PM Modi Champions Digital Preservation to Safeguard India's Ancient Manuscript Legacy and Combat Piracy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently underscored the critical importance of digitising India's vast trove of ancient manuscripts, presenting it as a powerful strategy to not only preserve cultural heritage but also to effectively curb intellectual piracy. Speaking at the 'Gyan Bharatam' workshop, the Prime Minister highlighted how this monumental task aligns perfectly with the vision of 'Digital India', bringing the nation's rich wisdom to a global audience.

Addressing a gathering that included distinguished scholars, experts, and stakeholders, PM Modi articulated a compelling vision for a future where India's millennia-old knowledge, enshrined in fragile manuscripts, is accessible and secure.

He emphasised that digitisation is not merely about creating digital copies; it's about safeguarding intellectual property rights and preventing the illicit exploitation of ancient wisdom.

The Prime Minister's remarks at the 'Gyan Bharatam' workshop served as a powerful call to action, urging collaborative efforts from various institutions, including libraries, universities, and cultural organisations, to accelerate the digitisation process.

He pointed out that these manuscripts are not just historical relics but living reservoirs of knowledge spanning diverse fields such as science, philosophy, medicine, and art, offering invaluable insights for contemporary challenges.

He further elaborated on the immense potential of digital accessibility.

By making these texts available online, India can foster greater academic research, facilitate international collaborations, and educate new generations about their profound heritage. This initiative also aims to democratise access, allowing anyone, anywhere, to delve into the depths of Indian thought without geographical or physical barriers.

The digitisation drive, according to PM Modi, is a proactive measure against intellectual theft, ensuring that the original source and context of Indian knowledge are irrefutably established.

It's a move to reclaim and assert ownership over a legacy that has often been vulnerable to misinterpretation or appropriation. The 'Gyan Bharatam' workshop itself exemplified the spirit of collective endeavour, bringing together leading minds to discuss best practices, technological advancements, and strategic frameworks for this ambitious national project.

Ultimately, the Prime Minister's message resonated with a deep sense of pride in India's intellectual heritage and a forward-looking approach to its preservation.

Digitising these manuscripts is envisioned as a bridge between the past and the future, ensuring that the light of ancient Indian knowledge continues to illuminate the path forward for humanity, secured and celebrated in the digital age.