Ramcharitmanas and Panchatantra in UNESCO’s ‘Memory of the World’ now

Paris – Ramcharitmanas and Pancha-tantra have been included in the ‘Memory of the World Asia Pacific Regional Register’. Henceforth, these will be known globally as cultural and literary heritage. The decision was taken at the 10th General Meeting of the Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP), held on May 7-8 in the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar, officials said in Delhi.

Many Indians recite Shriramcharitmanas written by Goswami Tulsidas, and listen to the stories of Panchatantra, which are a favourite owing to their universal moral values. The Ramayana and Ramcharitmanas are read in not only India but also in other Southeast Asian countries such as Cambodia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia.

Bharat Making a Mark on the World! 🇮🇳 Literary masterpieces Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra and Sahṛdayāloka-Locana, entering @UNESCO‘s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register underscores the profound global impact of our rich literary heritage &.. (1/2) #AmritMahotsav pic.twitter.com/Npcpq9qEWH

— Ministry of Culture (@MinOfCultureGoI) May 14, 2024

What is ‘Memory of the World’

The Memory of the World (MoW) Program is a global initiative launched by UNESCO in 1992 to safeguard important documentary heritage. In the Asia Pacific region, a specific Branch called the Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP) was established in 1998. Successful nominations to MOWCAP are entered in the Asia Pacific Regional Register.

The Register is a listing of the documentary heritage of influence in the Asia Pacific region approved for inclusion by MOWCAP.

The call for nominations and inscriptions on the Asia Pacific Register is made every two years unless unexpected circumstances make this impractical.

Editorial Perspective

This is certainly a slap in the face of evil-minded Indian politicians, who criticise Shriramcharitmanas and Panchatantra.