Gyan Bharatam Mission (Art, Culture & Heritage of India)
Gyan Bharatam Mission (Art, Culture & Heritage of India)
Why In News:
The government's ongoing effort to preserve India's manuscript wealth under the Gyan Bharatam Mission was recently highlighted.
Source: PIB Today, 3 August 2026 - 'Gyan Bharat Mission and Manuscript Heritage'
About the Mission
Launched through the Union Budget 2025-26 as an upgrade of the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM), which was set up in 2003 under the Ministry of Culture.
It is a Central Sector Scheme for 2024-31, aimed at surveying, documenting and conserving more than one crore manuscripts held in institutions, museums, libraries and private collections.
A key objective is building a National Digital Repository to preserve and disseminate India's traditional knowledge systems.
Mission Components
Survey & Documentation: Systematic nationwide identification, listing, and cataloguing of manuscripts to create a comprehensive database of India’s textual heritage.
Conservation & Restoration: Preservation of fragile manuscripts using a blend of scientific techniques and traditional conservation practices to ensure their long-term survival.
Digitisation & Repository: AI-enabled digitisation of manuscripts and development of a centralised National Digital Repository for wider access and research.
Technology & AI Innovation: Promotion of advanced tools such as Handwritten Text Recognition (HTR) and initiatives like the Gyan-Setu AI Challenge to enhance accessibility and interpretation.
Significance
The mission strengthens cultural diplomacy by showcasing India’s civilisational knowledge globally and complements UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register.
India holds the world’s largest manuscript collection (several crore documents), many still undocumented and vulnerable to decay, highlighting the need for systematic preservation and digitisation.