UNESCO has recently recognized the enduring influence of two literary treasures, Ramcharitmanas and Panchatantra, by including them in its Memory of the World Regional Register for the 2024 cycle. This prestigious acknowledgment was made during the 10th General Meeting of the Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP), held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on May 7-8.
The decision to inscribe these works, along with 18 other items from the Asia Pacific region, highlights their profound impact on literature and culture not only in India but across the globe. Illustrated manuscripts of Ramacharitamanas, an ancient epic, and a 15th-century manuscript of Panchatantra fables were among the recognized items.
In a statement, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) emphasized the timeless nature of these works, underscoring their role in shaping India's literary landscape and cultural ethos. Both within and beyond India, Ramcharitmanas and Panchatantra have left an indelible mark on readers and artists, transcending geographical and temporal boundaries.
The meeting, hosted by Mongolia's Ministry of Culture, the Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO, and UNESCO's Regional Office in Bangkok, focused on celebrating human research, innovation, and imagination. The 2024 inscriptions included diverse contributions such as genealogical records, scientific discoveries, literary achievements, and industrial innovations.
Among the notable inscriptions were Bangladesh's visionary feminist author Rokeya S Hossain, recognized for her 1905 utopian narrative predicting inventions like helicopters and solar panels. Additionally, joint documentation from Australia and Tuvalu shed light on scientific expeditions investigating coral reef formation, while records from China and Indonesia showcased advancements in tea entrepreneurship, sugar research, and cement production.
The recognition also extended to regional literary traditions, with nods to Philippines' Indigenous Hinilawod chants, Viet Nam's Nine Dynastic Urns, and India's Panchatantra fables, which have been globally adapted over time.
Ramesh Chandra Gaur, representing the Kala Nidhi Division of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), was present during the inscription process, marking a significant moment in the preservation of cultural heritage.
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