Jammu, March 22 (Scoop News) – The Governor, N. N. Vohra, has called for pursuing a systematic plan for the collection, identification, documentation, translation and preservation of old documents and manuscripts for the promotion of Sanskrit language and literature. The Governor, who is the Chairman of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, said that the Board, which had established a Gurukul along the tracks to the Shrine, would support efforts towards the revival and propagation of this classical language.
The Governor, as Chief Guest, was addressing the Annual Day function of the Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, Shri Ranbir Campus, Kot Bhalwal, here today.
The Governor observed that many valuable ancient documents in Sanskrit are lying at various places which need to be collected and scientifically preserved. He added that there is also need for organizing quality translation of Sanskrit literature into other languages for reviving Sanskrit literature. Besides, adequate opportunities need to be provided to those who choose to learn this language.
The Governor while dwelling on the educational scenario in the country during the pre-Independence period and in the early years after 1947 said that, by all accounts, Sanskrit is one of the oldest among the ancient languages.
The Governor said that of the 10 Centres of the Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan across the country the Kot Bhalwal Centre has been doing laudable work in teaching, research and promotion of Sanskrit language. He congratulated the Principal of the Sansthan, Prof. Vishwa Murti Shastri, on the occasion and hoped that this Centre would achieve greater heights in the coming years, considering the zeal and hard work being put in by the faculty and the students.
The Governor inaugurated Vani Vilas Auditorium at the Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan and released its magazine “Shri Vaishnavi”, and another publication “Shivayanam” brought out on the occasion. He gave away prizes to the students who had excelled in various academic and extra-curricular activities. The Governor wished them a bright future ahead.
Earlier, on arrival at the Sansthan, the Governor was given a traditional welcome amidst chanting of mantras and was received by the Vice Chancellor, Principal, Faculty and students. He was presented a memento by the Vice Chancellor of the Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, Prof. Radha Vallabh Tripathy.
The function started with lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the Governor and garlanding the portrait of Goddess Saraswati, which preceded Vedic Mangalacharanam and Saraswati Vandana.
The Vice Chancellor of the Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, Prof. Radha Vallabh Tripathy, speaking on the occasion, gave details of the functioning of the Sansthan and the initiatives being taken for the promotion of Sanskrit language.
Prof. Abhiraja Rajendra Mishra, the Guest of Honuor at the function, said that Sanskrit is one of the most ancient languages of the world. He said that Jammu and Kashmir has remained a seat of learning and knowledge since centuries past and hoped that this Sansthan will go a long way in promoting Sanskrit language.
The Principal of the Sansthan, Prof. Vishwa Murti Shastri, in his Annual Report, highlighted the achievements of this institution in varied fields.
Prof. M. Chandrashekhar presented a Vote of Thanks.
The function was attended by a large gathering which included the management, staff, students and prominent citizens.