New Delhi [India]: In a moment of pride for India, two of its ancient and revered texts—the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and Bharat Muni’s Natyashastra—have been officially inscribed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, receiving global recognition for their cultural and philosophical significance.
🕉️ A Global Tribute to India’s Timeless Wisdom
Sharing his joy on social media platform X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the inclusion a tribute to India’s timeless wisdom and cultural depth.
“A proud moment for every Indian across the world! The inclusion of the Gita and Natyashastra in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register is a global recognition of our timeless wisdom and rich culture. The Gita and Natyashastra have nurtured civilisation and consciousness for centuries. Their insights continue to inspire the world,” he posted.
📜 What is the UNESCO Memory of the World Register?
UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register is a prestigious initiative launched in 1992 to preserve and promote documentary heritage of global significance.
In its latest announcement on Thursday, UNESCO added 74 new entries, raising the total to 570 inscribed collections globally.
According to UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay:
“Documentary heritage is an essential yet fragile element of the memory of the world… this register records the broadest threads of human history.”
🇮🇳 India’s Cultural Legacy: 14 Entries Strong
Reacting to the announcement, Union Minister of Culture & Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, called it a “historic moment for Bharat’s civilisational heritage.”
“The Gita and Natyashastra are more than literary treasures—they are philosophical and aesthetic foundations that have shaped Bharat’s worldview… With this, we now have 14 Indian inscriptions in UNESCO’s Register,” he stated on X.
🧠 What Makes the Gita & Natyashastra So Significant?
- Shrimad Bhagavad Gita: A sacred Hindu scripture, part of the Mahabharata, offering spiritual guidance and philosophical discourse between Lord Krishna and Arjuna.
- Bharat Muni’s Natyashastra: An ancient treatise on performing arts, encompassing theatre, dance, music, and aesthetics—widely regarded as the foundational text for Indian classical arts.
🌍 A Global Effort to Preserve Cultural Memory
Among the new 74 entries to the Register:
- 14 entries pertain to scientific documentary heritage.
- Others focus on the memory of slavery, women’s contributions, and milestones in international cooperation, such as:
- The Geneva Conventions (1864–1949).
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- The 1991 Windhoek Declaration for press freedom.