New Delhi: Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on February 7 launched national mission for manuscripts hailing that the "unique initiative" would bring new proofs of India's unity and be "immensely helpful in nation building".

"I believe that this new national mission will bring to light several Harappas, Mohenjodaros and Dwarakas in the future in the field of manuscripts. It will heighten our knowledge of our spiritual, artistic, intellectual and scientific heritage," he said.

Stating that though the mission was different from several national missions – for edible oil, drinking water and cotton – it has a great significance for India despite its benefits not being direct or immediately visible.

Citing an example, he said that the findings of archaeologists in Harappa and Mohenjodaro did not bring any direct benefit to the people ." Yet, even today we speak with great pride about the fact that Harappa and Mohenjodaro prove the antiquity and glory of Indian civilisation."

The mission was also important as the vast treasure of manuscripts would provide the evidence of India's claims of its progress in ancient times in diverse fields of science and technology – in health sciences, in agriculture and irrigation, in metallurgy, astronomy and mathematics.

Complimenting Culture Minister Jagmohan for launching the mission in record time, he said all possible steps should be taken to promote Sanskrit and associate Sanskrit scholars with the mission as most of the 35 lakh odd manuscripts the country has were in Sanskrit.

PTI