‘Gyan Bharatam’ survey gathers pace in state as district committees begin large-scale documentation of ancient manuscripts
TFP Bureau, Raipur, April 11,2016: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has called upon citizens to actively participate in preserving the state’s cultural and intellectual heritage by joining the nationwide manuscript documentation initiative under the Gyan Bharatam National Manuscript Survey.
Describing manuscripts as a “living record of civilisation, culture and intellectual wealth,” the Chief Minister urged people to contribute to the preservation of traditional knowledge by sharing information about manuscripts and handwritten texts in their possession. He emphasised that safeguarding such heritage is a collective responsibility and that even small contributions by individuals can significantly strengthen efforts to protect India’s rich cultural legacy.
The Chief Minister made the appeal while highlighting the importance of the national survey programme, which aims to identify, document, preserve and digitise ancient manuscripts across the country. The initiative, launched by the Union Government in March 2026, seeks to create a comprehensive digital repository of manuscripts and make them accessible for scholars, researchers and the public.
Citizens Asked to Register Manuscripts
Sai encouraged citizens to register details of manuscripts, handwritten books, palm-leaf manuscripts and other historical texts through the official Gyan Bharatam mobile application. He said participation from families, private collectors, temples, libraries and educational institutions would help uncover hidden repositories of knowledge that have remained undocumented for generations.
“Manuscripts are not merely old documents; they represent the accumulated wisdom of centuries,” he said, adding that preserving them would ensure that future generations remain connected to the cultural and intellectual traditions of the country.
He also urged people to take pride in their roots and actively participate in the initiative to protect and promote Chhattisgarh’s knowledge heritage.
Survey Gaining Momentum in Chhattisgarh
The manuscript documentation drive has gained momentum in Chhattisgarh, with district-level committees already constituted in 26 out of the state’s 33 districts. Nodal officers have been appointed to coordinate the survey process, while preparations are underway to complete committee formation in the remaining seven districts.
According to officials, district committees are currently identifying collectors, libraries, temples and institutions that possess manuscripts. Surveyors are also being appointed in villages and towns to conduct field-level documentation of manuscripts available with individuals and organisations.
The state’s Culture Department is organising training programmes at the district level to guide survey teams on identifying, cataloguing and uploading information about manuscripts through the Gyan Bharatam mobile application.
Thousands of Manuscripts Already Surveyed
Initially, the state had received information about 148 manuscripts from the Union Government as part of the programme’s preliminary data. However, the ongoing survey is expected to uncover many more manuscripts preserved in private collections and institutional archives.
Field surveys have already begun in six districts, and officials said that 4,191 manuscripts have been documented so far through the Gyan Bharatam app.
Authorities believe the survey will help bring wider recognition to Chhattisgarh’s traditional knowledge systems, including ancient literature, historical records, religious texts and scholarly works preserved in manuscripts.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that with active participation from citizens, scholars and institutions, the initiative will not only protect valuable historical records but also strengthen the cultural identity of the state while contributing to the national effort to preserve India’s manuscript heritage.
