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Key Points

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the remarkable efforts of Mani Maran from Thanjavur in preserving Tamil palm leaf manuscripts during his 'Mann Ki Baat' address. Maran has been conducting free evening classes to teach younger generations how to read these ancient texts containing invaluable knowledge in science, medicine, and philosophy. The government is supporting such initiatives through the Gyan Bharatam Mission, which aims to digitize and make these manuscripts globally accessible. Modi emphasized that protecting such cultural heritage is a critical national responsibility that connects generations.

Key Points: Modi Praises Mani Maran's Tamil Manuscript Preservation Mission

  • PM lauds Mani Maran's free evening classes for preserving Tamil manuscript knowledge
  • Government launches Gyan Bharatam Mission to digitize ancient manuscripts
  • Thanjavur scholar teaches traditional script to students and researchers
  • Efforts aim to protect India's rich intellectual and cultural heritage
2 min read

PM Modi lauds Mani Maran's efforts to preserve Tamil palm leaf manuscripts

PM highlights Mani Maran's crucial work in saving centuries-old Tamil palm leaf manuscripts through innovative learning initiatives

"These are not just manuscripts; these are chapters of the soul of India - PM Narendra Modi"

Chennai, July 27

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed the inspiring efforts of Mani Maran from Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, who has taken up the mission of preserving and teaching the ancient art of reading Tamil palm leaf manuscripts.

In his address on 'Mann Ki Baat', the Prime Minister praised Mani Maran as a shining example of how individuals can play a pivotal role in protecting India's rich intellectual and cultural heritage.

"Friends, one such inspiring personality is Mani Maran Ji, who is from Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. He felt that if today's generation does not learn to read Tamil manuscripts, this precious heritage will be lost in the future," the Prime Minister said.

"For that, he started evening classes, where students, working youth, researchers -- everyone began to learn," the PM said.

Mani Maran has been conducting free evening classes to teach people how to read Tamil Suvadiyiyal -- the traditional script used in palm leaf manuscripts. These manuscripts, many of which are centuries old, contain a treasure trove of knowledge in science, medicine, music, and philosophy.

Thanks to his efforts, many students have become proficient in reading these texts, and some have even begun researching traditional medicine systems based on the manuscripts.

Prime Minister Modi emphasised that India's real strength lies in the knowledge it has preserved for centuries, and that safeguarding such manuscripts is a national responsibility.

"These are not just manuscripts; these are those chapters of the soul of India which we must pass on to coming generations," he said.

In a major push to institutionalise this vision, the Government of India has launched the 'Gyan Bharatam Mission,' a historic initiative announced in this year's Union Budget," he said.

Under this mission, ancient Indian manuscripts will be digitised and made available through a National Digital Repository, enabling students and researchers from across the globe to access India's vast traditional knowledge systems.

The Prime Minister urged all citizens who are part of similar efforts -- or wish to be -- to get involved by reaching out to the Ministry of Culture or the MyGov platform.

"If such efforts are made across the country, our ancient knowledge will become part of the consciousness of the new generation," he said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
While I appreciate the recognition, I wish the government would allocate more funds directly to such local scholars instead of just big digitization projects. These manuscripts need both preservation AND living practitioners.
K
Kavitha C
As a history student in Chennai, I attended Mani sir's classes last year. The depth of knowledge in those manuscripts is mind-blowing! We found ancient surgical techniques that match modern procedures. Bharat's ancestors were truly visionary.
A
Arjun K
Good step by PM Modi ji. But why only Tamil? Every Indian language has such treasures - Sanskrit, Prakrit, Pali, Telugu, etc. Hope Gyan Bharatam Mission covers all languages equally. Unity in diversity is our strength.
S
Sarah B
Fascinating! As an expat living in Chennai, I'm amazed by India's living history. Would love to volunteer to help digitize these manuscripts. Where can foreigners contribute to this mission?
V
Vikram M
Thalaiva Mani Maran! 👑 Real heroes don't wear capes. While politicians take credit, it's people like him doing actual preservation work without expecting fame. Salute from a fellow Tamilian!

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