UNESCO Adds Bhagavad Gita and Natya Shastra to Memory of the World Register On April 18, UNESCO included the Bhagavad Gita, based on the teachings of Lord Krishna in the Mahabharata, and Bharat Muni's Natya Shastra—the foundational text of India's performing arts—in its Memory of the World Register. The announcement came on the occasion of World Heritage Day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his happiness and called it a moment of pride for every Indian across the world. He said, "The inclusion of both these great texts in UNESCO's World Memory Register is a global recognition of our eternal knowledge and rich culture. Their insights continue to inspire the world." UNESCO's "Memory of the World Register" aims to preserve and showcase the world's most important documentary heritage. So far, the register has included 570 manuscripts from 72 countries and four international organizations, as well as research achievements. On World Heritage Day, 74 new manuscripts were added, including the Rigveda and a dozen other ancient Indian texts and manuscripts. Established in 1992, the Memory of the World Register's main goal is to safeguard documentary heritage, ensure universal access, and raise awareness about the importance of these records.