NATIONAL: The Panchatantra, Sahṛdayāloka-Locana, and the Ramcharitmanas are now part of ‘UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register. India is proud of this inclusion, which attests to the nation’s rich cultural and literary history. It emphasizes the value of appreciating and preserving the various stories and artistic manifestations that define our common humanity and represents a step forward in international efforts to preserve cultural diversity. In addition to honoring the creative brilliance of these literary masterpieces’ authors, society also makes sure that their profound wisdom and ageless lessons will continue to enlighten and inspire succeeding generations.

Such classic works as the “Ramcharitmanas,” “Panchatantra,” and “Sahṛdayaloka-Locana” have had a profound impact on Indian literature and culture, helping to shape the moral fiber and artistic manifestations of the country. These literary masterpieces have endured beyond space and time, profoundly influencing readers and artists in India as well as outside. Notably, Acharya Anandvardhan, Pt. Vishnu Sharma, and Goswami Tulsidas wrote “Sahṛdayaloka-Locana,” “Panchatantra,” and “Ramcharitmanas,” respectively.

The 10th conference of the Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP) was made possible in large part by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). Forty observers and nominees joined 38 members of the member nations at the Ulaanbaatar summit. IGNCA secured the inclusion of three Indian nominees in “UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register” by advocating for them.

These three Indian entries—the Ramcharitmanas, the Panchatantra, and the Sahṛdayāloka-Locana—were successfully presented by Professor Ramesh Chandra Gaur, Dean (Administration) and Head of the Department, Kala Nidhi Division, at IGNCA. In UllanBatar, Prof. Gaur successfully defended the nominations. This significant achievement highlights IGNCA’s commitment to safeguarding and advancing India’s cultural history and reaffirms its support for the advancement of India’s literary legacy as well as worldwide cultural preservation. Since its founding in 2008, this is the first time that IGNCA has submitted nominations to the Regional Register.