UNESCO’s Memory of the World Recognition for Indian Texts

Recently, the Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahṛdayāloka-Locana were included in UNESCO's Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register.

About the Memory of the World Programme:

1. The MoW Programme is an international initiative launched by UNESCO in 1992 to protect the documentary heritage of humanity.
2. It aims to recognize significant documentary heritage analogous to UNESCO's World Heritage Convention and World Heritage List, which identify important natural and cultural sites.

3. The MoW Programme aims to:

1. Facilitate the preservation of the world's documentary heritage, especially in regions affected by conflict or natural disaster.
2. Enable universal access to documentary heritage worldwide.
3. Enhance public awareness about the significance of documentary heritage among the broader public.

Governance:

1. The International Advisory Committee (IAC) is the primary body responsible for advising UNESCO on the planning and implementation of the MoW Programme.
2. The IAC comprises 14 members serving in a personal capacity, appointed by UNESCO's Director-General and chosen for their authority in the field of documentary heritage.

Nomination for MoW:

1. The call for nominations and inscriptions on the Asia Pacific Register is made every 2 years unless unexpected circumstances make this impractical.
2. Nominations are usually requested in even-number years (to alternate with the International Register).

India's Three Items Included in MoW:

1. Ramcharitmanas:

   1. Written by Tulsidas in the 16th century.
   2. Composed in the Awadhi dialect, spoken primarily in the districts of Lucknow, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya.

2. Panchatantra:

   1. A collection of fables originally written in Sanskrit.
   2. Comprises 5 distinct sections, each focused on a specific principle.
   3. Believed to have been written by Vishnu Sharma.

3. Sahṛdayāloka-Locana:

   1. A Sanskrit commentary on the Dhvanyaloka.

Must Check: Best IAS Coaching In Delhi