In a moment of immense pride for Indian heritage and global cultural recognition, two of India’s most revered ancient texts — the Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra — have been inscribed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register. The prestigious honour was announced this week, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailing the recognition as a “proud moment” for all Indians.
A Landmark Recognition
UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register is a global list of documentary heritage that holds world significance and outstanding universal value. The inclusion of the Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra in this register marks a historic acknowledgment of India’s vast contributions to philosophy, literature, and the performing arts.
The Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata, has long been considered a spiritual and philosophical cornerstone, offering guidance on morality, duty, and the path to self-realization. Meanwhile, Natyashastra, attributed to the sage Bharata, is an ancient Sanskrit treatise on drama, dance, and music, laying the foundational framework for classical Indian performing arts.
Prime Minister Modi Reacts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his delight over the announcement, posting on social media:
“It is a proud moment for every Indian that the Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra have been included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register. These timeless texts encapsulate India’s rich cultural and philosophical traditions and have influenced generations across the globe.”
He added that this recognition not only honors India’s past but also inspires future generations to stay connected with their cultural roots.
Global Significance
Scholars and cultural experts around the world welcomed UNESCO’s decision, noting the universal messages contained within both texts. The Bhagavad Gita has been studied and quoted by philosophers, leaders, and thinkers across centuries, including Mahatma Gandhi and Albert Einstein. The Natyashastra, often described as the “fifth Veda,” remains a foundational text for Indian classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, and Odissi.
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India’s Rich Cultural Legacy
This latest recognition adds to India’s growing list of cultural treasures acknowledged by UNESCO. It also highlights the continued relevance of India’s ancient wisdom in the modern world. With both texts now preserved as part of humanity’s collective memory, India’s civilizational depth has received a significant international tribute.
The inclusion comes as India continues to promote its heritage on the global stage, from celebrating International Yoga Day to spearheading initiatives for traditional knowledge preservation.
A Moment to Celebrate
Cultural institutions, educational bodies, and heritage organizations across India have planned special events, symposiums, and performances to commemorate the occasion. As India takes another step in preserving and sharing its ancient legacy with the world, the inclusion of the Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register is truly a moment to celebrate.