Popularity of Sanskrit increasing globally: President Paudel

Kathmandu, Aug 23: President Ramchandra Paudel has said the popularity of Sanskrit language has been increasing throughout the world and not only in Nepal.     

The Head of State said this while addressing the prize distribution programme the Jayatu Sanskritam, an organisation for the promotion of Sanskrit, organized at Sheetal Niwas, the President House, today.     

On the occasion, the President stated that the popularity of Sanskrit is rising not only in Nepal and India, but globally as well. He said various universities across the world offering courses on Sanskrit language and literature proved its importance is spreading throughout the world.     

Describing Sanskrit as the 'amrit bhasa' or 'elixir language', he said the language contained immortal messages from which the humanity is fascinated even to this day. "The Sanskrit language and literature is the storehouse of knowledge and science. Propagation of this language and literature is necessary," the President added.     

Citing the research scholars that several scriptures including Shukla Yajurveda were written in Nepal, he said Nepal is the land where many ancient sages as Vedvyas, Valmeeki and Vishwamitra meditated and continued their search for knowledge and wisdom.     

President Paudel said the students studying Sanskrit in Kathmandu launched a powerful movement called Jayatu Sanskritam and compelled the then Rana government to surrender in 2004 BS during the Rana autocracy which did not allow people to express themselves through writing, speaking or by organizing.     

"It was the Jayatu Sanskritam Movement that gave the clarion call for freedom and sowed the seeds of democracy in the country. The Jayatu Sanskritam has a great role in establishing democracy in Nepal," he asserted.     

President Paudel called upon one and all to imbibe and put into practice the Sanskrit concepts like 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' or the spirit of global fraternity, 'Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu' or welfare and wellbeing of the humanity and 'Sarve Bhavantu Sukhina' or the happiness and prosperity of human race.     

He also lauded the Jayatu Sanskritam for carrying out various activities like writing and publication of Sanskrit texts, honoring the Sanskrit scholars remaining within the mainstream of the Jayatu Sanskritam Movement.     

The President opined that the conservation and promotion of all the languages would be possible if people speaking different languages respected, cooperated with and maintained coordination among the different linguistic groups.     

On the occasion, the President handed the Jayatu Sanskritam Award to former vice-chancellor of Nepal Sanskrit University Purna Chandra Dhungel and Professor Neelmani Dhungana.     

He also felicitated Prof Dr Rishiram Pokharel, Prof Dirgharaj Ghimire, Prof Dr Ram Chandra Gautam, Prof Govinda Chaudhary and Prof Chetonath Acahrya.     

Jayatu Sanskritam organisation Chair Dr Badri Pokharel at the programme gave information on the works carried out by the organisation in terms of promotion of the Sanskrit language and literature.(RSS)