Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated a newly developed Jain museum, stating that earlier governments had failed to adequately preserve and promote ancient manuscripts associated with the Jain tradition. Addressing attendees at the event, he emphasized the importance of safeguarding India’s civilisational heritage and ensuring that historical knowledge systems are passed on to future generations.

The Prime Minister highlighted that India possesses a vast repository of manuscripts across religions and philosophies, many of which have remained under-recognised or poorly maintained. He noted that the Jain community, in particular, has contributed significantly to the preservation of ancient texts, including works on philosophy, mathematics, and ethics, which deserve wider recognition.

During his remarks, Modi said the newly inaugurated museum would serve as a dedicated space to showcase rare Jain manuscripts and artefacts, offering scholars and visitors deeper insight into the religion’s intellectual and cultural legacy. He added that such institutions play a crucial role in bridging the gap between the past and the present, while also promoting cultural tourism.

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The Prime Minister also reiterated his government’s broader push to document, digitise, and conserve ancient manuscripts across the country. Initiatives in recent years have focused on cataloguing rare texts and improving access for researchers, aligning with efforts to strengthen India’s cultural infrastructure.

Jainism, one of the world’s oldest religions, has a long tradition of meticulous documentation and preservation of knowledge through handwritten manuscripts. Experts have often pointed out that many of these works remain scattered in private collections and religious institutions, underscoring the need for systematic conservation.

The inauguration of the museum is expected to boost awareness about Jain heritage while providing a platform for academic engagement and public education. It also reflects a continuing emphasis on cultural preservation as part of India’s broader heritage policy framework.

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