By Tanmay Sharma.
Photo Credit: The Suncity News.
Gurugram, May 24, 2026: The Government of India has launched the National Manuscript Survey under the Gran Bharatam Mission with an objective of preserving ancient manuscripts, palm-leaf records, and rare archival materials representing India’s cultural and intellectual heritage.
Sharing details about the initiative, Gurugram Deputy Commissioner Uttam Singh stated that a nationwide survey campaign has been underway since March 16, 2026.
Plan to preserve digitally after manuscript survey:
Under this campaign, manuscripts available in homes, temples, monasteries, and private institutions across the country are being geo-tagged, catalogued, and digitally preserved through the Gyan Bharatam App.
According to an official, the mission was announced by Narendra Modi in the Union Budget 2025-26 and is being implemented as a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Culture.
The administration emphasized that the mission aims to create digital records of historically valuable written content in order to protect them from deterioration over time and ensure their safe accessibility for future generations.
Uttam Singh said managers of temples, monasteries, and private libraries will be contacted to secure cooperation for its preservation.
He also assured that strict safeguards would be followed during digitization so that original manuscripts remain completely unharmed.
Officials stated that modern digital technologies are being used to ensure high-quality archival and preservation standards.
Priorities on 75 years or more old written legacy:
The District Commissioner further informed that manuscripts approximately 75 years old or older will receive priority under the campaign.
He noted that the initiative would help preserve not only historical records but also the broader cultural legacy of districts and local communities.
Citizens have been encouraged to share information about it in their possession through the Gyan Bharatam mobile application.
Identified manuscripts will be digitally stored in a proposed National Digital Repository.
Authorities clarified that ownership rights of holders will remain fully protected throughout the preservation and digitization process.
Also Read: Centre launches Gyan Bharatam Mission to preserve India’s manuscript heritage.
EOM.
