The Ministry of Culture and the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF, the National Library of France) have signed an MoU under the Gyan Bharatam Mission to identify and digitise Indic-origin manuscripts and collections held by BnF. Cooperation covers five areas: digitisation, cross-sharing on the National Digital Repository, technology exchange, conservation, and research and development. It includes cataloguing standards, OCR/HTR tools (software that reads printed and handwritten text) for Indian scripts, digital humanities, joint workshops, exhibitions and exchange of scholars. On the Indian side the partners are Gyan Bharatam, the National Archives of India (New Delhi) and the National Library (Kolkata). The MoU was signed in Paris on 26 October 2026 by Culture Secretary Vivek Aggarwal and BnF President Gilles Pécout, and announced on 27 October.
Exam concepts
Gyan Bharatam Mission: The Ministry of Culture’s flagship mission for identifying, documenting, conserving, digitising, translating and researching India’s manuscript heritage.
National Digital Repository: Meant to hold Indian-origin manuscripts and Indian Knowledge Systems from India and abroad, with permission-based access.
Predecessor: The mission follows the National Mission for Manuscripts, set up in 2003.
Manuscript: A handwritten document, often on palm leaf, birch bark or paper.
Key facts for quick revision
- Signed: Paris, 26 October 2026
- Signatories: Culture Secretary Vivek Aggarwal and BnF President Gilles Pécout
- Indian partners: Gyan Bharatam, National Archives of India, National Library, Kolkata
- Five areas: digitisation, National Digital Repository sharing, technology exchange, conservation, R&D
Source: PIB, Ministry of Culture
