In a significant move for the promotion of India's ancient language, the Uttarakhand government has decided to establish a high-level commission dedicated solely to Sanskrit. This will be the first body of its kind in the state, aimed at coordinating and expanding efforts in Sanskrit education, research, and cultural outreach on a broader scale.
Announcement at International Seminar
The major announcement was made by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday. He was speaking at the concluding session of a two-day international seminar. This event was a joint effort organized by the Ministry of External Affairs, the Central Sanskrit University from New Delhi, and Uttarakhand's own Sanskrit University.
Chief Minister Dhami emphasized the profound legacy of Sanskrit, stating that its scientific, spiritual, and cultural wealth has the potential to act as a cornerstone for achieving global unity and equality. The seminar itself was a grand affair, featuring 18 different sessions where over 300 scholars presented 350 research papers.
Building on a Strong Foundation
Uttarakhand already recognizes Sanskrit as its second official language, a status declared during the tenure of former Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhariyal ‘Nishank’. Nishank, who also attended the event, passionately described Sanskrit as "the soul of India." The state's existing institutional support includes a dedicated Uttarakhand Sanskrit University and the state Sanskrit Academy. The new commission is expected to build upon this foundation.
Dinesh Chandra Shastri, the Vice-Chancellor of Uttarakhand Sanskrit University, highlighted the state's unique position in India's intellectual history. He noted that this is the sacred land where foundational ancient scriptures like the Vedas and Puranas were originally composed.
Global Interest in Sanskrit Knowledge
The seminar underscored the international appeal of Sanskrit studies. Delegates from various countries including Bahrain, Malaysia, Thailand, Belarus, Russia, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, and Kazakhstan participated. Senior state leaders and academics were also present.
Neena Malhotra, a Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, described the seminar as a crucial step in presenting India's traditional knowledge systems to a worldwide audience. The formation of the new high-level commission is seen as the next logical step in this mission of revitalizing and promoting Sanskrit both within India and abroad.
The state government's initiative signals a strong commitment to preserving and propagating Sanskrit, aiming to transform it from a classical language into a living vessel of knowledge and cultural unity for future generations.
