Sri Vijaya Puram, April 20: The Government of India has launched Gyan Bharatam Mission as a major initiative under the Ministry of Culture. It aims to Survey, Document, Conserve, Digitize, and make accessible Manuscripts located in academic Institutions, Museums, Libraries, and Private collections across India.
In a bid to connect the youth with their roots and make ancient knowledge accessible to present and future generations, the Art & Culture Department of A&N Administration has also launched a UT-wide mission to identify, document and preserve old manuscripts across all three districts.
As part of the initiative, residents are encouraged to donate historical documents, maps and old photographs to the Art & Culture Deptt. for uploading in the Gyan Bharatam Survey App.
The Department of Art & Culture, A&N Administration, is committed to the preservation and promotion of the Islands’ archival heritage. In this regard, the Department appeals to the general public, institutions, scholars, and collectors to come forward and contribute by:
•Donating or sharing manuscripts and archival materials of historical importance.
•Providing information about such materials held by individuals or organizations.
•Assisting in identifying and documenting rare and valuable records related to the islands.
The Administration assures that necessary expertise will be provided for the preservation, documentation, and digitization of such materials. Contributors will be duly acknowledged, and the ownership of the materials will remain with the original holders, with only digital copies being archived for preservation and research purposes.
Interested persons may submit details of manuscripts and archival materials to the Department of Art & Culture, A&N Administration by visiting the office at Cellular Jail complex or contact via phone number 234775/9476037145 or email at cellularjailandaman@gmail.com and artand.culture@and.nic.in . By contributing to this initiative, citizens can play a vital role in safeguarding the rich and diverse heritage of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands for future generations. Let us come together to preserve the voices, memories, and history of our Islands.
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands, a unique confluence of diverse cultures, colonial history, indigenous traditions, and maritime heritage, occupy a significant place in India’s historical and cultural landscape. From the indigenous communities inhabiting these islands since time immemorial to the colonial period marked by the establishment of the Cellular Jail, and the post-independence development of a vibrant island society, the rich heritage of these islands is reflected in its people, traditions, and historical records.
There is an urgent need to preserve and document this invaluable heritage in the form of archival material such as manuscripts, rare books, personal diaries, letters, photographs/negatives, maps, administrative records, audio-visual recordings, and other documents that capture different phases of life and history in these Islands. Such materials, lying with individuals, families, institutions, and organizations, are vital sources of knowledge about the socio-cultural evolution, freedom struggle, migration patterns, and indigenous traditions of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Ancient manuscripts and rare records are invaluable evidence of our intellectual traditions, cultural heritage, and collective memory. Their preservation and transmission to future generations is a shared responsibility. People have been urged to come forward and contribute towards this Mission of the Govt. of India.