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

In a momentous acknowledgment of India’s civilisational brilliance, two of its most iconic works — the ‘Bhagavad Gita’ and ‘Bharat Muni’s Natyashastra’ — have been inscribed into UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register. The announcement has been widely celebrated across the nation, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling it “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. These works have nurtured civilisation and consciousness for centuries. Their insights continue to inspire the world,” the Prime Minister wrote on X.

For ages Bhagavad Gita has been recognised as a one of the world’s greatest insight into human values, philosophy of life and beyond. It is part of the great epic ‘Mahabharata’ and is based on Indian philosophy of ‘Sankhya Yog’

This latest recognition takes India’s total entries in UNESCO’s prestigious register to 14, further cementing its place as a cradle of global knowledge, artistic genius, and spiritual heritage.

Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, transcends the bounds of religion and history. It speaks directly to the universal human condition — navigating dilemmas of duty, action, morality, and self-realisation.

Over millennia, the Gita has served as a guiding light for thinkers, freedom fighters, and spiritual seekers — from Mahatma Gandhi to Albert Einstein. Rooted in the philosophy of ‘dharma’, ‘karma’, and ‘bhakti’, the Gita encourages courage in action and clarity in thought, resonating with people across cultures and continents.

Equally deserving of global acclaim is Bharat Muni’s Natyashastra, an ancient Sanskrit treatise believed to date back over 2,000 years. It forms the foundation of Indian classical dance, music, and theatre — laying down not only aesthetic principles but also a philosophy of expression, emotion, and cultural storytelling.

Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who first announced the news, described it as “a historic moment for Bharat’s civilisational heritage.” He added, “These timeless works are more than literary treasures — they are philosophical and aesthetic foundations that have shaped Bharat’s worldview and the way we think, feel, live, and express.”

India’s intellectual and philosophical tradition has long stood as a torchbearer for humanity. From the spiritual depths of the ‘Upanishads’ to the scientific temperament of Ayurveda and the artistic brilliance of classical literature, Indian thought has always emphasised harmony, introspection, and universal connection.

The inclusion of the ‘Bhagavad Gita’ and ‘Natyashastra’ in the UNESCO register is not just a cultural milestone — it’s a reaffirmation of India’s role as Vishwa Guru — the world’s teacher. It reminds us that in the midst of modernity, ancient wisdom still offers answers to the most pressing questions of our time.

As these iconic works take their rightful place on the world stage, they carry with them the voice of an ancient civilisation — one that continues to inspire, enlighten, and uplift humanity.

Indeed it is a testament to India’s vast pool of knowledge and insights into life itself. India aspires to reclaim its ancient status as the Vishwa Guru — a global teacher and guiding light for humanity. Rooted in a rich heritage of knowledge, philosophy, and spiritual wisdom, India has historically contributed profound insights in fields like mathematics, medicine, yoga, and ethics.

Today, as the world faces complex challenges — be it climate change, mental health, or technological disruption — India’s holistic worldview, driven by the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), offers a balanced path forward.

By combining its timeless values with modern innovation, India stands poised to inspire and lead on the global stage once again. UNESCO’s latest move has indeed recognised India’s bid to be Vishwa Guru for the world as it has always been.