National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) and Gyan Bharatam Mission

1. National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) – 2003

Launch Year:

• 2003, by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India

Objective:

• To locate, document, conserve, and disseminate the vast wealth of India’s manuscript heritage

Key Functions:

• Survey and documentation of manuscripts across India

• Establishment of Manuscript Resource Centres (MRCs) and Manuscript Conservation Centres (MCCs)

• Conducting training programmes in manuscriptology and palaeography

• Creating a National Manuscript Library and digital catalogues

• Publication of rare manuscripts

Significance:

• Recognized India’s rich manuscript heritage as a knowledge treasure

• Focused on physical conservation and initial steps towards digitisation

• Created ‘Kritisampada’, the National Database of Manuscripts (over 5 million manuscripts documented)

2. Gyan Bharatam Mission – 2025

Announced:

• In Union Budget 2025–26

Ministry:

• Ministry of Culture

Objective:

• To revive, expand, and modernise the vision of the National Mission for Manuscripts

• Integrate manuscript knowledge with technology, education, and research

Key Features:

• Preservation, digitisation, and semantic enrichment of manuscripts

• Use of AI and digital tools for language processing and translation

• Promoting interdisciplinary research and curriculum integration

• Encouraging startups and innovation in manuscript preservation

• Fostering public awareness, exhibitions, and academic conferences

• Launching new institutions and scholar development programmes

Flagship Event:

• International Conference on Manuscript Heritage (Sept 11–13, 2025)

• Commemorates Swami Vivekananda’s Chicago address (11 Sept 1893)

Comparison :