Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra Enter UNESCO Register, Highlighting India’s Literary Legacy
Team L&M
In a significant recognition of India’s literary heritage, Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahṛdayāloka-Locana have been included in the UNESCO Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register.
Authored by Goswami Tulsidas, Vishnu Sharma, and Anandavardhana respectively, these timeless works reflect India’s rich cultural and intellectual traditions.
This inclusion marks an important step in global cultural preservation. It underlines the need to protect literary treasures that shape collective human understanding. By recognising these masterpieces, the world acknowledges their enduring wisdom and relevance.
The Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahṛdayāloka-Locana have profoundly influenced Indian literature and thought. They have shaped moral values, storytelling traditions, and artistic expression for centuries. Their impact extends beyond India, inspiring readers and scholars worldwide.
The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) played a key role in this. The institution successfully presented India’s nominations at the 10th meeting of the Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP), held in Ulaanbaatar.
The event saw participation from 38 member states, along with 40 observers and nominees. IGNCA secured the inclusion of all three Indian entries in the prestigious register.
Ramesh Chandra Gaur, Dean (Administration) and Head of Kala Nidhi Division at IGNCA, presented and defended the nominations. His efforts played a crucial role in securing their recognition.
This milestone highlights IGNCA’s commitment to preserving India’s cultural heritage. Notably, this is the first time IGNCA has submitted nominations to the regional register since its inception in 2008.
After rigorous evaluation, the Register Subcommittee recommended the entries, and member states voted to inscribe all three works successfully. This achievement reinforces India’s position in the global cultural landscape and celebrates its timeless literary contributions.
