In a major achievement for the Indian literary heritage, three timeless works—Ramcharitmanas- Panchatantra- Sahrdayaloka-Locana—have been included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register. This, in turn, has glorified and established the importance of these literary masterpieces at an international level and the impact they have produced on culture and literature.
UNESCO Memory of the World Register:
UNESCO Memory of the World Register was established in 1992 for the protection of the documentary heritage of humanity. The initiative ensured the preservation and accessibility of important historical, cultural, and scientific materials ranging from manuscripts and printed books to films and audio records. By May 2023, the register included 494 inscriptions.
The Inclusion of Indian Literary Classics
At the 10th General Meeting of the Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP), which took place on May 7-8 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, the Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahrdayaloka-Locana were added to the prestigious register. The works of authorship by Goswami Tulsidas, Pt Vishnu Sharma, and Acharya Anandvardhan have been able to influence Indian literature and culture profoundly.
Significance of the Recognition
According to the Union Ministry of Culture, these literary works have “deeply influenced Indian literature and culture, shaping the nation’s moral fabric and artistic expressions.” Their inclusion in the UNESCO register has glorified their timeless nature and their impact upon the readers and artists both in India and around the world.
Successful Nomination by IGNCA
Professor Ramesh Chandra Gaur, Dean (Administration) and Head of the Kala Nidhi Division at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), successfully presented and defended the nominations at the convention. This achievement reflects the rigorous process and the high regard for these works within the international community.
The 10th General Meeting of MOWCAP
This year’s MOWCAP meeting—hosted by the Ministry of Culture of Mongolia, the Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO, and the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok—celebrated “human research, innovation, and imagination.” The meeting also bore importance to genealogical records with notable entries from Mongolia, China, and Malaysia.
Conclusion
The inclusion of Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahrdayaloka-Locana in the UNESCO Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Register is a proud moment for the country. It acknowledges the cultural and historical significance these works hold for the world and provides for their preservation and dissemination to future generations.
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