Background

India possesses one of the richest manuscript heritages in the world, with an estimated 10 million ancient manuscripts. These span subjects including philosophy, science, medicine, literature, Vedic rituals, mathematics, astrology, vāstu, Sanskriti, and Indian arts and darśana —often in multiple scripts and languages and housed in institutions like temples, mathas, monasteries, Jaina Bhandāras, archives, libraries, and private collections.

These manuscripts are not merely texts—they are repositories of Bhāratīya Jñāna Paramparā (Indian Knowledge Systems) and the civilizational continuity of India. Despite this, many manuscripts remain unpublished, untranslated, or deteriorating.

To safeguard this invaluable heritage and assert India’s knowledge leadership globally, the Government of India announced the Gyan Bharatam Mission (GBM) in the Union Budget 2025–26, reviving and expanding the vision of the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) launched in 2003 by then PM Late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

GBM now seeks to preserve, digitize, and disseminate manuscript knowledge, integrate it with modern technologies, and foster a new generation of scholars and institutions to carry the legacy forward.

Objectives of
Gyan Bharatam Mission

Reviving India’s manuscript legacy through preservation, digitization, education, and global access to Bharatiya Gyān Paramparā.

Survey, Document & Catalogue Manuscripts

Nationwide network of Manuscript Resource Centres (MRCs) to identify, document, and catalog ancient manuscripts.

Conserve & Restore Heritage

Preservation through preventive and curative methods at dedicated Manuscript Conservation Centres (MCCs).

Digitization & Archiving at Scale

Advanced digitization using HTR, AI, and cloud metadata linked to national and global repositories.

National Digital Repository

Create a globally accessible archive with AI-driven tools for archiving, tagging, and translation.

Research, Translate & Publish

Revive rare and unpublished manuscripts through critical editions, facsimiles, and translations.

Transcription & Script Training

Workshops to train the next generation of conservators, transcribers, and manuscript scholars.

Develop Tech Tools for Manuscripts

Mobile apps, IIIF framework, AI-assisted HTR, microfilming, and secure cloud storage systems.

Incentivize Custodianship & Contribution

Encourage manuscript owners to contribute with authenticity certification and revenue-sharing.

Build Institutional & Human Capacity

Structured training programs, expert appointments, and academic research to build expertise.

Foster Global Collaboration

International partnerships for manuscript retrieval, standardization, and cross-border digitization.

Integrate Knowledge into Education

Embed manuscript wisdom into curricula, research initiatives, and skill-development programs.

Manuscript Research Partner (MRP) Program

Engage young scholars through exhibitions, content development, digital labs, and heritage museums.

The Conference

As part of the Gyan Bharatam Mission launch, a Three-Day International Conference is scheduled for 11–13 September 2025 in New Delhi, also commemorating Swami Vivekananda’s Chicago address (11 Sept 1893), symbolizing India’s intellectual and spiritual global vision.

The conference will be graced by various eminent dignitaries of India, and will feature keynotes and participation by global scholars, thought leaders, and cultural custodians. The Conference will be organised in Hybrid Mode.

Structure of the Conference

Inaugural

Inaugural Session & Valedictory Session


Technical Sessions

4 Plenary Sessions and 12 Parallel Sessions.


Participation

About 500 national and international delegates through registration and invitation.

Speakers & Experts

75 Invited Speakers and Experts


Key Focus Areas

  • Conservation and Restoration
    Techniques
  • Survey, Documentation, and Metadata
    Frameworks
  • Digitization: Tools, Platforms, and
    Standards
  • Technological Innovations: AI, HTR, Script Recognition
  • Decipherment of Indus, Gilgit and Śankha Scripts
  • Indian Renaissance and Translation
  • Outreach and Integration with Education and Culture
  • Capacity Building in Manuscriptology, Codicology, Paleography
  • Translation and Interpretation of Indic Texts and Research and Publication Frameworks
  • Copyright and legal issues

Side Events

Exhibition on Indian Manuscripts and Script Heritage

Exhibition of manuscripts inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World

Live demonstrations of conservation and digitization tools alongwith hands-on workshop

Special space for startups in the field

Cultural Programme

Expected Outcomes

The Gyan Bharatam Mission, through this landmark international conference, seeks to reclaim, preserve, and globalize India’s Manuscript heritage. It aims to act as a catalyst for scholarly innovation, civilizational pride, technological empowerment, and cultural diplomacy—resonating with the vision of India as Intellectual Leader.

Initiation of long-term activities and knowledge partnerships

Adoption of the New Delhi Declaration on Manuscript Heritage

Creation of Expert Working Groups on Decipherment, Documentation, Translation, Conservation and Digital Archiving.

Institutional linkages for national and global collaborations

Recommendations for academic integration and capacity building

Enhancing India’s role in cultural diplomacy