Not many of us would know that in all Baltic languages, namely, Estonian, lithunian and latvian there are 400 words which are common in Indian Sanskrit. “Agni”, “Gayatri”, “Pitra”, “Hast”, “Pad”, “Sasuras”, “Devas”. There is philological and cultural connectivity between Indian and Baltic nations. To establish this connectivity and as a symbol of universal brotherhood, to translate the principles of solidarity of Acharya Sri Ram Sharma by offering joint academic programmes, Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya has achieved yet another milestone in connecting the nations together.
Amidst recitation of Sanskrit shlokas and Vedic Mantras, the centre for Baltic culture and studies opened in Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya which is the first ever in Asia. The Governor of Uttarakhand KK Paul inaugurated the centre presided by ambassadors of the three nations at the university premises. There are 47 centres across the world for Baltic culture and studies and this is the 48th CBCS openedon Sunday. The Governor was accompanied by his wife Omita Paul who is secretary to the President of India. laimonas Talat Kelpsa from embassy of lithunia in India gifted the Governor lithunia Sanskrit shabd mala, a booklet describing 108 words of lithunian language common in Sanskrit.
Addressing the students and staff members of DSVV, the Governor said that there could be no better place than DSVV for the launch of the centre and he was honoured having inaugurated it since this would not only increase the cultural relations between the three nations and India but also open vistas to explore the heritage which was suppressed for long due to colonial rule.
Quoting from the historian Arnold J Toynbee that a chapter which had a western beginning has to have an Indian end, the Governor said that Baltic countries had 3000 year old civilisation and were the oldest Indo European people in Europe and India has been the messenger of peace for ages to the world. The opening of the centre would be an opportunity to enrich each other’s cultural thoughts. Citing Swami Vivekananda he said what is needed today is a fellow feeling which springs from mutual respect and this centre would act as a bridge bringing people closer.
Addressing the gathering at Mrityunjay auditorium, the chancellor of university DSVV, Pranav Pandya said, “This interdisciplinary exchange programme would encourage joint research, publication, joint workshops and cultural programmes between the Baltic nations and India.”
The pro vice chancellor of the University Chinmaya Pandya said, “The vision behind starting this centre was to bring the cultural integrity of the countries since they have so much in common. We wanted to create a home for the Baltic brethren.”
Delivering her keynote address Vice Rector, University of latvia Professor Ina Druviete said that it was her first visit to India and was for cooperation, education and culture promotion and not business; “the centre would help us know more about India”. She said that like India which is known for hospitality, she also brought three gifts for the Indians–one was book on the history of the Baltic nations, second sign of people showing how ornamental the language was and latvian bread made from latvian water and flour. Indology is taught in Baltic educational institutions as well said the professor. The three ambassadors of latvia, Estonia and lithunia Riho Kruvv, laimonas Talat Kelpsa and Aivars Groza presided as the guest of honour.
Earlier VC of DSVV Sharad Parthy gave the welcome address.