UNESCO’s Memory of the World Recognition for Indian Texts

Source-This post on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Recognition for Indian Texts is based on the article “Ramcharitmanas among 3 Indian literary works included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Regional Register: Their significance” published in “The Indian Express” on 16th May 2024.

Why in the News?

During the tenth session of the Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, three Indian literary works—Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahṛdayaloka-Locana were included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register.

About UNESCO’s Memory of the World Recognition for Indian Texts

1. Three significant Indian literary works were added to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register: Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra and Sahṛdayaloka-Locana.

2. Significance of the Recognized Works: These works were chosen for their global appeal and profound influence on both Indian and international audiences.

3. Specific Works and Attributes:

i) Ramcharitmanas: The Ramayana and Ramcharitmanas are widely read in Southeast Asian countries like Cambodia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. Two versions of the Ramcharitmanas were submitted to UNESCO, one by Goswami Tulsidas and another translated into Arabic in the 18th century, demonstrating the text’s broad appeal in West Asia and beyond.

ii) Panchatantra: It was selected for its universal moral lessons.

iii) Sahṛdayaloka-Locana: It is recognized for its aesthetic significance, authored by renowned Kashmiri scholars Acharya Anandvardhan and Abhinavagupta.

About the Memory of the World (MOW) Program

1. The UNESCO Memory of the World (MOW) program is a global initiative aimed at preserving, protecting, and enhancing access to documentary heritage, particularly those collections that are rare and at risk.

2. Program Launch: It was initiated in 1992. The program’s goal is to prevent “collective amnesia” by safeguarding invaluable archives and library collections worldwide and promoting their widespread dissemination.

3. Program Significance:

i) Recognition and Registration: The program identifies documentary heritage of international, regional, and national importance maintains registers for these collections, and assigns a distinct logo to recognized collections.

ii) Access and Preservation: It ensures equitable access and preservation of documents.

iii) Awareness and Advocacy: The program actively campaigns to inform governments, the public, and the private sector about the need to preserve documentary heritage and encourages fundraising efforts for this cause.

iv) Inscription Benefits: Registering documents confirms their significance, enhances their visibility, and improves access, supporting research, education, entertainment, and ongoing preservation.

UPSC Syllabus: Art and culture