Gyan Bharatam Mission for Manuscript Digitization

National Mission Overview

Gyan Bharatam Mission for Manuscript Digitization: Gyan Bharatam is India’s new national effort to revive its manuscript heritage through large-scale documentation, conservation, and digital access. Announced in the Union Budget 2025, the mission seeks to protect ancient knowledge systems and make them available worldwide. Rs 491.66 crore has been allocated for the programme from 2025 to 2031.
Static GK fact: India has one of the world’s largest manuscript traditions, with estimates exceeding one crore texts across various regions.

Scope and Coverage

The mission aims to survey and digitize manuscripts preserved in museums, universities, libraries, and private collections. The focus includes classical literature, philosophy, astronomy, medicine, and scientific treatises. The initiative targets over one crore manuscripts, indicating one of the largest conservation efforts in India’s cultural sector.
Static GK Tip: The National Mission for Manuscripts was established in 2003, forming a precursor to today’s expansive programme.

Technology and Digital Infrastructure

A National Digital Repository will be developed using AI and advanced imaging tools to ensure high-quality preservation. This digital archive will support global access and long-term conservation. Over 3.5 lakh manuscripts have already been digitized, reflecting early progress.
Static GK fact: India’s digital preservation efforts align with global trends led by institutions like the British Library and Library of Congress.

Institutional Network Across India

To strengthen implementation, the Ministry of Culture has partnered with 31 institutions, forming 19 Cluster Centres and 12 Independent Centres. These institutions operate in five verticals: survey, conservation, digitization, linguistics, and research. The network enables coordinated preservation across regions and languages.
Static GK Tip: India has 8 Zonal Cultural Centres promoting regional culture and heritage.

Delhi Declaration Commitment

The Delhi Declaration (Gyan Bharatam Sankalp Patra) affirms national support for reviving manuscript knowledge. It highlights manuscripts as living civilizational memories and encourages modern scientific methods for conservation. The declaration also promotes community participation to make manuscript revival a people-centric movement.
Static GK fact: Declarations are often used by national cultural bodies to frame long-term heritage goals.

Cultural Promotion Efforts

Alongside preservation, cultural promotion is reinforced through institutions such as the Sangeet Natak Akademi, which conducts festivals, workshops, and artist recognition programmes. Awards like the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar support classical and folk traditions.
Static GK Tip: The Sangeet Natak Akademi was established in 1952 as India’s national academy for performing arts.

Regional Cultural Inclusion

The Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC) in Kolkata plays a significant role in showcasing folk art forms, especially Sambalpuri traditions of Odisha. This regional inclusion supports the mission’s broader goal of cultural revival across India.
Static GK fact: EZCC covers states such as Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand, reflecting diverse folk heritage.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Gyan Bharatam Mission for Manuscript Digitization: