Dimapur: Nagaland’s art & culture department has initiated a state-wide manuscript survey under the Gyan Bharatam Mission, a national initiative of the Union ministry of culture.The Gyan Bharatam Mission aims to identify, document and create a comprehensive national database of manuscripts and historically significant records across the country with a view to preserving India’s documentary heritage and traditional knowledge systems for future generations. The mission recognises that many valuable manuscripts and records are currently scattered across institutions, religious centres, community repositories and private collections. A large number of these is undocumented.In Nagaland, nature of documentary heritage is distinct, as much of state’s historical knowledge has traditionally been preserved outside formal archival institutions.Such materials are commonly found in church archives, missionary records, village institutions, early translations, customary records and private family collections.The ongoing survey seeks to systematically identify such materials and document their details through a national digital platform.The department has appealed to all institutions, organisations and individuals to extend their cooperation by sharing information regarding any manuscripts or old records in their possession.It also stated that the survey is limited to documentation and recording of information only, and does not involve removal or transfer of materials from their custodians.The department said public participation is vital to the successful implementation of the mission and to ensuring that Nagaland’s valuable documentary heritage is properly identified, documented, and preserved.
