National Digitization Drive Workshop Strengthens India’s Manuscript Preservation Framework; Union Minister of Culture Calls for Sustained National Effort in Digitization

The Ministry of Culture held the National Digitization Drive Workshop in New Delhi under the Gyan Bharatam Mission, attended by over 200 representatives from States/UTs, Centres, custodians, scholars, experts and technology partners. Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat highlighted that more than 1.2 crore manuscripts have been reported nationwide and emphasized sustained, coordinated digitization to preserve India’s manuscript heritage. The workshop reviewed digitization targets, standardised imaging and metadata practices, and presented state and institutional models. It also showcased an emerging AI‑enabled National Digital Manuscript Ecosystem and announced funding for infrastructure, equipment and manpower to support simultaneous conservation and digitisation.