Gyan Bharatam Mission: Preserving India's Intellectual Heritage
Launched by: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 27, 2025, during the 124th episode of Mann Ki Baat.
Purpose: To digitise and preserve over 1 crore ancient manuscripts spread across India, many of which are deteriorating or inaccessible.
Significance: PM Modi referred to these manuscripts as "Chapters of India’s soul", holding centuries-old knowledge on science, spirituality, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, art, and philosophy.
Digitisation of Manuscripts:
- Fragile and rare texts to be scanned and stored in digital formats to prevent physical decay.
Creation of a National Digital Repository:
- A centralised platform to provide access to digitised manuscripts for scholars, students, and the global community.
Promoting Knowledge Access:
- Democratise access to traditional Indian wisdom by integrating it into modern research and education.
Preservation of Cultural Legacy:
- Reinforce India’s civilisational continuity and foster pride in heritage among younger generations.
UNESCO World Heritage Status for Maratha Forts:
- Recognition: UNESCO has inscribed 12 Maratha forts as World Heritage Sites in July 2025.
States Covered:
- 11 forts in Maharashtra
- 1 fort in Tamil Nadu
Historical Value:
- These forts, associated with the Maratha Empire and especially Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, reflect India’s strategic, architectural, and cultural ingenuity.
- PM Modi’s Statement: He described the forts as “pages of history”, showcasing India's bravery, leadership, and historical legacy.
Impact of the Recognition:
- Boost to heritage tourism
- Global attention on India's historical architecture
- Encouragement for further conservation efforts across India