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

Tamil Nadu's Mani Maran’s efforts to teach ancient manuscript reading in Thanjavur have inspired the Gyan Bharatm Mission. Discover his story and its national impact.

A Tamil scholar breathes life into ancient palm leaf manuscripts, inspiring a new generation to rediscover India’s literary heritage.

Source : Twitter/@narendramodi

In the serene town of Thanjavur, Mani Maran, a Tamil pundit has taken on a powerful mission, one that has now caught the attention of the nation. His dedication to teaching others the fading art of reading Tamil palm leaf manuscripts has not only preserved a priceless knowledge but also inspired a historic step by the Indian government.

How One Man's Passion Sparked A National Mission

Every evening, Mani Maran can be found surrounded by students in a humble setting where he teaches Tamil Suvadiyiya, the study of old Tamil manuscripts. His mission began in 2017 when he realised that thousands of ancient texts were lying unread and unpreserved.

Mani Maran, who holds a PhD in Tamil, started with just 14 students and now has grown into a huge community of learners. Among them are researchers, Siddha doctors, and even farmers who want to understand temple inscriptions.

Some of them are now using their training to interpret ancient medical texts, while others have become teachers themselves.

Mani Maran ji from Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, felt that if the current generation does not learn to read ancient Tamil manuscripts, this precious heritage could be lost. So, he started evening classes where students, working professionals, and researchers began coming to learn: PM… pic.twitter.com/T52czbPGr9

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) July 27, 2025

PM Modi Recognises Mani Maran’s Work, Announces Gyan Bharatam Mission

The scholar's efforts recently received national recognition when Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised him during the 124th episode of Mann ki Baat.

“Mani Maran Ji felt that if today's generation doesn’t learn to read Tamil manuscripts, then this priceless heritage might be lost in the future,” the PM said.

While taking about Mani Maran's dedication the Prime Minister added, "He started taking evening classes for students, working professionals, and researchers. Mani Maran Ji taught people how to read and understand Tamil Suvadiyiyal, meaning palm leaf manuscripts. Today, many students have become proficient in this art, some students have even started researching traditional medicine systems based on these manuscripts.”

Thiru Mani Maran has been at the forefront of a noteworthy initiative to preserve and popularise the great Tamil manuscripts and culture.

Digitising manuscripts is a key priority for our Government too and we have launched an important exercise in this regard. #MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/235wqj8vU1

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 27, 2025

Inspired by Mani Maran’s work, the government has now launched the Gyan Bharatam Mission, which aims to digitise ancient manuscripts and create a national digital repository for global access.

“Inspired by this very idea, the Government of India has announced 'Gyan Bharatam Mission' in this year's budget. In this mission, ancient manuscripts will be digitised. Then, a national digital repository will be created where students and researchers worldwide can connect with Bharat's rich knowledge tradition,' PM Modi added.