New Delhi: The Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra have been inscribed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register — a global initiative that preserves documentary heritage of outstanding value. UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register recognises important historical texts, manuscripts, and documents that have influenced societies across generations.
This development was hailed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a proud moment for Indians. “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 his official ‘X’ handle.
The Bhagavad Gita, a sacred dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, has long been regarded as a spiritual and philosophical cornerstone. It has 700 verses in 18 chapters and is embedded within the Bhīṣmaparva (adhyāya 23-40) of the epic Mahabharata. It takes the form of a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna with armies lined up for the great war in Kurukshetra between the Pandavas and Kauravas.
Such is the philosophical value of the Bhagavad Gita that it has been read for centuries across the globe and translated into several languages.
The Natyashastra, meanwhile, was penned by ancient sage Bharat Muni and is considered the foundational text on performing arts, especially theatre, dance, and music. Preserved at the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute and believed to have been codified around the 2nd century BC, Bharat Muni’s Natyashastra is considered the essence of Nāṭyaveda — an oral tradition of performing arts comprising 36,000 verses, also known as the Gāndharvaveda. This ancient text lays down an elaborate framework for various art forms, covering nāṭya (drama), abhinaya (performance), rasa (aesthetic essence), bhāva (emotion), and saṅgīta (music).
One of the most significant declarations in the Natyashastra is Bharat Muni’s assertion that “no meaning can blossom forth without rasa”, a timeless insight that continues to influence global literature and art.
