India’s cultural and spiritual heritage received a global spotlight as Bhagavad Gita and Bharat Muni’s Natyashastra have been inscribed in UNESCO’s prestigious Memory of the World Register. This recognition honours their profound influence on philosophy, art, and human expression.
Bhagavad Gita, Natyashastra enter UNESCO
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it “a proud moment for every Indian across the world,” highlighting the global acknowledgment of India’s timeless wisdom and rich traditions. “The Gita and Natyashastra have nurtured civilisation and consciousness for centuries. Their insights continue to inspire the world,” he shared in a post on X.
Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat announced the news, calling it a “historic moment for Bharat’s civilisational heritage.” He emphasised that these aren’t just literary texts, but foundational works that have deeply shaped India’s worldview—philosophically, artistically, and emotionally.
With this addition, India now has 14 entries in the prestigious Memory of the World Register.
The UNESCO Memory of the World Programme is an international initiative launched in 1992 to safeguard the documentary heritage of humanity against collective amnesia, neglect, the ravages of time and climate, and intentional destruction. It recognizes that documentary heritage – which includes manuscripts, oral traditions, audio-visual materials, and library and archive holdings – holds significant universal value and should be preserved and made accessible to all.
The Memory of the World Programme plays a crucial role in ensuring that our shared documentary heritage is preserved for future generations and made accessible to all, contributing to a deeper understanding of our history and culture.
The UNESCO recognition reinforces the global significance of India’s ancient texts and celebrates their enduring legacy in shaping thought, culture, and creativity.
About Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita, often referred to as simply “the Gita,” is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the epic Mahabharata. It is a dialogue between Prince Arjuna and his guide and charioteer Lord Krishna on the brink of the Kurukshetra War.
About Natyashastra
The Natyashastra, attributed to the ancient sage Bharata Muni, is a foundational Sanskrit treatise on the performing arts. It is an encyclopedic work that delves into various aspects of classical Indian theatre, dance, and music.
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