New Delhi, Sep 12 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that millions of manuscripts have been lost to the relentless forces of history while inaugurating the Gyan Bharatam Portal, which aims to enhance the digitisation of these valuable resources, urging the need to explore our past through modern technology.

The Prime Minister highlighted that despite historical losses, India retains the world's largest manuscript collection, estimated at around one crore. He remarked, “Unlike contemporary ideas of nationhood, India possesses a unique cultural identity and its own essence,” stressing that India's history transcends mere records of victories and defeats.

He pointed out that while the geography of kingdoms has transformed over time, India's core remains unified from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean.

“Every nation showcases its historical treasures as symbols of greatness,” he noted, underscoring that even a single manuscript is regarded as a national asset in many countries. He reiterated that India’s vast manuscript wealth is a source of national pride.

“The richness of India’s knowledge tradition thrives today due to the four pillars of Preservation, Innovation, Addition, and Adaptation,” he stated.

Highlighting the significance of the Gyan Bharatam Mission, PM Modi pointed out its potential to unlock new avenues for research and innovation, noting that the global cultural and creative industry is valued at approximately $2.5 trillion.

He mentioned that digitised manuscripts will contribute to this industry's value chains, asserting that these ancient texts will serve as a comprehensive data bank for driving data-driven innovation.

PM Modi expressed optimism that as manuscript digitisation advances, it will create new opportunities for the youth in technology, while also expanding avenues for academic research.

He encouraged the use of advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence in studying digitised manuscripts, emphasizing that AI can greatly enhance our comprehension and analysis of these ancient texts.

Furthermore, he noted that AI can help present the knowledge found within these manuscripts to the world in a genuine and impactful manner.

PM Modi called upon the youth to actively engage in the Gyan Bharatam Mission, highlighting the importance of leveraging technology to explore our rich past.

He insisted on making this knowledge available to humanity based on evidence-based parameters. The Prime Minister also encouraged universities and institutions nationwide to initiate innovative projects in this area. He affirmed that the entire nation is progressing with the spirit of Swadeshi and the resolve of Atmanirbhar Bharat, viewing this initiative as an extension of that national ethos.

He concluded by stating that India must transform its heritage into a source of strength, asserting that the Gyan Bharatam Mission will herald the start of a promising new chapter for the future.