Gandhinagar, March 31 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked on Tuesday that previous administrations had disregarded India’s rich manuscript heritage because of a “colonial mindset.” This statement came during the inauguration of the Samrat Samprati Museum at Koba Tirth in Gandhinagar, coinciding with the celebration of Mahavir Jayanti.

In his address, PM Modi emphasized that it was the nation's duty post-Independence to recognize and safeguard ancient manuscripts, a responsibility that was largely overlooked.

“The colonial mindset resulted in a lack of focus in this area. The previous governments' oversight regarding manuscripts is now being rectified,” he articulated.

He highlighted the government's initiation of the Gyan Bharatam Mission, aimed at preserving manuscripts through digitization, chemical treatments, and scientific research. Additionally, he noted the public's involvement in uploading manuscripts as part of a national survey.

Situated within the Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra campus, the museum is poised to be a hub for Jain worship and the preservation of cultural heritage.

He added that artefacts from the Jain community, some with a history of nearly 1,000 years, have been preserved for the benefit of future generations.

“Koba Tirth symbolizes tranquility and the asceticism of saints. For ages, values of commitment, study, spiritual practice, and discipline have thrived here,” he remarked, describing the site as a nexus of Indian civilization through the conservation of values, cultural ethos, and the advancement of knowledge.

Reflecting on history, PM Modi remarked that while many civilizations fostered thinkers and ideals, numerous rulers neglected those principles when confronted with power.

“Some opted for violence, whereas Samrat Samprati championed non-violence during his reign,” he noted, emphasizing that the museum preserves such historical narratives.

He described the museum’s architecture as a representation of India's diversity and unity, incorporating traditions like the Vedas, Puranas, and Ayurveda, underlining its significance in today’s tumultuous global landscape.

The Prime Minister acknowledged Jain saints, including Acharya Padmasagarsurishwarji, for their lifelong dedication to the collection of manuscripts nationwide.

According to officials, the museum presents the historical, cultural, and spiritual legacy of Jainism, allowing visitors to comprehend its chronological evolution.

It comprises seven galleries featuring rare artefacts, such as stone and metal idols, Tirth Patta, Yantra Patta, miniature paintings, silver chariots, coins, and ancient manuscripts, all enhanced with digital and audio-visual displays for visitors and researchers.

With a collection exceeding 2,000 artefacts and over 300,000 manuscripts, the museum has been established as a significant repository of India’s cultural heritage.

PM Modi also mentioned other initiatives, including a maritime museum at Lothal and a museum at Vadnagar, stating that such projects are now being pursued beyond mere political narratives and electoral agendas.