| New Cluster Centre to lead manuscript conservation, digitisation, regional coordination in J&K | | |
Early Times Report
Jammu, Jan 3: In a significant step towards strengthening manuscript preservation framework and with a view to focus on preservation of the manuscript resources in Jammu , the Shashvat Art Gallery, Museum & Manuscript Library, Jammu, has been designated as a Cluster Centre under Gyan Bharatham, the flagship initiative of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
The designation was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Friday, 26 December 2025, between Gyan Bharatham (GB), Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the Shashvat Art Gallery, Museum & Manuscript Library, located at Upper Bazar, Dhountly, Jammu (UT of Jammu & Kashmir).
As a Cluster Centre, the Jammu-based institution will function as a centre for manuscript-related activities in the region.
Its key responsibilities will include the identification, documentation, conservation, cataloguing and digitisation of manuscripts, both within its own collection and across its designated Cluster Partner Centres. The Centre will also provide technical support, training and quality oversight to ensure that manuscript conservation and digitisation adhere to national standards.
Gyan Bharatham is a comprehensive national programme of the Ministry of Culture aimed at safeguarding India’s diverse manuscript heritage, which spans multiple languages, scripts and knowledge traditions. The programme seeks to identify undocumented manuscripts, scientifically conserve fragile materials, and digitise rare and endangered texts to prevent irreversible loss of traditional knowledge.
The Cluster Centre will further engage in research, publication and outreach, encouraging academic research based on manuscripts of scientific, historical, literary and aesthetic value. Scholarly outputs such as annotated editions, critical commentaries, monographs and collaborative publications will be supported.
Public engagement will be promoted through awareness programmes, exhibitions and outreach activities, aimed at fostering greater appreciation of India’s manuscript heritage.
The designation of Shashvat Art Gallery, Museum & Manuscript Library, Jammu, as a Cluster Centre is therefore expected to play a pivotal role in mapping and preserving the literary wealth. |
|
