Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his recent Mann Ki Baat address, commended the selfless work of Mani Maran from Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, who has committed himself to reviving the forgotten art of reading Tamil palm leaf manuscripts.
These manuscripts, written in the traditional ‘Suvadiyiyal’ script, hold centuries-old knowledge across various disciplines, including medicine, science, music, and philosophy.
Concerned that this priceless heritage might vanish if younger generations fail to engage with it, Mani Maran took it upon himself to act.
He started free evening classes to teach this rare skill to students, working professionals, and researchers. His initiative has not only attracted enthusiastic learners but has also inspired some to take up research based on these manuscripts, particularly in the field of traditional Indian medicine.
The Prime Minister described Mani Maran as an ‘inspiring personality’ and noted how his efforts exemplify the power of individual initiative in safeguarding India’s heritage.
PM Modi emphasised that such manuscripts represent more than ancient texts; they are living chapters of India’s soul that must be passed on to future generations.
Thanks to Mani Maran’s dedication, a growing number of learners are becoming proficient in decoding these palm leaf texts.
His grassroots model offers a template that people across the country can follow to preserve similar regional heritages.
To support and scale such efforts, the Government of India has launched the ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’, a major programme announced in this year’s Union Budget.
The initiative seeks to digitise ancient manuscripts and store them in a National Digital Repository. This platform will allow students and researchers around the world to access India’s deep knowledge traditions.
PM Modi encouraged citizens who are part of similar preservation efforts or those keen to begin to connect with the Ministry of Culture or engage via the MyGov platform.
He stressed that the revival of traditional knowledge must become a collective national movement.
Mani Maran’s work in Thanjavur underscores how grassroots initiatives can play a vital role in national cultural revival.
As India pushes forward with projects like Gyan Bharatam, the preservation of intellectual heritage will rely not just on institutions but also on the dedication of individuals who keep the flame of knowledge alive.
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