Bhagavad Gita, Natyashastra Join UNESCO Heritage List

Why in the News?

UNESCO has added Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra manuscripts to its Memory of the World Register. This global recognition celebrates India’s rich civilisational heritage and marks a proud moment, raising India’s total inscriptions to 14.

Bhagavad Gita, Natyashastra Join UNESCO Heritage List

India’s Cultural Treasures Recognized Globally :

  • The Bhagavad Gita and Bharat Muni’s Natyashastra were included among 74 new documentary collections added by UNESCO on April 17, 2024.
  • With this, India’s tally on the Memory of the World Register rises to 14 inscriptions.
  • These documents reflect India’s philosophical wisdom and performing arts legacy.
  • PM Modi hailed the recognition as a tribute to India’s timeless culture and heritage.

UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme :

  • Launched in 1992, the programme promotes the preservation and universal access to significant documentary heritage.
  • UNESCO’s latest list highlights scientific, historical, and cultural milestones from 72 countries.
  • The initiative safeguards fragile heritage like the Chinguetti libraries in Mauritania and Amadou Hampaté Bâ archives.
  • Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat called it a historic moment for India’s civilisational legacy.

About Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra :

●      The Bhagavad Gita is a spiritual and philosophical guide, translated into nearly 80 languages worldwide.

●      Natyashastra, authored by Bharata Muni, is an ancient treatise on theatre, performance, aesthetics, and classical arts.

●      Both texts continue to inspire and nurture civilisation and consciousness globally.