We Will Establish a World-Class Sanskrit University Within a Definite Timeframe – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Inauguration of Param Pujya Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar International Gurukul and International Educational Complex at Waranga

Nagpur, Aug 25: Over time, many ancient civilizations across the world have perished and disappeared. However, Indian culture has endured in its eternal form. The preservation of Indian culture has been made possible through the Sanskrit language. Sanskrit holds vast repositories of knowledge in architecture, Ayurveda, astronomy, mathematics, chemistry, and other disciplines, and it is essential to bring this knowledge to society. The Kavikulguru Kalidas Sanskrit University will play a pivotal role in this mission, expressed Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

He was speaking at the inauguration ceremony of Param Pujya Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar International Gurukul and International Educational Complex, along with the foundation laying of the student hostel, held today at Waranga. Also present on the occasion were RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant (Dada) Patil, Minister of State for Finance Adv. Ashish Jaiswal, Vice-Chancellor Hareram Tripathi, Founding Vice-Chancellor Dr. Pankaj Chande, and other dignitaries.

CM Fadnavis lauded the contributions of Dr. Shrikant Jichkar and former founding Vice-Chancellor Dr. Pankaj Chande in establishing the Sanskrit University. Initially, it was envisioned that the university should be located in Ramtek, given its association with poet Kalidas. However, to ensure the global reach of this seat of Sanskrit knowledge, the decision was taken to develop a comprehensive educational complex at Waranga, known for its proximity to Nagpur and its educational environment. On the lines of the nearby National Law University, a world-class Sanskrit University will be established here within a definite timeline, he announced.

Fadnavis emphasized the invaluable contribution of Dr. Hedgewar in highlighting Indian culture, life values, and traditions to the masses. The essence of Sanskrit knowledge must reach the younger generation, he said, underlining that Sanskrit is our “language of knowledge.” With a vocabulary of over 102 billion 78 crore 50 lakh words, Sanskrit is considered the richest language in the world. Through this university, efforts will be made to further enrich Sanskrit, he added.

Fadnavis expressed his personal desire to learn Sanskrit, mentioning that his mother holds a Master’s degree in Sanskrit. He affirmed his commitment, saying that in the future, he would offer his services to this university.

Let Us Offer Our Strength and Values for a Self-Reliant India – Dr. Mohan Bhagwat

In today’s global context, the idea of ‘Global’ and ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family) are synonymous. The foundation of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is robust. If we want to understand the knowledge power that Sanskrit offers, we must grasp its underlying sentiments as well. For this, language is essential. Though much of this knowledge has reached homes through Sanskrit texts and hymns, Sanskrit must now become both state-supported and people-supported, Dr. Bhagwat emphasized.

He stated that this is the most critical time to build a self-reliant India. Our intrinsic values are of great importance, and self-reliance depends on these values. Strength is also essential. However, when strength is backed by a proud mind, heart, and intellect, it becomes even more constructive, he noted.

Where values and strength coexist, brilliance naturally follows. With brilliance, prosperity also settles in. Dr. Bhagwat articulated this vision of a prosperous India in these words. He stressed that this is the need of the present environment, and everyone must contribute their strength. Sanskrit language is the primary foundation for understanding these values. We must comprehend the power centers of Sanskrit and its knowledge, he said.

Vice-Chancellor Acharya Hareram Tripathi, in his introductory address, shared details of the initiatives undertaken by the university. Former Vice-Chancellor Acharya Uma Vaidya, Registrar Devanand Shukla, Director of Abhinav Bharati Prof. Krishnakumar Pandey, and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.