Why in News?
- The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) is hosting a two-day National Symposium titled
- “Timeless Texts and Universal Teachings: Inscription of Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra in the UNESCO Memory of the World International Register.”
- The event, held on 30th and 31st July 2025 in New Delhi, marks the UNESCO recognition of these ancient Indian texts.
Event Details:
- Inaugural Session
- Date & Time: 30th July 2025, 4:00 PM
- Venue: Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi
- Chief Guest: Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Minister of Culture and Tourism
- Chairperson: Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, Padma Bhushan awardee, President, IGNCA Trust
Guests of Honour:
- Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj, Founder of GIEO Gita and Gita Gyan Sansthanam
- Dr. Sonal Mansingh, Padma Vibhushan awardee, former Rajya Sabha MP
- Valedictory Session
- Date & Time: 31st July 2025, 5:00 PM
- Venue: Samvet Auditorium, IGNCA, Janpath, New Delhi
- Chief Guest: Shri Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture
- Guest of Honour: Prof. Shrinivasa Varakhedi, Vice Chancellor, Central Sanskrit University
- Chairperson: Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA
- Summary Presentation: Prof. (Dr.) Ramesh C. Gaur
Purpose and Significance of the Symposium
Celebrate Global Recognition:
- Highlights the inclusion of Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, which aims to preserve humanity’s most important documentary heritage.
Reaffirm Timeless Relevance:
- Explores the philosophical and spiritual wisdom of the Gita and the artistic and aesthetic richness of the Natyashastra.
Promote Scholarly Dialogue:
- Brings together scholars, cultural experts, and spiritual leaders to deliberate on the contemporary significance of these texts.
- Bridge Tradition and Modernity
- Demonstrates how ancient teachings continue to shape modern ethics, arts, and cultural frameworks globally.
About the Texts Recognised by UNESCO
Bhagavad Gita:
- A sacred dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna from the Mahabharata.
- Offers deep insights into dharma (duty), self-realisation, and spiritual philosophy.
Natyashastra:
- Composed by Bharata, it is one of the oldest treatises on performing arts, covering drama, dance, and music.
- Serves as the foundation of classical Indian arts and performance traditions.
Conclusion:
- The symposium is a historic effort to honour India’s intellectual and artistic contributions, ensuring that future generations and the world at large can appreciate the enduring relevance of these monumental works.