April 9, 2026
Manuscript Preservation and Digitization Gains Momentum in Bihar Under the “Gyan Bharatam Mission”
The Department of Art and Culture, Government of Bihar, chaired by Chief Secretary, Shri Pratyaya Amrit, held an important meeting with district officials today to review the progress of manuscript preservation and digitization in the state under the “Gyan Bharatam Mission.” This flagship scheme, announced by the Government of India in the 2025-26 Budget, is an ambitious initiative to revive the country’s rich knowledge tradition and intellectual heritage. The mission’s primary objective is to comprehensively survey, scientifically preserve, and modernize India’s vast manuscript heritage, ensuring its preservation and preservation.
Under the mission, all handwritten texts that are at least 75 years old and written on paper, birch bark, palm leaves, cloth, or metal are classified as manuscripts. The work of identifying and cataloging these rare heritage items, available in various government and non-government institutions, monasteries, temples, educational institutions, and private libraries in the state, is being carried out on a war footing. Both traditional and scientific methods are being used to secure the future of the manuscripts. Additionally, a national digital repository is being created using AI-based technologies and cloud systems to edit, translate, and publish these rare texts and make them available in multilingual form.
As of the current survey, Bihar ranks fourth in the country with 471,802 manuscripts, while Rajasthan tops the list. Looking at the district-wise progress within Bihar, Madhubani district leads with 370,926 manuscripts, followed by Patna, Darbhanga, and Nalanda. The Department of Art and Culture has been designated as the nodal department in the state, and a high-level committee has been formed under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary. To accelerate the survey work, Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, Khudabaksh Library, and Bodhgaya Monastery have been identified as key clusters and centers, which are coordinating with various districts.
The Chief Secretary has directed all district officials to form a “Gyan Bharatam Mission Committee” at the district level and regularly review its progress. District Magistrates have also been expected to develop institutional collaborations with universities, museums, and private collectors. Public outreach is essential for the mission’s success, and the goal is to make it the “Talk of the Cities & Villages.” Extensive public awareness programs will be organized through photo exhibitions, social media, and print media. Surveyors and collectors who perform outstanding work will also be rewarded to encourage them.
The national importance of this mission can be gauged from the fact that the Honorable Prime Minister recently discussed the National Manuscript Survey in his “Mann Ki Baat” program. In the near future, the Cabinet Secretary, Government of India, will conduct a high-level review of this work with the Chief Secretaries of all states. The Bihar government is fully committed to preserving this precious cultural heritage and bringing it to the global stage.