Haridwar: Indian scriptures are not just texts but mediums to understand the mysteries of the entire universe, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami said this during the closing ceremony of the 62nd All India Shastrotsav competition at Patanjali University. The Chief Minister emphasized that the foundation of Indian culture and tradition lies in our ancient scriptures, which encompass profound knowledge in science, yoga, medicine, mathematics, and philosophy.
CM Dhami further stressed that the research conducted by sages and rishis should not only be preserved as heritage but should be advanced and developed in the modern context. He pointed out that just as the profound knowledge of Advaita Vedanta spread throughout India, the Shastrotsav would spread the deep mysteries of Sanskrit and scriptures across the country and globally. He further stated that efforts should be made to present the Vedas and scriptures in a practical manner to generate interest and faith in them among future generations.
During the event, Chief Minister Dhami mentioned that the state government is taking special steps to promote the Sanatan and ancient Indian knowledge to establish ancient Indian knowledge on a global level. He emphasized the need to introduce India’s rich Vedic knowledge into the education system more effectively and noted that if ancient knowledge is presented from a scientific perspective, it could prove to be beneficial for all of humanity.
Addressing the audience, Swami Ramdev, Chancellor of Patanjali University said that Sanskrit is not merely a language but holds the potential to lead globally in every field. He underscored the fact that Sanatan Dharma and ancient Indian scriptures encompass all fields of knowledge. Swami Ramdev referred to the All India Shastrotsav as a confluence of Sanskrit & culture and highlighted that all major languages of the world originated from Sanskrit, a fact that everyone should be proud of. He further emphasized the need to promote Sanskrit and revive the Indian knowledge tradition.
Acharya Balakrishna, Vice-Chancellor of Patanjali University, described Sanskrit as a treasure of pilgrimage and culture, shedding light on the significance of ancient Indian scriptures in life. He encouraged scholars, students, researchers, and followers of the Sanatan tradition from across the country to make continuous efforts to spread the importance of the Vedas and scriptures to every individual.
Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, former Uttarakhand Chief Minister and Union Minister of Education, also shared his thoughts at the event. He emphasized that Sanskrit is not merely a language, but one that has the potential to make a mark across the world. He remarked that Sanskrit encompasses all knowledge, science, and technology and highlighted that Uttarakhand’s recognition of Sanskrit as a state language would lead to the state’s prominence in the global Sanskrit domain.
The event also saw important insights from Professor Shrinivasa Varkhedi, Vice-Chancellor of the Central Sanskrit University, New Delhi, on Sanskrit, scriptures, and the Indian knowledge tradition. During the ceremony, participants from 30 states and union territories across the country were awarded for their efforts in the competition. The event was organized by Dr. Madhukeshwar Bhatt, and the stage was managed by Dr. Pawan Vyas.
Among the distinguished attendees were Mahamandaleshwar Swami Punyannandgiriji Maharaj, former Cabinet Minister of Uttarakhand Swami Yatiwaranand Ji Maharaj, Professor Sukant Kumar Senapati, Vice-Chancellor of Shri Somnath Sanskrit University, Veraval, Gujarat, Professor Prahlad R. Joshi, Vice-Chancellor of Kumar Bhaskar Verma Sanskrit University, Assam, Dr. Murli Manohar Pathak, Vice-Chancellor of Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University, New Delhi, and several other eminent scholars and dignitaries from Patanjali University and Central Sanskrit University.
