Raipur, April 11 So far, over 4,100 manuscripts have been reported from eight districts in Chhattisgarh under the Centre's Gyan Bharatam National Manuscript Survey, officials said on Saturday.
The initiative, launched in March, aims to document and preserve manuscripts and make them accessible through digital platforms, they said.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the 'Gyan Bharatam National Manuscript Survey' is a visionary initiative and urged the people of Chhattisgarh to actively participate in the drive to preserve the state's rich cultural heritage and ancient knowledge.
"Manuscripts are a living testament to the country's civilisation, culture, and intellectual wealth. Safeguarding them for future generations is a shared responsibility. The nationwide survey is a landmark step towards identifying, preserving, and digitising ancient manuscripts," Sai said.
He appealed to citizens to register details of any handwritten texts or palm-leaf manuscripts in their possession through the 'Gyan Bharatam' mobile app.
"Even small efforts by individuals can play a meaningful role in protecting the state's cultural identity. Public participation will help bring wider recognition to Chhattisgarh's knowledge traditions," the CM said.
Chhattisgarh has been actively participating in the nationwide exercise, with committees formed in 26 out of 33 districts and nodal officers appointed, while the process is underway in the remaining seven districts, a culture department official said.
"District committees have been identifying collectors and institutions holding manuscripts, while surveyors are being appointed across villages and regions. Training is being conducted at the district level by the Culture Department in coordination with regional teams," he said.
The state had initially received information on 148 manuscripts under the programme from the Union Government, officials said.
At present surveys have begun in Surguja, Surajpur, Raipur, Raigarh, Narayanpur, Mahasamund, Durg and Rajnandgaon districts, and 4,197 manuscripts have already been recorded through the Gyan Bharatam app, officials said.