Sanskrit key to Vedic knowledge, needs to be preserved: CM Fadnavis

Time of India

2 days ago

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Nagpur: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said that Sanskrit is the key to all forms of ancient Vedic knowledge, and it not only needs to be preserved but also re-cultivated.
He was speaking at the inauguration of the Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar administrative building and the bhoomipujan of new hostel complexes of the Kavikulguru Kalidas Sanskrit University's new campus in Waranga near Wardha Road.
Calling Sanskrit a "complete language," Fadnavis highlighted its role in shaping India's scientific, spiritual, and philosophical heritage. "Sanskrit is the master key to all knowledge.
Ayurveda
, mathematics, astronomy, metallurgy — every innovation of ancient India was rooted in this language.
Sanskrit language
holds over 10,200 crore words in its vocabulary," he said.
Fadnavis recalled visiting Koyasan in Japan, where he saw Buddhist monks performing Indian rituals and reciting prayers in Sanskrit. "Their pronunciation had a Japanese accent, but the language was Sanskrit. It showed the global influence and timeless relevance of our traditions," he said, adding that he personally regrets never having learnt Sanskrit properly, even though his mother holds an MA in the subject.
"While I couldn't do it, it would give me great pleasure to contribute even a little in ensuring that our future generations learn this language," he said.
Referring to the university's journey, Fadnavis recalled that it was late MP Dr Shrikant Jichkar, one of the most highly qualified individuals in the country, who first conceived the idea of a Sanskrit university in Kalidas's name. "It took shape gradually. Ideally, it should have been in Ramtek (as it is the birthplace of the great poet), but to give it international reach, it was necessary to house it in Nagpur," Fadnavis said.
The CM also announced that the university's infrastructure will be developed at par with international standards, similar to the Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU) campus, which shares a common wall with the KKSU. "A master plan will be prepared soon. Funds will be sanctioned, and the university will be developed within a fixed timeframe," he said. He also announced plans to expand KKSU with sub-centres in Pune, Parbhani, Chattrapati Sambhajinagar, and Jalgaon, furthering Sanskrit education across Maharashtra, whereas in Ratnagiri, the centre has already commenced.
Earlier in the day, KKSU vice-chancellor Hareram Tripathi announced that a Rs120 crore proposal has been sent to the state govt under the Rashtriya Uchhatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) scheme for the university's infrastructure development.
The plan includes setting up Ayurvedic gurukuls, clinics, a Sanskrit school from Classes 1 to 12, multiple academic buildings, an indoor sports complex under Khelo India, auditoriums, and a temple.
"The hostel buildings will accommodate 200 students in each building," he said.
The administrative building has been named after RSS founder Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar as a tribute to his contribution to reviving Indian traditions and values. "As RSS completes 100 years, it is only fitting to honour Hedgewarji in this way. He stood for the rejuvenation of India's spiritual and cultural roots," the CM said.
PLAN DETAILS
Abhinav Bharati International Educational Campus to be set up in Waranga (KKSU)
Total campus area: 50 acres
Total classrooms: 10
Construction cost: Rs6 crore
Funding source: RUSA (Rashtriya Uchhatar Shiksha Abhiyan)
Boys' and Girls' Hostel Capacity: 200 boys + 200 girls
Total grant approved: Rs52.04 crore