PM Modi Highlights Global Imitation of India’s Traditional Knowledge

Rapid Summary:

• Event: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed an International Conference titled “Reclaiming India’s Knowledge Legacy through Manuscript Heritage” in new Delhi on September 12, 2025.
• Focus: The PM advocated for the digitisation of India’s ancient manuscripts and the creation of a database to preserve and share customary knowledge. He emphasized that this would curb “intellectual piracy.”
• Scale: India holds approximately one crore (10 million) manuscripts-more than 10 lakh (1 million) have been digitised so far.
• Collaborative Efforts: the process involves partnerships with private organizations and cultural exchanges with nations like Thailand, vietnam, and Mongolia.
• Launch: Mr. Modi inaugurated the ‘Gyan Bharatam’ portal-a digital repository platform aimed at accelerating manuscript digitisation and preservation efforts.
• Participants: Over 1,100 attendees from various fields participated in discussing key aspects like manuscript conservation, technologies for digitisation, legal frameworks, decipherment methodologies, metadata standards, and cultural diplomacy.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The push towards manuscript digitisation through initiatives like the Gyan Bharatam Mission reflects India’s commitment to preserving its rich intellectual heritage while showcasing it globally. Given India’s vast repository of ancient texts spanning science,philosophy,medicine,mathematics-and more-the effort can reinforce cultural identity while fostering intellectual assertiveness on global platforms. Cooperation with private entities alongside engagement with culturally connected countries suggests diplomatic dimensions that leverage shared legacies.

The emphasis on curbing “intellectual piracy” underscores practical concerns about safeguarding ancient knowledge from unauthorized exploitation or misappropriation-a important challenge in today’s interconnected world. Digitising remaining texts could enable scholars and researchers to access crucial insights while ensuring their lasting preservation amid threats like neglect or decay.This endeavor aligns well with broader national drives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance), as it marries modern technology-led innovation with historical preservation-possibly demonstrating how cultural stewardship can coexist with strategic advancement goals.

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