Manuscripts of Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra included in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register

The manuscripts of Srimad Bhagavad Gita and Bharat Muni's Natyashastra have been included in UNESCO's 'Memory of the World Register'. According to a report by The Hindu, 74 new documentary heritage collections were added to the register by 17 April, bringing the total number of registered collections to 570.

UNESCO stated that documents from 72 countries and four international organizations have been included in this register. The new additions also include records on the scientific revolution, the contribution of women in history, and key milestones of multilateralism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted to this news through a post on X on Friday, 18 April 2025. He called this development a moment of pride for every Indian around the world. The Prime Minister stated, "The inclusion of the Gita and the Natyashastra in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register is a global recognition of our timeless wisdom and rich culture. The Gita and the Natyashastra have nurtured civilization and consciousness for centuries. Their insights continue to inspire the world."

Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also expressed happiness on this matter on X and termed it a historic moment for India's civilizational heritage. He wrote, "This global honor celebrates India's eternal intellect and artistic genius." The minister further added that these timeless works are not just literary treasures, but are the philosophical and aesthetic foundations that have shaped India's worldview and our ways of thinking, experiencing, living, and expressing.

Minister Shekhawat informed that with this new inclusion, a total of 14 entries from India are now included in this international register. He also shared some pictures of both these texts in his post.

Natyashastra is considered a very important and foundational text on performing arts.