Unveiling India's Manuscript Treasure: Gyan Bharatam's Digital Leap

The Gyan Bharatam initiative has digitised over 7.5 lakh manuscripts, with 1.29 lakh accessible online. Launched in the 2025-26 Union Budget, it aims to preserve India's manuscript heritage, backed by Rs 491.66 crore funding. Multiple institutions have partnered as cluster or independent centres for the initiative.

The ambitious Gyan Bharatam initiative has successfully digitized more than 7.5 lakh manuscripts, with 1.29 lakh of them now available online, the government announced during a Lok Sabha session.

Announced in the 2025-26 Union Budget, Gyan Bharatam is guided by the Union Ministry of Culture. This flagship initiative not only focuses on safeguarding India's rich manuscript heritage but also aligns with the national growth vision of 'Viksit Bharat 2047.' The project seeks to marry cultural preservation with human capital development, ensuring the wisdom of ancient India continues to inspire future generations. Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat confirmed that the initiative has been allocated Rs 491.66 crore for implementation between 2025 and 2031.

The initiative's expansive network includes 28 cluster centres and 17 independent centres across various states and Union Territories, onboarded to advance the mission. Additionally, a number of technical partners are engaged to enhance digitization processes and infrastructure using AI technology. The proactive efforts of the Gyan Bharatam initiative underscore a remarkable chapter in cultural heritage preservation through technology.

(With inputs from agencies.)