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 Despite this, many manuscripts remain unpublished, untranslated, or deteriorating.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.
Reviving India’s manuscript legacy through preservation, digitization, education, and global access to Bharatiya Gyān Paramparā.
Nationwide network of Manuscript Resource Centres (MRCs) to identify, document, and catalog ancient manuscripts.
Preservation through preventive and curative methods at dedicated Manuscript Conservation Centres (MCCs).
Advanced digitization using HTR, AI, and cloud metadata linked to national and global repositories.
Create a globally accessible archive with AI-driven tools for archiving, tagging, and translation.
Revive rare and unpublished manuscripts through critical editions, facsimiles, and translations.
Workshops to train the next generation of conservators, transcribers, and manuscript scholars.
Mobile apps, IIIF framework, AI-assisted HTR, microfilming, and secure cloud storage systems.
Encourage manuscript owners to contribute with authenticity certification and revenue-sharing.
Structured training programs, expert appointments, and academic research to build expertise.
International partnerships for manuscript retrieval, standardization, and cross-border digitization.
Embed manuscript wisdom into curricula, research initiatives, and skill-development programs.
Engage young scholars through exhibitions, content development, digital labs, and heritage museums.
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.
Inaugural Session & Valedictory Session
4 Plenary Sessions and 12 Parallel Sessions.
About 500 national and international delegates through registration and invitation.
75 Invited Speakers and Experts
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.