Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while inaugurating the Samrat Samprati Museum in Gandhinagar on Mahavir Jayanti, highlighted the neglect of India’s manuscript heritage by past governments due to a “colonial mindset.” He expressed that post-Independence, it was crucial to identify and preserve ancient manuscripts, a responsibility that had been overlooked. Modi emphasized the correction of this historical oversight through initiatives like the Gyan Bharatam Mission aimed at manuscript conservation through digitization and scientific research.
The Prime Minister underlined the significance of the newly inaugurated museum within the Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra campus as a center for Jain worship and cultural heritage preservation. He mentioned the preservation of Jain community artifacts dating back centuries, ensuring their legacy for future generations. Modi praised the site of Koba Tirth for its historical importance as a hub of spiritual practices and values that reflect India’s rich civilizational heritage.
Referring to the museum’s design, Modi highlighted its representation of India’s diversity and unity, encompassing traditions like the Vedas and Ayurveda. He credited Jain saints for their dedication to collecting manuscripts, contributing to the museum’s extensive collection. The museum, housing over 2,000 artifacts and 3,00,000 manuscripts, stands as a significant repository of India’s cultural heritage, showcasing the evolution of Jainism chronologically.
PM Modi also mentioned other ongoing projects, including a maritime museum at Lothal and one at Vadnagar, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives beyond political considerations. These efforts aim to preserve India’s rich cultural legacy and promote heritage awareness among the masses.
