The National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) was established in 2003 by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Government of India. It aims to safeguard and promote India’s manuscript heritage, one of the richest and most diverse in the world.
Objectives:
The mission’s primary objectives include:
- Documentation of India’s manuscript heritage.
- Conservation of old manuscripts.
- Digitization of manuscripts for preservation and wider accessibility.
- Online dissemination of manuscripts to the public for education, research, and cultural purposes.
Key Features:
India is home to approximately
10 million manuscripts, potentially the largest collection globally. These manuscripts cover a wide range of subjects and are written in various
languages,
scripts, and include
calligraphies,
illustrations, and
illuminations. The manuscripts are not just historical records but contain knowledge in areas such as science, history, literature, and philosophy.
To achieve its goals, the
National Mission for Manuscripts has established over
100 Manuscript Resource Centres and
Manuscript Conservation Centres across India. These centres work towards preserving the manuscripts, making them accessible, and educating people on their importance.
Manuscript Definition:
A manuscript is a
handwritten composition that is usually over 75 years old and contains
significant scientific,
historical, or
aesthetic value. They may be written on materials like
paper,
bark,
cloth,
metal, or
palm leaves. Manuscripts are distinct from
historical records (such as epigraphs or revenue records) as they primarily contain
knowledge rather than direct historical facts.
National Culture Fund (NCF) About:
The
National Culture Fund (NCF) was set up in
1996 by the Government of India under the
Charitable Endowment Act of 1890. It functions as a
Trust designed to mobilize resources through
Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). The fund primarily focuses on the
promotion,
protection, and
preservation of India's cultural heritage.
Objectives:
NCF’s key objectives include:
- Supporting the training and development of specialists and cultural administrators.
- Expanding existing museums and building new ones, including the creation of special galleries.
- Documenting fading or extinct cultural expressions and traditional forms of art and heritage.
- Providing financing for projects aimed at protecting, restoring, and developing India’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
Features of NCF:
NCF provides a platform for
collaborative projects between
donor institutions and the Government, making it a valuable financing mechanism for cultural preservation. It allows partnerships to fund cultural heritage projects such as monuments, museums, and arts initiatives.
The projects under NCF are managed by a
Project Implementation Committee (PIC), which includes representatives from the donor, the implementer, and the NCF itself. Additionally, NCF’s accounts are audited annually by the
Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), ensuring transparency and accountability.
Members:
NCF is overseen by a
Council chaired by the
Minister of Culture, with an
Executive Committee chaired by the
Secretary of the Ministry of Culture.
Conclusion Both the
National Mission for Manuscripts and the
National Culture Fund are crucial in ensuring the
preservation and
promotion of India’s rich cultural heritage.
The Manuscripts Mission focuses on the vast wealth of ancient written knowledge, while the National Culture Fund supports a wide range of cultural conservation efforts across the country.
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