at least 75 years old.
• Characteristics:

• • Different from printed books or administrative records
  • Rich in knowledge content
  • Covers diverse subjects: philosophy, medicine, astronomy, literature, and art
  • Found in multiple languages and scripts (e.g., Sanskrit written in Devanagari, Odia, and Grantha scripts)

National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM)

• Established: 2003
• Objective: Preservation of India’s intellectual traditions and manuscript heritage

Key Initiatives

1. Kriti Sampada (Digital Repository)

• Documented over 4.407 million manuscripts

2. Manus Granthavali (Software Development)

• Based on global metadata standards
• Ensures accuracy and uniformity in documentation

3. Partnerships with Repositories

• Major libraries include:

• • Sarasvati Mahal Library (Thanjavur)
  • Rampur Raza Library (Rampur)
  • Khuda Bakhsh Library (Patna)

• Thousands of smaller collections across India brought into focus

4. CAT-CAT Initiative (Catalogue Database)

• Compiled 2500+ printed catalogues
• Integrated listed works into the national record

Gyan Bharatam Mission and the Future

• Built on the foundation of NMM, the Gyan Bharatam Mission aims to create a modern, technology-driven framework.
• Seeks to preserve India’s intellectual traditions and make them relevant in the digital age.

National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and Indian Knowledge System (IKS)

• Language-Based Learning: Promotes mother tongue/regional language as the medium of instruction up to Grade 5.
• Culture and Tradition: Encourages promotion of Indian languages, arts, and heritage.
• Integration of IKS:

• • Incorporates ancient contributions in science, philosophy, medicine, and literature into modern curriculum.

• Prime Minister’s Vision: Empowering youth to become custodians of heritage while embracing innovation.
• Shared Objective (NEP + Gyan Bharatam Mission):

• • “Knowledge of the Past as the Strength of the Future”