Bhagavad Gita, Natyashastra earn spot in UNESCO’s Memory of World Register, PM Modi says ‘proud moment’

In a significant tribute to India’s enduring cultural and philosophical heritage, the manuscripts of the Bhagavad Gita and Bharat Muni’s Natyashastra have been inscribed into UNESCO’s prestigious Memory of the World Register.

Calling it a “proud moment for every Indian,” PM Modi wrote on X, “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 civilization and consciousness for centuries. Their insights continue to inspire the world.”

This remarkable recognition highlights the enduring influence of India’s civilizational knowledge on the global stage. With this milestone, India now holds 14 entries in the UNESCO register, which honors documentary heritage of exceptional and universal value.

The listing not only underscores India’s cultural depth but also reaffirms the relevance of its ancient texts in shaping thought, art, and spirituality across generations.

The announcement, made on April 17, marks their inclusion among 74 new documentary heritage collections added this year.

With this recognition, the total number of entries on the global register now stands at 570. The latest additions include landmark contributions from 72 countries and four international organizations, highlighting themes such as the scientific revolution, women’s historical roles, and milestones in multilateralism.

The Natyashastra, attributed to the sage Bharat Muni, is revered as a foundational treatise on performing arts, encompassing drama, dance, and music. Alongside the spiritual and philosophical teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, these texts have profoundly shaped Indian thought, expression, and aesthetics.

Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also celebrated the recognition, calling it a “historic moment for Bharat’s civilisational heritage.” He emphasized that the inclusion of these manuscripts not only honors their literary significance but also acknowledges their role as “philosophical and aesthetic foundations” of India’s worldview.

“With this recognition, India now has 14 entries on the Memory of the World Register,” Shekhawat added, sharing images of the two manuscripts.

The Memory of the World Programme, launched by UNESCO in 1992, aims to preserve and provide access to documentary heritage of global significance.