Palm-leaf texts to archival records, city to digitise rare manuscripts

Gurgaon: The district administration has intensified efforts to digitise rare manuscripts, palm-leaf texts and archival records under the centre’s ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’.
Deputy commissioner Uttam Singh said the national manuscript survey, announced on March 16, 2026, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to create the country’s most comprehensive digital repository of heritage texts. Under the initiative, texts from homes, temples, monasteries and institutions are being geo-tagged and scanned.
Emphasising public participation, the DC urged citizens to share information about their manuscripts via the mobile app. “This initiative will help preserve our civilisational legacy. We are ensuring that while capturing digital records, the original documents remain untouched and unharmed,” he said. Modern imaging and archival technologies are being used to ensure clarity, longevity and secure storage of scanned manuscripts.
The administration is also coordinating with temple boards, math institutions and custodians of private libraries to identify and safeguard old collections. Singh said the mission will prioritise manuscripts that are 75 years old or more. Once documented, the texts will be preserved in the National Digital Repository, ensuring future generations can access India’s historic knowledge base.

The survey will continue until June 15. The DC reiterated that manuscript owners’ rights will remain fully protected. “Our goal is preservation, not acquisition,” he said, encouraging widespread public cooperation to protect Gurgaon and India’s rich cultural heritage.
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