UNESCO Honors India’s Cultural Legacy: Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra Added to Memory of the World Register
A Historic Recognition on World Heritage Day Eve
In a momentous announcement on the eve of World Heritage Day 2025, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribed two of India’s most treasured ancient texts—the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and Bharat Muni’s Natyashastra—into its Memory of the World Register. This international initiative is aimed at preserving and promoting documentary heritage of global significance, and this inclusion marks a proud chapter in India's cultural and literary legacy.
What Is the Memory of the World Register?
UNESCO’s Memory of the World (MoW) Programme was launched in 1992 to safeguard important documentary heritage around the globe. It encompasses manuscripts, oral traditions, audio-visual materials, library and archive holdings, and other significant documents that carry historical, social, and cultural value.
Being included in the MoW Register not only preserves these works but also acknowledges their global impact and universal relevance. With the addition of the Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra, India now sees two of its timeless treasures acknowledged as part of the world’s shared documentary heritage.
Shrimad Bhagavad Gita: A Spiritual and Philosophical Beacon
Timeless Wisdom for the Modern World
The Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the epic Mahabharata, is one of the most revered texts in Indian philosophy. Comprising a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Prince Arjuna, the Gita addresses the moral and spiritual dilemmas faced by humanity and presents a roadmap to righteous living, spiritual liberation, and self-realization.
The Gita’s teachings transcend religious boundaries and are studied worldwide for their profound insights into duty (dharma), action (karma), and the nature of life and consciousness.
Global Impact
From philosophers like Aldous Huxley to leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, the Bhagavad Gita has inspired countless individuals across the world. Its universal themes of ethical living and inner strength make it as relevant today as it was over 2000 years ago.
Bharat Muni’s Natyashastra: The Foundation of Performing Arts
A Treatise That Shaped Indian Theatre and Dance
The Natyashastra, attributed to the sage Bharat Muni, is an ancient Sanskrit text on performing arts, believed to have been composed between 200 BCE and 200 CE. It is considered the oldest surviving compendium of dramaturgy and forms the foundation for classical Indian dance, music, and theatre.
Covering topics such as stage design, music, dance forms, makeup, acting, and aesthetics (rasa), the Natyashastra is a monumental work that has shaped India's cultural traditions for centuries.
Influence Beyond Borders
While deeply rooted in Indian tradition, the Natyashastra’s influence extends globally. Its concept of "Rasa Theory" (emotional aesthetics) has been studied in comparison with Western notions of dramatic art and continues to inform both traditional and contemporary performances around the world.
A Proud Moment for India
The inclusion of the Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra in UNESCO’s register is not just a national achievement but a global acknowledgment of India's rich intellectual and cultural heritage. This recognition reflects the timeless relevance of these texts and their role in shaping not just Indian civilization, but human thought and artistic expression as a whole.
India’s Ministry of Culture and National Archives played a pivotal role in advocating for these works' inclusion. This international honor also encourages more scholars, educators, and institutions to preserve, promote, and study ancient Indian literature and arts.
Why This Recognition Matters
Cultural Diplomacy and Global Awareness
In a world that increasingly values cultural diversity and heritage, recognitions like these serve as powerful tools of cultural diplomacy. They foster international appreciation of India’s contributions to world thought, philosophy, and the arts.
Educational and Preservation Initiatives
This development is expected to spur educational initiatives, translations, digitization projects, and public outreach programs centered around these texts. It also opens doors for collaborative research and cultural exchange at a global level.
Conclusion: A Legacy That Belongs to the World
The addition of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register is more than just a ceremonial honor—it is a celebration of India's eternal wisdom and artistic genius. These ancient texts, which continue to inspire minds and move hearts, now officially hold a place in the global cultural consciousness.
As we celebrate World Heritage Day, this recognition is a reminder of the shared human heritage that transcends borders and generations. It is a proud moment for every Indian—and a gift to the world.
A Proud Moment for Bharat!
— Ministry of Culture (@MinOfCultureGoI) April 18, 2025
On the eve of #WorldHeritageDay, @UNESCO has inscribed Shrimad Bhagwat Gita & Bharat Muni’s Natyashastra into the Memory of the World Register. (1/2)#IndianHeritage #CultureUnitesAll pic.twitter.com/VxI2X2XSGn
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