Sanskrit is Not Just a Language, It's Our Foundation: Gov Kavinder Gupta
Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta urges the youth to embrace Sanskrit as the foundation of India's intellectual and cultural heritage.
Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Kavinder Gupta, has made a passionate plea to restore restore Sanskrit knowledge tradition to its rightful place in India’s intellectual landscape. Speaking at the Akhil Bharatiya Sanskrit Bharati Conference in Malkwal, near Nurpur in the Kangra district, the Governor emphasized that the language is far more than a medium of communication—it is the very bedrock of India’s cultural and civilisational identity.
Beyond Empires and Invasions
Governor Gupta raised a critical point regarding how history is taught to the youth. He argued that the current educational discourse often focuses too heavily on the rise and fall of empires and the history of foreign invasions. Instead, he called for a more balanced approach that highlights India's glorious intellectual past.
According to the Governor, the younger generation must be introduced to the profound contributions of ancient Indian scholars and scientists. He specifically cited the works of legendary figures such as:
- Aryabhata and Bhaskaracharya in mathematics and astronomy.
- Panini in linguistics and grammar.
- Charaka and Sushruta in the field of medicine and surgery.
- Varahamihira for his contributions to science.
He noted that these pioneers enriched global knowledge and their legacies should be presented to students with greater clarity and pride.
From Nalanda to AI: Bridging the Gap
Reminiscing about the era of Takshashila and Nalanda, Governor Gupta reminded the audience that India was once the global magnet for scholars and students. He expressed a vision for India to reclaim its position as a world leader in knowledge and innovation.
Crucially, the Governor did not suggest a retreat into the past, but rather a fusion of the old and the new. He advocated for the integration of ancient wisdom with cutting-edge modern technology. He suggested that the vast knowledge of mathematics, Ayurveda, and philosophy found in Sanskrit literature should be subjected to scientific research and linked with Artificial Intelligence and digital technologies.
Government Initiatives and the 'Vikas' Vision
The Governor lauded the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government in preserving traditional knowledge systems. He highlighted several key milestones, including:
- The implementation of the National Education Policy-2020.
- The creation of Central Sanskrit Universities.
- The systematic preservation of ancient manuscripts.
- The promotion of research in Sanskrit studies.
He stated that the philosophy of “Virasat bhi, Vikas bhi” (Heritage as well as Development) is essential for the national goal of Viksit Bharat@2047, ensuring that contemporary progress is rooted in cultural heritage.
Himachal Pradesh: A Bastion of Tradition
Referring to Himachal Pradesh as 'Devbhoomi,' the Governor pointed out the state's deep spiritual and linguistic ties to Sanskrit. He noted that the local dialects, including the Gaddi dialect of Bharmour in Chamba and inscriptions in the Tankri script, carry the indelible influence of Sanskrit.
He reminded the gathering that Himachal Pradesh took a significant step in 2019 by granting Sanskrit the status of the second official language of the state. He urged universities and educational institutions to move beyond textbooks and foster genuine innovation and research in the language.
A Call to Action for Families and Youth
Governor Gupta concluded his address with a call to action for parents and students. He emphasized that mother tongues can only survive if they are spoken within the home, encouraging families to integrate these languages into their daily lives.
He praised the work of Sanskrit Bharati for taking the language to the masses and urged the youth to stop viewing Sanskrit merely as a subject to be passed in examinations. Instead, he encouraged them to embrace it as an invaluable part of their cultural identity and a gateway to India's intellectual heritage.