Manuscript Conservation Gains Momentum in Jammu and Kashmir

March 17, 2026

Jammu: The Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, in collaboration with the J&K Regional Centre of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), organized a three-day workshop and training program. The program was held at the Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Canal Road, Jammu, under the “Gyan Bharatam Mission,” where the National Survey of Manuscripts was also launched.

Mission Objectives and Progress

During the program, Principal Secretary (Culture) Brij Mohan Sharma stated that this is a flagship program of the Central Government, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September 2025. Its objective is to identify, catalog, and digitize approximately 10 million manuscripts across the country and scientifically preserve them, making them available to researchers worldwide.

He informed that approximately 35,000 manuscripts have been identified and cataloged in Jammu and Kashmir so far. Digitization work is ongoing in private institutions and the Persian Department of the University of Kashmir.

Emphasis on Survey, Conservation, and Training

Director Kuldeep Krishna Sidha, highlighting the objectives of the Gyan Bharatam Mission and the National Manuscript Survey, explained that work is being done on various aspects such as conservation, technology, digitization, research, publication, and awareness.

Dr. Jahangir Iqbal provided participants with detailed information about the process of surveying and preserving manuscripts. Dr. Suresh Abrol also encouraged participants to play an active role in this field.

Expert Participation and Discussion

Professor Achal Pandey of IGNCA presented on the collection and conservation of manuscripts. Participants raised questions and discussed various issues related to the survey.

Several senior officials, experts, and stakeholders were present at the event.