PM Modi Launches ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’ to Digitise Ancient Manuscripts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the ambitious ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’, a landmark initiative aimed at digitising and preserving India’s ancient manuscripts. Announced during the 124th episode of Mann Ki Baat on July 27, 2025, the mission seeks to create a National Digital Repository, making India’s civilisational knowledge accessible to students and researchers worldwide.

What is the Gyan Bharatam Mission?

The Gyan Bharatam Mission is a nationwide digital preservation project that aims to conserve and digitise over one crore ancient manuscripts scattered across India. Referred to by PM Modi as the “Chapters of India’s soul”, these manuscripts hold invaluable insights into the country’s civilisational, cultural, and spiritual heritage.

Objectives of the Mission

The mission has several key goals,

• Digitisation of Manuscripts: To preserve fragile and rare texts by converting them into digital formats.
• Creation of a National Digital Repository: To provide a single platform where these manuscripts can be accessed globally.
• Knowledge Accessibility: To allow students, researchers, and historians to study India’s vast traditional knowledge base.
• Cultural Legacy Preservation: To ensure that future generations remain connected to India’s heritage and traditions.

Budgetary Support and Expansion

First announced in the Union Budget 2025, the mission has received a significant funding boost. The allocation has increased from ₹3.5 crore to ₹60 crore, highlighting the government’s strong commitment to conserving India’s knowledge traditions.

Civilisational Importance

PM Modi emphasized that these manuscripts are not merely old texts but represent India’s civilisational soul. He urged citizens to actively support the mission and help pass on this knowledge legacy to the next generation. The initiative also aligns with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’, focusing on reviving traditional knowledge systems through language revitalisation and cultural conservation.

UNESCO Recognition of Maratha Forts

In the same address, PM Modi celebrated UNESCO’s recognition of 12 Maratha forts as World Heritage Sites. He described the forts as “pages of history”, with 11 located in Maharashtra and one in Tamil Nadu. Each fort, he said, stands as a testimony to India’s rich historical legacy and resilience.