Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra Recognized in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register

Bhagavad Gita & Natyashastra Included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register

UNESCO Memory of the World Register

• The Memory of the World (MoW) Programme was established in 1992 to preserve and promote access to the world’s documentary heritage.

• It recognizes and safeguards manuscripts, oral traditions, archives, audio-visual materials, and other forms of recorded knowledge.

• The aim is to ensure universal access to documents of outstanding value to humanity.

• Entries are added based on nominations evaluated by an independent international advisory committee and approved by UNESCO’s Executive Board.

• As of 2025, the register includes a total of 570 inscribed collections.

Bhagavad Gita

• The Bhagavad Gita is a sacred scripture and philosophical dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, forming part of the Mahabharata.

• Composed by the ancient sage Vyasa (Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa or Veda-Vyasa).

• It is regarded as a timeless spiritual and philosophical guide, translated into around 80 languages worldwide.

Natyashastra

• The Natyashastra is the foundational text of Indian performing arts, composed between the 2nd century BCE and 2nd century CE.

• A treatise on dramaturgy, aesthetics, performance, and classical arts, it remains central to understanding Indian theatre and performance traditions.

• Authored by Bharat Muni, the text is written in Sanskrit.