On March 7, 2024, a historic event took place in the center of New Delhi when Smt. Droupadi Murmu, the President of India, graced and spoke at the Central Sanskrit University’s inaugural convocation. Her remarks reflected the pride and respect she felt for Indian culture, highlighting the vital role Sanskrit plays in maintaining and spreading the rich tapestry of our ancestry.
President Murmu emphasized the close relationship between national consciousness and cultural knowledge. She articulated well how our sense of pride in our Indian culture forms the basis of who we are. This particular feeling unites the various aspects of our enormous country and inspires a sense of oneness. The President hailed Sanskrit as the guardian of our cultural legacy in her speech. underscoring the language’s unparalleled role in weaving the variegated threads of India into a seamless fabric of unity.
The President’s remark regarding the equal participation of both genders in the academic achievements of the day was one of the most encouraging features of the convocation. She praised the nearly equal ratio of male and female gold medal winners, highlighting the welcoming and inspiring atmosphere that Central Sanskrit University fosters. The institution’s efforts to empower women were praised by President Murmu, who also highlighted the important contributions made to the Sanskrit language by women scholars such as Gargi, Maitreyi, Apala, and Lopamudra.
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, the Union Minister of Education, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship, also spoke on stage, thanking President Murmu for his leadership and vision. He praised Sanskrit as a dynamic force for identity and growth rather than just as a language of heritage. Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives to promote and revitalize this antiquated language, Minister Pradhan emphasized the government’s dedication to assisting Sanskrit language and education.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s incorporation of Sanskrit, the Vedas, and Indian knowledge traditions into the contemporary educational system was commended by the minister. With the goal of promoting self-reliance and encouraging students to actively participate in nation-building, this revolutionary text seeks to deliver a comprehensive education. The university’s participation in the “Mera Pehla Vote Desh Ke Liye” campaign, which highlights the school’s dedication to civic engagement and national duty, was also praised by Minister Pradhan.
Another point that Minister Pradhan praised was the connection between Sanskrit and Ayurveda. The university’s attempts to close the gap between these two antiquated fields were recognized as having a major impact on overall wellbeing. He underlined that NEP 2020 aims to close the gap between tradition and modernity, guaranteeing that the knowledge ingrained in Indian philosophy is still applicable and understandable in the modern era.
The minister emphasized the importance of breaking down boundaries of language and geography to promote the global diffusion of Indian philosophy and knowledge in as many languages as possible. In his vision, the ageless knowledge ingrained in Indian customs serves as a lighthouse for humanity, pointing people in the direction of peaceful cooperation with the environment and one another.
The Central Sanskrit University’s inaugural convocation is evidence of Sanskrit’s continued relevance and vitality in the modern era. The occasion was more than just a celebration of academic success; it also served as a reminder of the importance of Sanskrit in promoting harmony, safeguarding cultural heritage, and advancing the general well-being of people and society. As we go, let us acknowledge Sanskrit not just as a language of the past but also as a live thread that unites the goals of a dynamic and vibrant India with the fabric of our heritage.
