Highlighting the importance of Sanskrit language in Indian culture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said India is an idea, Sanskrit is its chief expression, India is a journey, Sanskrit is the main chapter of its history, India is a land of unity in diversity and Sanskrit is its fertiliser.
While addressing the prize distribution ceremony of Saansad Sanskrit Pratiyogita at the Swatantrata Bhawan Sabhagar of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), the PM said, “There was a time in our country when Sanskrit served as the language of scientific research, classical understanding, mathematics and medical science. Various forms of music and literature originated from Sanskrit, contributing to India’s recognition. The Vedas, which are recited in Kashi are also heard in Kanchi (Tamil Nadu). These Vedas represent the eternal voice of India, playing a crucial role in keeping the nation united for thousands of years.”
It may be noted that the PM reached his parliamentary constituency Varanasi late on Thursday night for a two-day visit.
The PM expressed delight in being present among the young scholars and said that the feeling is similar to taking a dip in the Ganga of knowledge. Highlighting Kashi’s ancient heritage, he lauded the efforts of the young generations who are strengthening the identity of the ancient city.
He said that it is a matter of pride and contentment that the youth of India will take the country to new heights in the Amrit Kaal.
Modi congratulated the winners and participants of the Kashi Saansad Sanskrit Pratiyogita, Saansad Knowledge Pratiyogita and Saansad Photography Pratiyogita. He praised the hard work and talent, encouraging those still progressing towards success.
He thanked Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir Nyas, Kashi Vidvat Parishad and scholars for taking his vision as the MP of Kashi forward. He said that unprecedented development has taken place in Kashi in the last 10 years.
The PM said, “Today, two booklets documenting this unprecedented development and cultural advancements in the region have been released. Additionally, small booklets detailing the various Sansad Pratiyogita organised in Kashi have also been released.”
While acknowledging the progress of Kashi in the last 10 years, he said, “All of us here are just instruments of the will of Lord Mahadev.”
Modi said with the blessing of Mahadev the damroo of development has been resonating in Kashi for the last 10 years. Talking about the projects worth crores of rupees, he said that before Shivratri and Rangbhari Ekadashi, Kashi is celebrating the festival of development.
He said that Kashi is not just a center of faith but it is a vibrant center of India’s eternal consciousness. “There was a time when India’s prosperity was renowned globally, attributing it to economic, cultural, and social strength.Teerths like Kashi and Vishwanath Dham were the Yagyashala of the nation’s development,” he said.
Illustrating his point through the example of Kashi, the PM said that along with being the land of Shiva, Kashi is also a place of teachings of Buddha; birthplace of Jain Tirthankars as well as a place of enlightenment for Aadi Shankaracharya. “People worldwide visit Kashi for knowledge and peace, representing diverse provinces, dialects, languages and customs,” he said.
He recalled his statement made during the inauguration of Vishwanath Dham, emphasising its pivotal role in shaping India’s future. “This is visible today. Scholarly seminars, featuring intellectuals from across the country, are being conducted at Vishwanath Dham,” he said.
Modi said that new research is also being done by the scholars of Kashi and by the Vidvat Parishad on ancient knowledge from the point of view of modern science. He also mentioned the temple trust making arrangements for free food at many places in the city.
He said, “New Kashi has emerged as an inspiration for the new India.”
The PM said, “Today, Kashi is being seen as a model of heritage and development. Today the world is seeing how modernity expands around traditions and spirituality.”
He highlighted how Ayodhya is flourishing in the same way as Kashi after the consecration of Ram Lalla in the newly built temple. He mentioned the International Airport in Kushinagar and highlighted the government’s efforts to develop modern infrastructure and facilities at places associated with Lord Buddha in the country.
In the next 5 years, Modi emphasised that the country will give a new pace to development and create new patterns of success. “This is Modi’s guarantee, and Modi’s guarantee means guarantee of fulfilment of the guarantee,” he said.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, BJP State President Chaudhary Bhupendra Singh, Kashi Vishwanath Nyaas Parishad Chairman Prof. Nagendra Pandey, President of Kashi Vidvat Parishad Prof. Vashishth Tripathi, State Government Minister Dayashankar Mishra ‘Dayalu’, Ravindra Jaiswal, MLA Dr Neelkanth Tiwari, Saurabh Srivastava were present on the occasion.
