Sanskirt scholars from various countries will participate in the International Sanskrit Conference to be organised jointly by the Uttarakhand Sanskrit University and Doon University at Raj Bhawan from September 26 to 28. Uttarakhand Governor Dr Aziz Qureshi and Uttarakhand Sanskrit University vice chancellor Prof Mahavir Agrawal informed the media about the event at Raj Bhawan on Wednesday.
Dr Qureshi expressed disappointment over the status of Sanskrit language, which is the mother of most of the Indian languages. He further said when he was appointed the Governor of Uttarakhand he was asked by the officials about the language he would like to take oath in. He had readily expressed his desire to take oath in Sanskrit, he recounted, adding that his heart’s desire had remained unfulfilled with the officials having failed to comply with his instruction of readying the oath paper written in faultless Sanskrit. Although they had produced the letter it was full of errors. This led to the officers asking him to drop the idea altogether.
Otherwise he would have become the first Muslim Governor to take oath in the classical language of the country which is an epitome of the dizzy height India had scaled in conjuring up some gems of literary creations, he said. Since then he keeps striving hard to promote the language. “I am exulted that such a conference is being hosted here,” he said.
Prof Aggrawal said that the idea of the conference was mooted by the Governor around one and half year back. Hailing the Governor as an ardent champion of the language, he said the credit of hosting the conference thus rests with him. He further said 15 representatives from eight countries are coming to participate.
The maiden day is dedicated to the foreign scholars. We would come to know about the works they are now engaged in for the promotion of the language. We know that Sanskrit is being taught in 104 schools spread across the world. The number is increasing as well. They are doing graduation and post- graduation in Sanskrit language.
However, we are concerned over the employment opportunities for those who have been pursuing degree or PG course in Vedas, philosophy, yoga, literature, Sanskrit grammar, religion, astrology and the like, Prof AGgrawal said. He further stressed he could say from his 40 years’ academic experiences that seldom a Sanskrit graduate remains unemployed.
Sanskrit -educated students get job offers from abroad. Even those having degrees in yoga and astrology also get jobs abroad. In view of this, we have made English and computer learning mandatory in the Sanskrit University.
There is a perception that Sanskrit language is associated with certain religion and community. But this is a misconception of the true truth of things. The upcoming conference would make it clear that it is equally dear to the youths across the religious spectrum. Those professing Islam, Christianity and Buddhism are taking living interests in the classical language of India, the VC said.