International Conference on “Reclaiming India’s Knowledge Legacy through Manuscript Heritage”

• Also marked the Launch of Gyan Bharatam Mission and Gyan Bharatam Portal.

Key Points 

1. Digitisation of Manuscripts

   • India has the world’s largest collection (~1 crore manuscripts).

   • So far, 10+ lakh digitised.

   • Aim: create a central database to preserve and share.

2. Curbing Intellectual Piracy

   • Traditional knowledge has often been copied/patented abroad (e.g., turmeric, neem, yoga).

   • Digitisation → provides documented evidence → prevents biopiracy and misappropriation.

3. Cultural Diplomacy

   • Collaboration with Thailand, Vietnam, Mongolia — countries with shared manuscript traditions and cultural links.

   • Manuscripts as symbols of civilisational dialogue.

4. Civilisational Heritage

   • Surviving manuscripts show India’s devotion to knowledge, science, learning.

   • Contain footprints of humanity’s development journey.

5. Swadeshi & Atmanirbhar Bharat

   • Digitisation part of India’s push for self-reliance and cultural pride.

   • Encourages private organisations to partner in national mission.

Significance of Gyan Bharatam Mission

• Preservation: Safeguards fragile palm-leaf, birch-bark, and paper manuscripts.

• Accessibility: Makes rare works available globally in digital format.

• Research Boost: Facilitates study of Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit, Persian, Tamil, Telugu, etc. manuscripts.

• Soft Power: Positions India as knowledge leader in the global south.

• Cultural Continuity: Reinforces India’s role in preserving civilisational knowledge systems.