Gyan Bharatam Portal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Gyan Bharatam portal in September 2025. The event took place at the International Conference on Gyan Bharatam in New Delhi. This portal aims to digitise and preserve India’s vast manuscript heritage. India has nearly one crore manuscripts in around 80 languages. The initiative will make these accessible globally and protect them from intellectual piracy.
Gyan Bharatam Mission
The mission was announced during the 2025 Budget session. It focuses on cataloguing and digitising manuscripts across India and abroad. The portal will serve as a central platform for public access. It also promotes collaboration with international institutions for preservation and research. The project marks India’s cultural and intellectual legacy and its global relevance.
India’s Manuscript Heritage
India holds the world’s largest collection of manuscripts. These cover diverse fields such as philosophy, science, medicine, art, astronomy, and architecture. Manuscripts include the Gilgit texts on Kashmir’s history, Kautilya’s Arthashastra, Buddhist texts from Sarnath, and Ayurvedic classics like Charaka and Sushruta Samhitas. The Bakhshali manuscript shows early use of zero, a foundation of modern mathematics and computer science.
Knowledge Traditions
India’s knowledge system rests on four pillars – preservation, innovation, addition, and adaptation. Oral traditions like the Vedas, innovations in Ayurveda and metallurgy, and additions such as new Ramayanas illustrate this. Intellectual debates or shastrarth have contributed to continuous reforms. The mission encourages both citizens and institutions to participate in conserving this heritage.
Role of Institutions and International Cooperation
Institutions like the Asiatic Society of Kolkata, Saraswati Mahal Library, and Dharohar Udaipur play key roles. Over ten lakh manuscripts have been digitised so far. India has signed MoUs with universities in Thailand and Vietnam to train scholars in ancient languages like Pali, Lanna, and Cham. Manuscripts from Mongolia have been digitised and repatriated. Indian manuscripts preserved in Japan’s Horyu-ji Monastery reflect India’s historical cultural outreach.
Technology and Youth Engagement
The mission leverages AI and other technologies for digitisation and data-driven innovation. Digitised manuscripts will support global cultural and creative industries valued at $2.5 trillion. Young people form 70% of participants, accelerating exploration and dissemination of knowledge. Universities are encouraged to engage actively in the project.
Cultural Diplomacy
The initiative strengthens India’s role as a trusted custodian of heritage. Hundreds of ancient idols have been repatriated recently, reflecting growing global confidence. The Ministry of Culture leads the effort, with the conference focusing on manuscript preservation, legal frameworks, decipherment, and cultural diplomacy.
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