Context:

• In 2025, the Bhagavad Gita and the Natyashastra have been inscribed into UNESCO’s Memory of the World (MoW) Register, recognizing their global cultural and intellectual significance.

• This achievement reinforces India's position as a civilizational powerhouse in philosophy, arts, and knowledge systems.

What is UNESCO’s Memory of the World (MoW) Programme?

About:

• Launched: 1992 by UNESCO.

• Purpose:

  • To preserve and promote access to the world’s documentary heritage — including manuscripts, oral traditions, films, and archives — that possess outstanding universal value.

  • Aims to guard against collective amnesia by safeguarding critical elements of human history.

Key Features:

• Biennial Update: New inscriptions are made every two years after rigorous evaluation.

• Global List:

  • As of 2025, 570 documentary heritages are registered globally.

• Other Notable Indian Entries:

  • Rigveda Manuscripts (2005)

  • Abhinavagupta’s works (Kashmir Shaivism texts) (2023)

  • NAM Summit Archives (New Delhi, 1983) (2023)

Bhagavad Gita: Timeless Philosophical Classic

Overview:

• Text: 700-verse Sanskrit scripture forming part of the Mahabharata (specifically, the Bhishma Parva).

• Attributed to: Sage Vyasa.

• Nature: A philosophical dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna.

Key Themes:

• Dharma (Duty): Ethical obligation and righteousness.

• Karma (Action): Selfless action without attachment to outcomes.

• Bhakti (Devotion): Loving devotion towards the Divine.

• Jnana (Knowledge): Pursuit of spiritual wisdom.

Philosophical Importance:

• Synthesis of Schools:

  • Integrates Vedic, Sankhya, Yoga, Buddhist, Jain, and even Charvaka (materialist) philosophies.

• Foundation of Karma Yoga:

  • Advocacy of action-oriented spirituality, influencing later Bhakti Movements and Modern Indian Thinkers (e.g., Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi).

Global Influence:

• Translated into over 100 languages.

• Revered by thinkers like Albert Einstein, Aldous Huxley, and Carl Jung for its universal themes of inner conflict and duty.

Natyashastra: The Encyclopedia of Performing Arts

Overview:

• Text: An encyclopedic Sanskrit treatise with approximately 36,000 verses organized into 36 chapters.

• Attributed to: Sage Bharata Muni (circa 2nd century BCE to 2nd century CE).

• Nature: Manual on drama (Natya), dance, music, stagecraft, and aesthetics.

Key Concepts:

• Rasa Theory:

  • Rasa (literally "essence" or "flavor") explores the emotional impact of performances.

  • Identifies nine Rasas (Navarasa): S?ngara (love), Hasya (humor), Karu?a (pathos), Raudra (anger), Vira (heroism), Bhayanaka (fear), Bibhatsa (disgust), Adbhuta (wonder), and Santa (peace).

• Abhinaya (Expression):

  • Detailed codes for physical gestures (Mudras), facial expressions, and vocal tones to convey emotions.

• Bhava (Emotions):

  • Mechanisms by which performers evoke corresponding emotions in the audience.

Influence:

• Serves as the foundational text for:

  • Indian classical dance forms: Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Odissi, and others.

  • Indian theater traditions: Sanskrit drama, Folk theatre (like Yakshagana, Kutiyattam).

• Early treatise incorporating interdisciplinary arts, influencing architecture (stage design), costume design, and audience behavior.

Global Resonance:

• Recognized by global scholars of performance studies and comparative aesthetics.

• Studied in various world universities alongside Greek dramaturgy.

Significance of Inclusion in MoW Register:

• Preservation: Guarantees global attention to preserve these ancient manuscripts against deterioration and loss.

• Cultural Soft Power: Enhances India's cultural diplomacy and historical leadership in global civilizational contributions.

• Educational Outreach: Makes these foundational texts more accessible to researchers, students, and art practitioners worldwide.

• Boost to Indian Heritage Diplomacy: Strengthens India's narrative in global forums such as UNESCO, ICCROM, and World Heritage sites.