Art & Culture Director appeals for cooperation to preserve and digitise manuscripts
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 06 2026: Director of Arts and Culture K Dinamani Singh has appealed to owners of manuscripts to extend cooperation to the survey team under the Government of India's Gyan Bharatam Mission for preservation and digitisation of manuscripts.

Speaking to the media today at the State Archives office at Nityaipat Chuthek, K Dinamani said Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Gyan Bharatam Mission on September 11, 2025.He stated that the mission aims to preserve, digitise, and publish ancient manuscripts written, on leaves, cloth and paper that were handed down by forefathers.

The Government of India has earmarked Rs 482 crore for the mission.

For Manipur, an MoU has been signed between the Ministry of Culture and Manipur State Archives.

A committee with the Chief Secretary as chairman and 8 members has also been formed and work has begun.

However, lack of awareness is creating difficulties during surveys, he said.

Dinamani said survey teams face issues like inauspicious days and religious beliefs when visiting places where Puyas are kept.

He clarified that the team will not take away manuscripts, but will only photograph and digitise them to prevent loss.

Details will be uploaded to the Ministry of Culture's website as historical data.

He also said the department is planning to introduce a course to teach reading of Puyas, and forms will be issued once Government approval is received.

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