The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, has announced the first-ever International Conference on ‘Reclaiming India’s Knowledge Legacy Through Manuscript Heritage’. The event will take place from September 11–13, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, commemorating Swami Vivekananda’s historic speech at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in 1893.
India’s Rich Manuscript Legacy Takes Center Stage
Coinciding with Guru Purnima, the announcement reflects India’s reverence for the guru–śiṣya tradition and aims to revive the civilisational knowledge embedded in over 10 million manuscripts—covering science, medicine, philosophy, mathematics, and literature.
Event Highlights
- Over 500 delegates, including 75 renowned scholars and cultural custodians from India and abroad.
- Hybrid mode: Enabling global participation both virtually and in-person.
- Thematic sessions on conservation, palaeography, AI-integrated archival practices, and ethical custodianship.
- Side events: Rare manuscript exhibitions, cultural performances, live conservation demos, and manuscript startup showcases.
Key Initiatives and Expected Outcomes
- Adoption of the New Delhi Declaration on Manuscript Heritage.
- Formation of expert groups for decipherment, digitisation, translation, and archiving.
- Launch of the Manuscript Research Partner (MRP) Programme for young scholars.
- Encouragement of original research in manuscript conservation, codicology, education, and legal frameworks.
Interested participants are invited to submit abstracts by August 10, 2025 via the official website: gbm-moc.in. Full papers and queries can be sent to gbmconference@gmail.com.
Why This Conference Matters
This event marks a landmark step in preserving India’s ancient knowledge systems and reconnecting today’s youth with their intellectual roots. It positions India as a global hub for manuscript studies and strengthens cultural diplomacy through collaboration.
To stay informed about India’s cultural milestones and initiatives, follow gpsc-ojas.com/news.
On this auspicious occasion of #GuruPurnima, I am happy to share a significant step forward in preserving and celebrating India’s knowledge traditions.
From 11–13 September 2025, Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, will host the 1st ever Global Conference on India’s Manuscript Heritage… pic.twitter.com/5VRCXipRUF
— Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (@gssjodhpur) July 10, 2025
