Dr Bilal directs preservation of Manuscript Heritage in the Distt
Budgam: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-din Bhat, Wednesday presided over a review meeting at the Conference Hall, DC Office Complex, to discuss and finalise the implementation and coordination framework for the recently restructured Gyan Bharatam Mission, which aims at the preservation, documentation and digitisation of India’s invaluable manuscript heritage.
The meeting was attended by the General Manager DIC budgam (designated Nodal Officer for the Mission), Chief Executive Officer, Tehsildars, Block Development Officers (BDOs), and other concerned district and field-level officers.
During the meeting, the DC highlighted that the Gyan Bharatam Mission has been launched with the objective of safeguarding the nation’s rich intellectual and cultural legacy.
The DC emphasised that systematic efforts are required to ensure that manuscripts of historical, cultural and academic significance are properly identified, documented and preserved in a scientific manner.
The DC stressed that comprehensive surveys are required to be conducted across the district to identify manuscripts available in private collections, religious institutions, shrines, monasteries, madrasas, temples, gurudwaras, libraries and other heritage establishments. He underlined that due importance must be given to manuscripts held by individuals and families, which often remain undocumented.
The DC further emphasised on ensuring that digitisation is carried out in a structured and standardised manner so that valuable manuscripts are protected from physical deterioration and made accessible through a national digital repository. The importance of scientific conservation techniques for long-term preservation was also highlighted.
The DC directed that all Tehsildars and Block Development Officers shall ensure effective coordination at the grassroots level to facilitate identification, documentation and reporting of manuscripts.
He stressed that field officers are required to play a proactive role in mobilising community participation and creating public awareness regarding the importance of preserving manuscript heritage.
The DC underscored that awareness must be generated among the public regarding manuscripts that are more than seventy-five years old, in accordance with the provisions of the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972, so that such heritage assets are duly protected and brought under the institutional preservation framework.
The DC also emphasised that capacity building of concerned staff and stakeholders shall be ensured to strengthen implementation, and that public outreach initiatives shall be intensified to encourage voluntary disclosure and documentation of manuscripts.
The General Manager, briefed the chair about the objectives and components of the mission, including large-scale digitisation, creation of a national digital repository, institutional strengthening, capacity building, and extensive public outreach activities.
Reiterating the importance of inter-departmental convergence, the DC stated that coordinated and sustained efforts of all concerned departments are essential to achieve the targets laid down under the mission.
The DC stressed that the initiative must be implemented in a mission-mode approach so that the cultural and intellectual heritage of the district is preserved in a systematic, transparent and time-bound manner for future generations. He directed for the effective implementation of the Gyan Bharatam Mission across Budgam district through close monitoring, regular reviews and strengthened field-coordination.
