Sri Vijaya Puram, May 01: Authorities in South Andaman have initiated efforts to accelerate the National Manuscript Survey under the Gyan Bharatam Mission, with officials urging wider public participation to preserve historical records and handwritten documents.
A district-level meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in South Andaman on April 29 reviewed the implementation of the survey and outlined steps to strengthen documentation and digitisation of manuscripts across the region. The meeting was chaired by the Additional District Magistrate.
During the session, officials highlighted that the initiative forms part of a nationwide programme aimed at identifying and recording manuscripts, handwritten texts, and archival materials that reflect India’s intellectual and cultural heritage. The mission also focuses on using digital tools to ensure long-term preservation and improved accessibility of such records.
The administration stressed that the survey holds significance in safeguarding knowledge embedded in historical documents, many of which remain undocumented or at risk of deterioration. Officials noted that systematic identification and digitisation would help protect these materials for future generations.
The Additional District Magistrate called on departments, institutions and local stakeholders to contribute actively to the survey process. Participants were encouraged to collect old documents and upload them on designated platforms to expand the repository of manuscripts under the mission.
The meeting also underlined the need to create awareness among communities, particularly students, about the importance of preserving manuscripts and traditional knowledge systems. Officials said public engagement would be key to ensuring that valuable records held in private collections or local institutions are brought into the survey framework.
Discussions focused on coordination among various departments and agencies to ensure smooth execution of the survey at the district level. Authorities indicated that collaboration across institutions would be essential to achieve comprehensive coverage and effective documentation.
The meeting concluded with a call for sustained efforts to implement the National Manuscript Survey in South Andaman, aligning local actions with the broader objectives of the Gyan Bharatam Mission.
