Proud Moment: UNESCO’s Memory of World Asia-Pacific Regional Register Includes Panchatantra and Ramcharitmanas

15 May 2024

By Khushi Maheshwari

UNESCO has added the Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra and Sahimprothdayāloka-Locana to its Asia-Pacific Memory of the World Register. India has accomplished much with this, as seen by its well-known literary and cultural traditions.

According to a PIB press release, the registration of these three literary classics emphasises how crucial it is to acknowledge and protect the variety of stories and artistic expressions that influence our common humanity.

Indian literature and culture have been greatly influenced by the timeless masterpieces of Sahṛdayaloka-Locana, Panchatantra and Ramcharitmanas. These literary masterpieces have endured beyond space and time, profoundly influencing readers and artists in India as well as outside. Future generations will undoubtedly be inspired and educated by them.

The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts’ (IGNCA) efforts to promote and preserve India’s cultural legacy are demonstrated by the registration of these three pieces of art. IGNCA was essential in making this momentous occasion possible. 38 members of the member nations, 40 observers and 40 nominees convened at the 10th Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP) meeting in Ulaanbaatar to have a discourse over the nominations. 

IGNCA successfully presented the Panchatantra, Sahṛdayaloka-Locana and Ramcharitmanas. With this milestone, IGNCA has officially submitted nominations to the Regional Register for the first time since its founding in 2008. 

PIB tweeted on their official X handle and expressed their pride over the milestone. Here is the link to the tweet:

🇮🇳 PROUD MOMENT FOR INDIA 🇮🇳

The Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahṛdayāloka-Locana enter ‘UNESCO's Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register’ pic.twitter.com/GDiLHPGOqy

— PIB India (@PIB_India) May 14, 2024