India’s Civilisational Texts Get Global Spotlight: UNESCO Adds Gita And Natyashastra To Memory Of The World Register

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed the inclusion of the Gita and Natyashastra in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register as a global recognition of India's timeless wisdom and rich culture.

In a post on X on Friday (18 April), Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat announced that Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and Bharat Muni’s Natyashastra are "now inscribed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register".

"This global honour celebrates India’s eternal wisdom & artistic genius. These timeless works are more than literary treasures—they are philosophical and aesthetic foundations that have shaped Bharat’s world view and the way we think, feel, live, and express. With this, we now 14 inscriptions from our country on this international register," Shekhawat added.

Responding to Shekhawat's post, PM Modi said, “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 added.

According to the UNESCO website, the Memory of the World Programme aims to:

• Facilitate preservation of the world's documentary heritage, particularly in areas affected by conflict and/or natural disaster

• Enable universal access to documentary heritage worldwide

• Enhance public awareness about the significant of documentary heritage among the wider public

The UNESCO Memory of the World Register 2025 has included two entries submitted by India — Manuscript collection of Bhagavadgītā, and Manuscript of the Nāṭyaśāstra of Bharatamuni.

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