Introducing The Tamil Scholar Who Revived Manuscript Reading And Inspired 'Gyan Bharatam Mission'

In peaceful town Thanjavur, Tamil scholar Mani Maran has undertaken a mission of great importance, one that has now caused a hubbub in the country. His passion for teaching people about the vanishing art of reading Tamil palm leaf manuscripts earned him a valuable niche of information as well as provided the world with a pioneering step by the Indian government.

How one man's enthusiasm triggered a country-wide mission

Each day, Mani Maran is surrounded by students in the backdrop of a humble setup where he imparts lessons in Tamil Suvadiyiya, translation of classical Tamil literature. He initiated his project in 2017 upon discovering that there were thousands of old books unretrieved and unread.

Mani Maran, who holds a PhD in Tamil, began with 14 students and now commands a huge community of learners. Researchers, Siddha physicians, and even farmers are eager to study temple inscriptions.

Some others among them are using their training to decipher ancient medical manuscripts, and there are others who became teachers themselves.

PM Modi Sees Mani Maran's Work, Kick-Starts Gyan Bharatam Mission

The contribution of the researcher was recognized by the nation recently when Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself thanked him personally in the 124th episode of Mann ki Baat.

"Mani Maran Ji believed that if this generation is not forced to learn Tamil manuscripts, then in the future this rich heritage can become lost forever," said the PM.

Going on after stating his mention of Mani Maran's dedication, the Prime Minister stated, "He began attending evening classes in students, working professionals, and researchers. Mani Maran Ji was instructing other people to read and comprehend Tamil Suvadiyiyal, or palm leaf manuscripts. Today, a majority of his pupils have mastered this art, and some of his pupils have even begun learning traditional systems of medicine based on these manuscripts.".

With Mani Maran's initiative, the government has now come forward with the Gyan Bharatam Mission to digitize old manuscripts and a digital library of national importance accessible to the world.

"Imbued with this very thought, the Government of India has been suggesting 'Gyan Bharatam Mission' in this budget. In this mission, ancient manuscripts will be digitized. Then a national digital repository will be formed in which students and scholars from all over the world can access Bharat's tradition of knowledge,' PM Modi added.".