Odisha Intensifies Efforts to Preserve Palm-Leaf Manuscripts, Over 53,000 Registered

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has accelerated its efforts to safeguard its rich manuscript heritage, with a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg focusing on the survey, preservation, and digitisation of ancient palm-leaf manuscripts.

Held at Lok Seva Bhawan, the meeting reviewed progress under the national Gyan Bharatam Mission, which aims to document and digitally preserve manuscripts across the country. Senior officials, including Rashmita Panda and Deba Prasad Dash, participated in the deliberations.

The Chief Secretary appealed to the public to voluntarily register palm-leaf manuscripts and handwritten documents in their possession, highlighting their cultural and intellectual significance. The initiative seeks to integrate these resources into a central National Digital Repository, making them accessible for research and future generations.

Officials informed that nearly 53,950 manuscripts have already been registered in the state. The Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture is undertaking extensive surveys and digitisation, with priority given to religious institutions, heritage sites, and private collections.

The ongoing survey, which began on March 16, 2026, will continue for three months. To facilitate registration, authorities are using the ‘Bharatam’ mobile application, while field teams are also visiting locations to assist those unable to register digitally.

Districts such as Ganjam, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Nayagarh, and Puri have been identified as key areas due to the high concentration of manuscripts.

To streamline the process, district-wise inventories will be prepared and handed over to collectors, with district-level committees set to oversee the work. District Culture Officers will coordinate and monitor the survey activities.

The state government is also planning to establish a dedicated Palm-Leaf Manuscript Museum to ensure long-term preservation and promote Odisha’s knowledge traditions.

Officials clarified that manuscript owners can choose to lend their collections temporarily for digitisation or allow on-site scanning, ensuring preservation without permanent transfer of ownership.