Introduction

This is such a proud moment for India and the Indian literary heritage that the Hindu Book Ramcharitmanas is now in UNESCO's Memory Of The World.

In a series of recognizing documentary treasures of India, UNESCO’s Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP) included Ramcharitmanas and two other works in the UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia Pacific Regional Register. These three literary works are Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahrdayaloka-Locana written by Tulsidas, Vishnu Sharma, and Acharya Anandvardhan respectively.

In this article, we will explore the significance of this great inclusion in UNESCO's Memory Of The World. We will also decode the different terminology and will make it easier for you to grasp it.

Who Is UNESCO?

UNESCO is an international organization that promotes international cooperation that ensures global peace and security. The abbreviation stands for The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It was founded in 1945 after the world war II and has currently 194 members. India is also a proud member of this world organization since 1946.

What Is UNESCO’s Memory Of The World Register?

UNESCO’s Memory Of The World Register is the custodian of those documents, manuscripts, and written records that somewhere reflects a global cultural heritage. It is responsible for safeguarding documentary heritage like UNESCO does for Monuments and Buildings. It was established in 1992 and the first inscription in UNESCO's Memory Of The World was included in 1997.

UNESCO felt the need to preserve these literary records by keeping in mind their service to humanity since the ages. These documents act as the torch bearer to humankind. Take for example - the Bhagavad Gita, Puran, and Ramayanas are such important documents that are vital for Indian Culture, Civilization, and Heritage.

Regional Register of UNESCO's Memory Of  The World

UNESCO’s World Programme later felt the need to create Regional Registers to focus on regional documentary heritage. The Regional Register preserves and safeguards regional documentary works such as manuscripts, oral traditions, regional language books, etc.

Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP) is an example that prepares regional registers for Asia and the Pacific.

UNESCO's Memory Of The World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP)

The UNESCO's Memory Of World Committee For Asia And The Pacific is a regional branch of UNESCO’s global program that serves Asia and the Pacific region. Its primary duty is to prepare ‘Memory of the Regional Register’ limited to Asia and the Pacific region. The MOWCAP was created in 1998 and its first meeting it was held in Beijing, China.

Lets understand the organizational structure of UNESCO in safeguarding the documentary heritage of world and region specific.

Image: UNESCO's Structure For Safeguarding Documentary Heritage Of The World ( Source: Pintu Kumar Canva Design )

Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahṛdayāloka-Locana is now in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Regional Register

The MOWCAP in its 10th meeting at Ulanbator included Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahrdayaloka-locana in UNESCO’s Memory Of The World Regional Register. This is a huge step in giving recognition to the Indian Documentary Heritage.

However, this award is like a drop in the ocean because the Indian Documentary Heritage is much richer and vast but most of them are unrecognized and unexplored.

Ramcharitmanas

The Ramcharitmanas that have been included in the Memory Of The World Regional Register Asia Pacific were written by the great Indian poet Tulsidas in the 16th Century. The original book is written in the Avadhi language and is considered one of the greatest works of Indian Literature.

In this book, Lord Rama is the central character who is the Avatar of Lord Vishnu. But, despite this, he went through earthly sufferings and conquered them. The book discusses the life events of Lord Rama poetically and gives the message to win over obstacles by maintaining chastity and limitation in life. Lord Rama was able to defeat the demon King Ravana with the blessings of Goddess Durga. Hence, giving a message that we must worship divine powers with pure devotion because they are the supreme energy that sources strength and power to revert creation.

Image: Shri Ramcharitmanas            (Source: Geeta Press)

Panchatantra

Panchatantra is a collection of fables about wildlife and animals. The book is believed to have been created about 200 BCE in Sanskrit by an unknown author. But, Vishnu Sharma is attributed as the Author of this ancient text.

The book is a masterpiece in teaching moral values through its fables and hence has been translated into many languages. The short stories are quietly successful in engaging children with valued lessons.

Image: Panchatantra                   (Source: Internet Archive)

Note: Click here to read the Full Book for Free.

Sahrdayaloka-Locana

Sahrdayaloka Locana is a Sanskrit text written by Acharya Anandvardhan. The book includes the principles of Aesthetic Experience (The Psychological terminology used in relation to arts and emotions) in poetry form. The 9th-century book is a commentary on Dhvanyaloka (A popular theory on the significance of poetries).

What is The Process of Nomination For UNESCO's Memory of the World Regional Register?

The Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific calls for the nomination in the regional register every two years in alternating with the International Register. This year in 2024 the MOWCAP called for nomination in the Regional Register.

On behalf of India, The Indira Gandhi National Centre For The Arts (IGNCA) nominated the three works of Indian Literature for the first time. And, with the grace of God, all three works were selected at the very firsthand. It was such a great achievement for India and the efforts of IGNCA.

What Will Be The Impact Of Including Indian Documentary Heritage In The  UNESCO's Memory Of The World?

The inclusion of three Indian literary masterpieces in UNESCO's Memory Of The World will create a great impact on Indian documentary Heritage and its perspective. The Indian Civilization is the world’s oldest and most influential civilization. It is the home to many cultures and the birthplace of many religions such as Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Hinduism. Taxila University, Vikramshila University, Nalanda University, Valabhi University, and Sharda Peeth were the center of the world’s knowledge and home to the greatest minds.

But over time, the multiple Muslim invasions destroyed these universities and burnt out the literary works to rule over India.

Such a brutal Incident of destroying Indian universities is recorded in history by the Muslim Invader ‘Bakhtiyar Khilji’. He Demolished Nalanda University, destroyed the Monastery, Killed The Monks, And Burned The huge library. It is believed that the books of Nalanda University Library kept burning for more than three months.

It was the greatest destruction by Muslim Invaders to the world's knowledge. Many such destructions caused great loss to India's literary capital while the world was deprived of this amazing knowledge. However, with UNESCO's recognition, India's documentary heritage is gaining a new identity and soon it will be able to restore its rich literary heritage.

Key Points To Know About UNESCO's Memory Of The World

Following are the key points about UNESCO's Memory Of The World Register, Regional Register and MOWCAP:

(a) Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahrdayaloka-Locana are the three literary works that have been included in UNESCO's Memory of the World Asia Pacific Regional Register in 2024.

(b) All three of these works were originally written in Sanskrit.

(c) Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP) is the regional branch of UNESCO's world program.

(d) The Indira Gandhi National Centre For The Arts (IGNCA) played a key role in securing the achievement for India.

(e) UNESCO's Memory Of The World Program was established in 1992 while the MOWCAP was in 1998.

Conclusion

The inclusion of Indian Literary Works in the World Memory is a remarkable step in recognizing the incredible service of these documents to mankind. It reflects the increasing global value of India and the Importance of Hindu Civilization around the globe. However, more steps are yet to be taken to make India a "World Leader" in the true sense.

FAQs

Q1. Which book has been included in UNESCO's Memory Of The World Asia Pacific Regional Register in 2024?

Ans. In 2024, UNESCO's Memory Of The World Committee for Asia And The Pacific included Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahrdayaloka-Locana in UNESCO's Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register.

Q2. Are the UNESCO's  Regional and International registers for world memories different?

Ans. Yes, UNESCO's Reginal and International Register for World Memories are different lists and are prepared by the different dedicated branches of UNESCO. UNESCO calls for the nomination of each alternatively in 2 years.

Q3. When did the UNESCO's Memory Of The World Register was established?

Ans. The UNESCO's Memory Of The World Register or UNESCO's Memory Of The World was established in 1992 to safeguard documentary heritage of global importance.