New Delhi: Manuscripts of Bhagavad Gita and Bharat Muni’s Natyashastra are among 74 new documentary heritage collections that have been added to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register.
Entries on the scientific revolution, women’s contribution to history, and major milestones of multilateralism from 72 countries and four international organisations were included in the register, according to UNESCO.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on X, on Friday, described the inscriptions as “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,” he posted on X on Friday.
Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also took to X, saying this was a “historic moment for Bharat’s civilizational heritage”. “With this, we now have 14 inscriptions from our country on this international register,” the minister said.
On April 17, UNESCO added 74 new documentary heritage collections to its Memory of the World Register, bringing the total number of inscribed collections to 570.
According to UNESCO, among the newly inscribed collections, 14 pertain to scientific documentary heritage, in addition to collections related to the memory of slavery and archives concerning prominent historical women.
While the Bhagavad Gita is considered a timeless philosophical and spiritual guide and has been translated into approximately 80 languages, Natyashastra is a treatise on dramaturgy, performance, aesthetics, and classical arts, and remains one of the most comprehensive documents on theatre and performing traditions.
Entries on the scientific revolution, women’s contribution to history, and major milestones of multilateralism from 72 countries and four international organisations were included in the register, according to a UNESCO statement. Collections are added to the register by the decision of UNESCO’s executive board, following the evaluation of nominations by an independent international advisory committee.
Following the announcement by Unesco for the 74 new entries, Audrey Azoulay, Unesco Director-General, said, “Documentary heritage is an essential yet fragile element of the memory of the world. This is why Unesco invests in safeguarding, such as the libraries of Chinguetti in Mauritania or the archives of Amadou Hampate Ba in Cote d’Ivoire, shares best practices, and maintains this register that records the broadest threads of human history.”
Established in 1992, the Memory of the World Programme aims to promote the preservation of – and universal access to – the documentary heritage of humanity. In addition to the International Register, Unesco has supported the creation of four regional registers and National ‘Memory of the World’ committees in more than 100 countries.
