Focus on committee formation, training, and innovations like “Manuscript Treasure Hunt”*

Raipur, / Chief Secretary Shri Vikas Sheel directed officials to intensify efforts for surveying manuscripts preserved in government institutions, temples, monasteries, libraries, colleges, and private organisations. He said valuable manuscripts and traditional knowledge assets may also be found in heritage communities and archaeological regions, and these areas should receive special attention. He also suggested organising innovative public participation drives, such as a “Manuscript Treasure Hunt”, so that citizens can actively join the campaign.

A high-level meeting on the effective implementation of the Gyan Bharatam National Manuscript Survey was held at Mahanadi Bhawan under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary on April 22. Members of the survey campaign committee and Collectors of all districts joined the meeting through video conferencing. Reviewing the mission's progress, the Chief Secretary instructed that the survey work must be completed by May 31 under all circumstances.

He stated that the survey is not merely an administrative exercise but an important mission to preserve the state’s rich cultural heritage and ancient knowledge traditions. He directed officials to prioritise the identification, documentation, digitisation, and conservation of manuscripts available across districts. Emphasis was also laid on the formation of district-level committees, the appointment of nodal officers, and the training of survey teams.

The meeting also stressed the importance of encouraging participants through certificates and of involving local journalists, litterateurs, historians, and public representatives in the campaign. The initiative is seen as a major step towards preserving the country’s historical and cultural heritage and ensuring its safe transmission to future generations. During the survey process, strict emphasis was placed on respecting the ownership rights of manuscripts, ensuring no transfer without consent, and maintaining transparency in all activities.

During the meeting, Tourism, Culture and Public Relations Secretary Dr Rohit Yadav gave a presentation outlining the framework, objectives, and significance of the Gyan Bharatam Manuscript Survey Campaign. The Vice Chancellor of Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University stated that, with the support of researchers, important manuscript information can be collected even from remote regions, thereby strengthening and making the campaign more effective.

Joint Secretary, School Education Department, Dr Fariha Alam Siddiqui; Director, Culture Department, Shri Vivek Acharya; and senior officers from various departments were also present.

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