Call for Papers: First International Conference on Reclaiming India's Knowledge Legacy Through Manuscript Heritage | 11–13 September

First International Conference on Reclaiming India's Knowledge Legacy Through Manuscript Heritage

11–13 September 2025 |  Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, India

Organised by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India

Website: https://gbm-moc.in

On the sacred occasion of Guru Purnima, the Ministry of Culture proudly announces a landmark initiative under the Gyan Bharatam Mission (GBM) — the first International Conference on 'Reclaiming India's Knowledge Legacy Through Manuscript Heritage', to be held from 11–13 September 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Commemorating the 132nd anniversary of Swami Vivekananda's historic Chicago address (11 Sept 1893), the conference reaffirms India's enduring intellectual and civilisational spirit. With over 10 million manuscripts spanning diverse fields—philosophy, medicine, science, literature, arts—India holds the world's richest manuscript tradition. These are not just texts but living embodiments of Bhāratīya Jñāna Paramparā (Indian Knowledge Systems).  Join us in this civilisational renaissance to preserve, decode, and globalise India's manuscript legacy and reaffirm its position as Vishwa Guru in knowledge and wisdom.
What to Expect:

✅ Participation of over 500 delegates
✅ 75+ eminent scholars and global thought leaders
✅ 4 plenary and 12 parallel sessions
✅ Side events: rare manuscript exhibitions (including UNESCO-listed items), conservation demos, workshops, startup showcase & cultural performances
✅ Adoption of the New Delhi Declaration on Manuscript Heritage

Call for Papers is Open!
👉  Submit abstracts in English or Hindi by 10 August 2025.
👉 Email: gbmconference[@]gmail.com

Sub-Themes

Original research papers, case studies, and conceptual frameworks are invited on the following indicative themes:

1. Conservation and Restoration of Manuscripts

2. Survey, Documentation, and Metadata Standards

3. Digitization Tools, Platforms, and Protocols (HTR, AI, IIIF)

4. Translation and Interpretation Methodologies

5. Paleography, Codicology, and Script Training Initiatives

6. Legal and Ethical Aspects of Manuscript Custodianship

7. Integration of Indian Knowledge Systems in Education

8. Decipherment of Ancient Scripts: Indus, Gilgit, and Śankha

9. Research Methodologies in Manuscript Studies

10. Cultural Diplomacy and Knowledge Partnerships