At the Virat Sanskrit Vidvat-Sammelan held in Raipur on September 7th, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai emphasized the importance of Sanskrit. He noted that the ancient language is the essence of Indian culture, providing a unique identity on a global scale. CM Sai stated that Sanskrit is the foundation for grammar, philosophy, and science, essential for promoting logical thinking. He emphasized the continuing relevance of Sanskrit education in the modern world. He highlighted that the language and its literature are central to our heritage and must be preserved and enhanced. He also noted the conference’s aim of strengthening Indian culture, values, and the nation through discussions on Sanskrit. He lauded the initiatives of Sanskrit Bharati Chhattisgarh and Sarayupareen Brahmin Sabha Chhattisgarh in the preservation and promotion of Sanskrit. He pointed out that integrating Sanskrit into modern education will contribute to students’ intellectual development. The CM noted that the Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas contain a wealth of knowledge concerning philosophy, science, and life values. He remarked that the Vedic sciences like Ayurveda, mathematics, and astrology remain relevant and can be subjects of research. He stressed that the principles of Karma, knowledge, and devotion, clearly articulated in these texts, can bring peace and balance to modern life. Therefore, Sanskrit education is equally relevant and useful in the modern era. CM Sai also mentioned that connecting the youth with Sanskrit literature is crucial to ensure the knowledge transfer to the next generation. He stated that technology can be employed to make Sanskrit education more engaging. He urged for firm measures to be taken with the active involvement of Sanskrit scholars and teachers in the state. He appealed for a commitment to promote Sanskrit education and connect with the next generation through the conference. The event also featured the release of a promotional brochure by the Sarayupareen Brahmin Sabha, Chhattisgarh. Dr. Dadu Bhai Tripathi, the state president of Sanskrit Bharati, shared historical evidence of Sanskrit’s widespread use as a common language. He emphasized the direct link between the Chhattisgarhi language and Sanskrit. Moreover, he indicated that the Sarguja region has a high number of tribal students learning Sanskrit.
