CM Dhami Announces High-Level Sanskrit Commission at International Sanskrit Conference in Haridwar
Haridwar: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday participated in the International Sanskrit Conference held in Haridwar, where he announced the formation of a high-level commission dedicated to the upliftment and holistic development of the Sanskrit language.
Speaking at the two-day conference themed “Indian Knowledge Tradition: Contribution of Sanskrit to the Development of Global Knowledge,” the Chief Minister said the event showcases the glorious intellectual and cultural roots of Indian civilization before the world. Scholars from several countries, including India, are taking part in the conference to hold detailed deliberations on India’s ancient knowledge traditions.
‘Sanskrit is the Foundation of Our Civilizational Ethos’
In his address, CM Dhami said Sanskrit has always been a personal source of inspiration for him. He recalled studying Sanskrit up to Class 9 and said that the verses, grammar, and linguistic beauty he learned in school remain fresh in his memory even today.
“Sanskrit is not merely a language; it represents our culture, heritage, scientific thought, and intellectual tradition. It has shaped ancient human civilization in profound ways,” he said.
The Chief Minister noted that the roots of many global languages are linked to Sanskrit. He highlighted that India’s vast knowledge systems—ranging from the Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads, and Ayurveda to Yoga, Mathematics, Astronomy, Philosophy, Literature, and Science—were originally composed in Sanskrit, enriching the world’s intellectual reservoir.
He also spoke about the surge in interest among European scholars in the 18th and 19th centuries, which brought global attention to Sanskrit texts. Universities such as Takshashila, Nalanda, Vikramshila, and Vallabhi once disseminated Sanskrit-based knowledge across the world, producing great scholars like Charaka, Sushruta, Aryabhata, Bhaskaracharya, Chanakya, Brahmagupta, and Panini.
Sanskrit as a Modern and Practical Language
CM Dhami emphasized that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, concerted efforts are being made to promote Sanskrit as a modern, practical, and accessible language. The New Education Policy (NEP) plays a crucial role in this transformation.
Initiatives like e-Sanskrit learning platforms, mobile applications, and online literature repositories are helping young learners access Sanskrit easily. Citing the example of Mattur village in Karnataka, he said Sanskrit can still flourish as a language of everyday conversation.
He also welcomed the Central Government’s recent decision to provide Sanskrit translations of Lok Sabha proceedings, calling it a significant step in making the language contemporary and relevant.
Uttarakhand: A Natural Home of Sanskrit
Describing Uttarakhand as “Devbhoomi,” a historic center of Sanskrit learning, the Chief Minister said granting Sanskrit the status of the second official language in the state pays homage to this legacy. The state government, he added, is committed to strengthening Sanskrit education in schools and institutions.
Scholarship Schemes to Promote Sanskrit Education
CM Dhami outlined several ongoing schemes aimed at encouraging Sanskrit studies in Uttarakhand:
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Gargi Sanskrit Girls’ Scholarship Scheme:
Girl students studying in Sanskrit schools receive a monthly scholarship of ₹251. -
Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar SC/ST Scholarship Scheme:
SC/ST students pursuing Sanskrit education are provided similar financial assistance. -
Sanskrit Student Talent Award Scheme:
Outstanding performers in High School and Intermediate examinations are rewarded with cash prizes of ₹5100, ₹4100, and ₹3100.
He added that undergraduate and postgraduate students of Uttarakhand Sanskrit University and Shri Raghunathkirti Central Sanskrit University are also being honored through various state initiatives.
Strengthening Sanskrit Institutions and Research
The Chief Minister also highlighted the continuous efforts of the Uttarakhand Sanskrit Academy, which organizes programs such as:
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All India Research Conferences
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Vedic Conferences
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Astrology Conferences
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Sanskrit Teacher Skill Development Workshops
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Student Competitions
Model Sanskrit Villages in Every District
Reaffirming the state government’s commitment, CM Dhami announced a plan to develop ideal Sanskrit villages in each district to promote the use of Sanskrit as a community language. Work is also underway to enhance government support for research, funding, and employment opportunities for students specializing in Sanskrit.
He said, “It is our responsibility to enrich Sanskrit in this sacred land of Uttarakhand, where the Vedas and the wisdom of ancient sages were born. I am confident that Sanskrit will one day re-emerge not only as a language of rituals but also as a language of daily communication.”
Dignitaries Present
The event was attended by former Chief Minister Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, MLAs Adesh Chauhan and Pradeep Batra, State Vice President Swami Yatishwaranand, Foreign Secretary (Government of India) Meena Malhotra, Secretary Sanskrit Uttarakhand Deepak Gairola, Vice Chancellor of Sanskrit University Prof. Dinesh Chandra Shastri, District Magistrate Mayur Dixit, SSP Pramendra Singh Dobhal, and scholars and students from various countries.
