PM Modi lauds work of Institute of Oriental Manuscripts in St. Petersburg

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today visited the Institute of Oriental Manuscripts in St. Petersburg where some of India's historical and holy manuscripts are kept.

During his visit, the Prime Minister explored Bhagwat Gita, Gurmukhi manuscripts, and other heritage books. He also interacted with students of the institute.

The Prime Minister also wrote his message in Gujarati and appreciated the work of the institute.

"The progress of humanity is full of colour. In every era, the human race has remained committed to development. The simple meaning of life is progress and of death is stillness. This wonderful collection is a comprehensive view of the different identities of the human race and the philosophy of its continuous development. It is the effort of compiling the great heritage of India," wrote Prime Minister Modi.

The Institute of Oriental Manuscripts (IOM) is a research institute that houses various collections of manuscripts and early printed material in Asian languages.

In 2013, researchers at the Panjab Cultural Association (PCA) in the United Kingdom discovered around 100 Gurmukhi manuscripts at the IOM.

Gurmukhi manuscripts were originally cataloged in Russian by G.A. Zograf, in 'Opisanie Rukopisei Khindi i Pondzhobi'. There is one handwritten copy of the Guru Granth Sahib, other Panj and Das Granthis, as well as translations of Indian classical scriptures like the Bhagwad Gita.