Ram Charit Manas, Panchatantra and Sahridayalok-Lokan included in ‘UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register (MOWCAP)’

Recently, Ram Charit Manas, Panchatantra and Sahridayaloka-Lokan have been included in ‘UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register (MOWCAP).’

Highlights of 10th MOWCAP meeting at IGNCA

• This inclusion reaffirms the country’s rich literary and cultural heritage.
• This marks an important step forward in efforts towards global cultural preservation.
• This inclusion highlights the importance of recognizing and protecting the diverse narratives and artistic expressions that shape humanity.
• Indira Gandhi National Center for the Arts (IGNCA) played an important role in achieving a historic milestone during the 10th meeting of the Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP).
• It gathered 38 representatives from member countries, along with 40 observers and nominees. Advocating the three Indian nominations, IGNCA ensured their placement in ‘UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register’.
• Professor Ramesh Chandra Gaur, Dean (Administration) and Head of the Department, Kala Nidhi Division at IGNCA, successfully presented these three entries from India – Ram Charit Manas, Panchatantra and Sahridayalok-Lokan.
• For the first time, IGNCA has submitted nomination to the Regional Register since its inception in the year 2008.

Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra and Sahridayalok-Lokan are classic works:

Ramcharitmanas

• Author: Goswami Tulsidas
• Written: Around 16th century (1574-1576) in Awadhi language
• This epic is based on the life of Lord Shri Ram and glorifies his character.
• It has seven sections – Bal, Ayodhya, Aranya, Kishkindha, Sundar, Lanka and Uttarkand.
• It expresses the sentiments of Hindu religious scriptures in simple words.

Panchatantra

• Author: Vishnu Sharma
• Written: in Sanskrit around 3rd century AD
• Subject: This is a collection of tales/stories based on ethics.
• It has 5 sections – Mitrabheda, Mitralabh, Kakolukiya, Labdhpranashik and Aparikshitkaraka.

Sahridayalok-Lokan

• Author: Pt. Acharya Anandvardhan
• Written: in Braj language in the 16th century
• Subject: This is a critical treatise on makeup and heroine differences.
• It describes 720 types of heroines.
• It represents Sanskrit poetic poetry.
• Devotion and love feelings have also found a place in it.

Click here to read this article in Hindi.