"UNESCO Honors Indian Heritage: Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra Added to Memory of the World Register"

 Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra Inscribed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register: A Proud Moment for India

In a monumental acknowledgment of India’s rich cultural and intellectual legacy, UNESCO has inscribed the Bhagavad Gita and the Natyashastra into its Memory of the World Register. This historic inclusion marks a significant step in the global recognition of India’s literary and philosophical treasures. Reacting to the announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed heartfelt pride, stating, “It is a proud moment for every Indian.”

The UNESCO Memory of the World Register is an international initiative that preserves and highlights documents and texts of great global value. The inclusion of these two ancient Indian masterpieces not only validates their universal relevance but also shines a spotlight on India’s vast cultural and spiritual depth.

The Bhagavad Gita: India’s Spiritual Guide to the World

The Bhagavad Gita, often hailed as the crown jewel of Indian philosophy, is a 700-verse scripture that forms part of the Indian epic Mahabharata. Written in Sanskrit, it captures a profound dialogue between Lord Krishna and Prince Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. At its core, the Gita is not merely a religious text but a spiritual and philosophical guide that transcends time and religion.

It addresses the timeless dilemmas of human existence—duty, righteousness, self-doubt, and the nature of the soul. Its teachings on Karma Yoga (selfless action), Bhakti Yoga (devotion), and Jnana Yoga (knowledge) continue to inspire spiritual seekers, leaders, and scholars around the world.

The Gita has been translated into over 80 languages and studied in universities across continents, offering spiritual solace and philosophical clarity to millions.

The Natyashastra: Blueprint of Indian Performing Arts

The Natyashastra, attributed to the sage Bharata Muni, is a foundational text for Indian classical arts. Composed more than 2,000 years ago, it is not only a guide to drama, music, and dance, but also a deep philosophical treatise on aesthetics and human emotion.

Central to the Natyashastra is the concept of Rasa, the emotional essence that an artist evokes in the audience. The text meticulously defines acting techniques, stage design, musical instruments, costume design, and even the moral responsibilities of performers. It laid the groundwork for Indian theatre and influenced art forms across Asia, including in Thailand, Cambodia, and Indonesia.

Even today, the principles of Natyashastra are embedded in classical Indian dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, and more, making it a living tradition that bridges India’s ancient wisdom with its modern cultural expressions.

What UNESCO’s Recognition Means for India and the World

The inscription of the Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register is more than a symbolic act—it is a call to protect, study, and celebrate India’s cultural treasures.

This recognition:

• Elevates global awareness of India’s civilizational wisdom.
  
  

• Boosts cultural diplomacy by strengthening India's soft power.
  
  

• Encourages preservation, digitization, and translation for future generations.
  
  

• Inspires academic and scholarly research at a global scale.
  
  

The move also places these texts alongside other iconic global documents, underlining their universal relevance and intellectual brilliance.

A Cultural Legacy for the World to Embrace

As India moves forward in the modern era, it carries with it a 5,000-year-old legacy of wisdom, art, and spirituality. The inclusion of the Bhagavad Gita and the Natyashastra in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register is not just a recognition of the past, but a beacon for the future.

Let this proud moment remind us all to reconnect with these timeless works—not merely as Indians, but as citizens of the world who seek wisdom, beauty, and truth. Whether you're a student, artist, philosopher, or simply a curious mind, now is the time to explore the treasures of Indian heritage and share them with the world.