New Delhi: India’s rich literary heritage and cultural legacy received global recognition as three iconic literary works—Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahṛdayāloka-Locana—have been included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register.
The inclusion of these literary pieces, which have deeply influenced Indian literature and culture, symbolises a significant step forward in global cultural preservation efforts. Authored by Acharya Anandvardhan, Pt. Vishnu Sharma, and Goswami Tulsidas respectively, Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahṛdayāloka-Locana have transcended time and space, leaving an indelible mark on readers and artists worldwide.
The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) played a pivotal role in securing this historic moment during the 10th meeting of the Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP). Professor Ramesh Chandra Gaur, Dean (Administration) and Head of the Department, Kala Nidhi Division at IGNCA, presented these nominations at the Ulaanbaatar convention. With IGNCA’s advocacy, all three Indian nominations were included in UNESCO’s prestigious register.
This milestone marks the first time IGNCA has submitted nominations to the Regional Register since its inception in 2008, highlighting the institution’s commitment to advancing India’s literary legacy on the global stage.
After recommendations from the Register Subcommittee (RSC), and subsequent voting by member state representatives, Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahṛdayāloka-Locana secured inclusion in the Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register.