Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday attended the third convocation ceremony of Kumar Bhaskar Varma Sanskrit and Ancient Studies University in Nalbari as the Chief Guest. A total of 1,873 students were awarded degrees and certificates at the ceremony.
Addressing the graduating students on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the Act establishing this university was introduced in the Assam Legislative Assembly in 2011, when he was serving as the State’s Education Minister. The institution was conceptualised in the name of Kumar Bhaskar Varma, the illustrious ruler of ancient Kamarupa, with the objective of ensuring that the younger generation does not lose sight of Assam’s rich heritage, the Rig Veda, ancient scriptures such as the Manusmriti and the great epics amid the growing influence of Western culture and modernisation.
Observing that the university, guided by the immortal words of the great poet Kalidasa and bearing an emblem featuring palm leaves, a pen and two earthen lamps, has been successful in spreading the light of sacred knowledge across the State, the Chief Minister said that under the new National Education Policy, the university introduced four-year undergraduate programmes in 14 departments from the academic year 2023-24. It currently offers courses in Sanskrit, Vedas, Philosophy and Literature, alongside newer disciplines such as Yoga Science, Astrology, Nyaya Shastra, Dharma Shastra and Puranic Studies.
Pointing out that the student strength of the university has reached 1,753 in the academic year 2026-27 and that 215 research scholars are currently pursuing PhD programmes, he said that the university, which secured a ‘B+’ grade in the assessment conducted by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in 2022, has also achieved notable distinction of declaring examination results within 15 days of completion of examinations.
Appreciating the social commitment demonstrated by the university’s employees and faculty members, the Chief Minister said that during the recent flood situation, they had contributed one day’s salary to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. Moreover, under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, they have participated in voluntary relief and rehabilitation work for two days in the flood-affected areas of Nazira, setting an exemplary instance of humanitarian service.
He also informed that the Finance Minister has announced a grant of Rs 50 crore in the current year’s Budget for the development of the university’s infrastructure. Moreover, a decision has also been taken to recognise Krishnakanta Handiqui Sanskrit College in Guwahati as an affiliated college of the university. He assured that the State Government would also introduce departments like Ayurveda, Naturopathy and Archaeology in the university’s curriculum in the future.