Launch of Gyan Bharatam Portal
Gyan Bharatam Portal Strengthens Manuscript Digitisation: On 12 September 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Gyan Bharatam Portal at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The initiative was unveiled during the International Conference on Gyan Bharatam, highlighting India’s effort to safeguard its manuscript heritage.
Static GK fact: Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi is a premier conference facility built in 1956, hosting major national and international events.
Objectives of the Portal
The portal aims to digitise, preserve, and provide public access to India’s vast manuscript collections. It will serve as a national digital repository, integrating AI-driven tools for search, translation, and annotation. The platform will also encourage research, publication, and capacity building for scholars and conservators.
Static GK Tip: India is home to over 5 million manuscripts, one of the largest collections in the world.
Role of the International Conference
The three-day conference on “Reclaiming India’s Knowledge Legacy through Manuscript Heritage” was organised by the Union Ministry of Culture from 11–13 September 2025. It witnessed participation from more than 1,100 experts, scholars, and institutions. Discussions focused on digitisation, preservation, and public participation, along with an exhibition on India’s manuscript tradition.
Importance of the Initiative
India’s manuscripts cover diverse fields like philosophy, medicine, astronomy, literature, and governance. Many of these are fragile and vulnerable. By ensuring timely digitisation, the initiative protects invaluable knowledge. It also promotes open access for researchers and aligns with the National Education Policy 2020, which stresses integration of traditional knowledge systems.
Static GK fact: The National Mission for Manuscripts was established in 2003 to document and conserve manuscripts across India.
Contribution to National Vision
The Gyan Bharatam Portal supports the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, where cultural heritage forms the foundation of a developed India. By combining AI technology with traditional knowledge, the portal builds a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern learning. It also enhances India’s global soft power, positioning the country as a custodian of ancient wisdom.
Static GK Tip: UNESCO has recognised several Indian manuscripts, such as the Rigveda, in its Memory of the World Register.
Way Forward
Through global partnerships, community involvement, and integration with education, the initiative seeks to revive knowledge traditions in an accessible digital form. The project underscores India’s commitment to protecting cultural heritage while advancing innovation.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Gyan Bharatam Portal Strengthens Manuscript Digitisation:
| Topic | Detail |
| Event | Launch of Gyan Bharatam Portal |
| Date | 12 September 2025 |
| Launched by | Prime Minister Narendra Modi |
| Venue | Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi |
| Organiser | Union Ministry of Culture |
| Conference Theme | Reclaiming India’s Knowledge Legacy through Manuscript Heritage |
| Participants | Over 1,100 scholars, experts, institutions |
| Objectives | Digitisation, preservation, research, AI-driven access, capacity building |
| National Vision | Viksit Bharat 2047 |
| Policy Alignment | National Education Policy 2020 |
