India (Commonwealth Union)_ In a major tribute to India’s ancient intellectual and cultural heritage, the Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra have entered into UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, an initiative committed to the preservation and accessibility of documentary heritage of outstanding global value. The Memory of the World Register, established by UNESCO in 1992, identifies and safeguards documentary heritage that has shaped global history, ensuring it remains accessible to future generations.
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Responding to this historic inclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed pride on social media, stating, “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.” With the addition of these two iconic Indian texts, the register now comprises 570 heritage collections from 72 countries and four international organizations, reflecting critical milestones in human civilization.
Timeless legacy of the Bhagavad Gita
The Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, a revered spiritual and philosophical text, is embedded in the epic Mahabharata and consists of 700 verses across 18 chapters. The holy script is a deep dialogue between Lord Krishna and the warrior prince Arjuna, set against the backdrop of the Kurukshetra war. The Gita addresses existential dilemmas, moral conflicts, and spiritual wisdom, offering guidance on duty, righteousness, and self-realization. A cornerstone of Indian philosophy, the Bhagavad Gita synthesizes ideas from diverse traditions including Vedic, Buddhist, Jain, and Carvaka thought systems. Its universal message has transcended geographical boundaries, inspiring philosophers, leaders, and scholars worldwide. The text has been translated into numerous languages and continues to serve as a spiritual and ethical guide for millions.
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The enduring influence of the Natyashastra
Equally monumental is the Natyashastra, an ancient treatise attributed to Bharat Muni, which lays the foundational principles of Indian performing arts. Believed to have been composed around the 2nd century BCE, the Natyashastra is preserved in manuscript form at the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute. It is a comprehensive guide encompassing natya (drama), abhinaya (expression), rasa (aesthetic essence), bhava (emotion), and sangita (music). Regarded as the Natyaveda or the fifth Veda, the text contains approximately 36,000 verses and is also known as the Gandharvaveda. Notably, one of its most iconic declarations, “no meaning can blossom forth without rasa,” encapsulates its deep influence on global aesthetics and literary traditions. The Natyashastra has shaped not just Indian classical dance and theatre, but also contributed to global understanding of dramaturgy and performance theory.
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A global honour for India’s ancient power
The inclusion of these two legendary works in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register 2025 makes India’s total entries in the register 14. Their inclusion highlights India’s contributions to the preservation and evolution of philosophical thought, spiritual inquiry, and artistic expression. According to UNESCO, the newly inscribed documentary heritage collections include items from 72 countries and span various themes such as scientific heritage, the memory of slavery, women’s archives, and key moments in international diplomacy. Other additions include documents related to the Geneva Conventions, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Windhoek Declaration, emphasizing the register’s role in preserving humanity’s shared journey.
UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme aims to promote universal access to documentary heritage, particularly in regions affected by conflict or disaster. It also seeks to raise public awareness about the importance of preserving historical documents that shape collective identity and global culture. The addition of the Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra to this global archive is not only a moment of pride for India but also a testament to the enduring relevance of these ancient texts. As the world continues to seek meaning, ethics, and artistic inspiration, these timeless works offer enduring wisdom from the past, reaffirmed now by global recognition.
