Title: A Historic Moment for India: Bhagavad Gita Added to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register
Today, we’re going to talk about a proud and powerful moment for India. Recently, UNESCO has officially included the Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra in its prestigious Memory of the World Register. This isn’t just a victory for India—it’s a global recognition of our timeless wisdom and rich cultural heritage.
What is UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme?
The Memory of the World is a UNESCO initiative launched to preserve humanity’s documentary heritage. From ancient scriptures to significant historical records, this program aims to ensure that the most important texts are never lost—even in times of war, natural disaster, or technological collapse.
UNESCO acknowledges that while the internet offers a space to store information, it is still vulnerable. Servers, satellites, and undersea cables can be destroyed. That’s why they’ve created this initiative to archive human knowledge in highly secure, durable, and accessible formats across the world.
Why is the Inclusion of the Bhagavad Gita So Significant?
The Bhagavad Gita is more than a scripture—it’s a spiritual and philosophical guide that has inspired generations, not just in India but across the globe. Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself tweeted that this is “a proud moment for every Indian across the globe.”
Interestingly, China also responded positively. The official Chinese spokesperson in India tweeted warm congratulations and acknowledged that the wisdom of the Gita has influenced Chinese generations over centuries. This shows how deep India’s cultural impact has been, even without military expansion or political dominance.
India’s Cultural Influence Beyond Borders
India’s influence on civilizations like China is historic. Take for example, the Ashoka Pillars. While we commonly associate them with sites in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, many people don’t know that a 2,000-year-old Ashoka Pillar also exists in China. It wasn’t through war or invasion, but through shared values, philosophy, and wisdom that India left its mark across Asia.
Indian scriptures, philosophies like Buddhism, and stories like Panchatantra have spread across the world peacefully and intellectually. The power of our knowledge inspired generations without crossing borders with armies.
The Risk of Losing Ancient Knowledge
Much of the world’s ancient literature has already been lost. Whether it was from war, natural disasters, or simple neglect—99% of humanity’s early written records have vanished. The original Sanskrit version of Panchatantra, for example, no longer exists. In China, Confucius’ “Six Classics” are lost. Even the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel are gone.
This is why UNESCO’s programme is crucial. By archiving and preserving documents like the Rigveda, Bhagavad Gita, and Natyashastra, they are ensuring that future generations—even thousands of years from now—will have access to this knowledge.
Why This Matters to Humanity, Not Just India
Preserving the Gita and other Indian texts is not just about national pride—it’s about securing wisdom that belongs to all of humanity. In a world where we cannot predict future conflicts, natural disasters, or digital failures, physical and systematic preservation of knowledge is essential.
UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris, France—a country with strong ties to India—hosts many of these preserved works. As India continues to propose and submit its ancient texts, we may soon see the Upanishads, other Vedas, and various treatises added to the Memory of the World.
A Gentle Reminder from History
It’s easy to feel proud when we see how much we’ve influenced the world. But let’s not stop there. Let this be an inspiration—not a source of complacency. Our ancestors shaped the world with wisdom, peace, and spiritual insight. It’s now our responsibility to live up to that legacy.
As China dominates in today’s geopolitical landscape, India must rise again—not just economically, but intellectually and culturally—by preserving, understanding, and sharing our heritage with the world.
Final Words
The addition of the Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register is just the beginning. India holds a treasure trove of ancient knowledge that can guide the world for centuries to come. Let’s support its preservation, not just for us—but for the future of humanity.