International conference on Reclaiming India’s Knowledge Legacy Through Manuscript Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, India
- Siddhi Deshmukhe
- 14 hours ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 hours ago
Organized by: Ministry of Culture, Government of India
Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
Dates: 11-13 September 2025,
Mode: Hybrid
The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, is organizing a historic Three-Day International Conference on “Reclaiming India’s Knowledge Legacy Through Manuscript Heritage”, as part of the Gyan Bharatam Mission launch from 11-13 September 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. This prestigious event, which will be held in hybrid mode, also commemorates Swami Vivekananda’s historic Chicago address (11 September 1893), symbolizing India’s intellectual and spiritual vision on a global stage. The conference aims to bring together approximately 500 national and international delegates, including 75 invited speakers and experts, to participate in this transformative gathering. To enrich the discussions, the conference invites submissions of papers, case studies, and conceptual frameworks.
Click here to know about the Gyan Bharatam Mission
The Government is taking active initiatives for digitization and enhancing public access to uphold and celebrate India’s rich manuscript heritage across various domains like philosophy, science, medicine, astrology, etc. An estimated 1 crore ancient manuscripts are an invaluable part of the Bhāratīya Jñāna Paramparā or the Indian Knowledge System. Thus, to safeguard our heritage, the “Gyan Bharatam Mission” (previously known as National Mission for Manuscript -NMM) has been launched as a Central Sector Scheme for the period 2024 to 2031, with a total allocation of Rs. 482.85 crores.
The key objectives of the Gyan Bharatam Mission include Survey and Documentation; Conservation and Preservation; Digitization; Publication, Translation and Research; Capacity Building; and Outreach and Awareness.
Event Highlights
The conference will have an Inaugural and a Valedictory Session. The Technical sessions will have 4 Plenary Sessions and 12 Parallel Sessions.
Apart from the main sessions, the conference will also feature a cultural programme and two exhibitions—one showcasing Indian Manuscripts and Script Heritage, and another highlighting the manuscripts inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. Attendees will also have the opportunity to witness live demonstrations of conservation and digitization tools, along with a hands-on workshop. Additionally, the conference will have a special space for startups in the field.
The conference aims to reclaim, preserve and globalize the manuscript heritage of India.
Expected Outcomes:
Initiation of long-term activities and knowledge partnerships
Adoption of the New Delhi Declaration on Manuscript Heritage
Creation of Expert Working Groups on Decipherment, Documentation, Translation, Conservation and Digital Archiving.
Institutional linkages for national and global collaborations
Recommendations for academic integration and capacity building
Enhancing India’s role in cultural diplomacy
Call for Papers
Professionals, scholars, researchers, cultural custodians and young minds are invited to submit abstracts (250-300 words) by 10 August 2025 and full papers (3,000-5,000 words) by 1 September 2025. Submissions in English or Hindi should align with themes such as manuscript conservation, digitization, decipherment of ancient scripts, and integration of Indian Knowledge Systems. For guidelines and submission details, contact Prof. Ramesh C. Gaur at gbmconference@gmail.com or visit https://gbm-moc.in
Submission Guidelines
Abstract Submission | |
Length | 250-300 words |
Language | English/ Hindi |
File Format | MS Word (.doc/.docx) & pdf |
Required Information | Title of the Paper; Name of the Author(s), affiliation and designation; Keywords(4-6) Contact- email and phone; a brief biographical Note upto 100 words |
Full Paper (upon acceptance) | |
Length | 3000-5000 words (including references) |
Formatting | Times New Roman, 12 pt, 1.5 spacing |
Citation Style | APA / MLA |
File Format | MS Word (.doc/.docx) |
Important dates
Last Date for Abstract Submission | 10 August 2025 |
Notification of Acceptance | 20 August 2025 |
Last Date for Full Paper / Presentation Submission | 1 September 2025 |
While submitting your work, it is important to note that your work is
Original
Culturally Sensitive
Has appropriate permissions
Either in English or Hindi
Accessible to participants with disability
Presentable in person as well as online mode
To know more about paper submission please click here
Contribute to the Preservation of India’s Manuscript Heritage
Professionals, scholars, researchers, cultural enthusiasts, and young minds all are invited to be part of this transformative gathering, either in person at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, or online, from 11-13 September 2025. Your presence and contributions will play a vital role in preserving, exploring, and celebrating India’s rich manuscript heritage.
Together, let’s reclaim the wisdom of our past and build a legacy of knowledge for generations to come. Don’t miss this historic opportunity!
For more updates and opportunities, follow the Inarch WhatsApp Channel
Source: ASI officials, Gyan Bharatam
