The 62nd “Akhil Bharatiya Shastroutsav” competition commenced on March 18 and runs until March 21, organized collaboratively by the Central Sanskrit University in New Delhi and Patanjali University in Haridwar. The event was inaugurated on Tuesday.

During the opening session, Acharya Balkrishna, Vice-Chancellor of Patanjali University, emphasized that Sanskrit is not just an ancient language; it embodies a profound intersection of spirituality, science, and culture. He claimed that Sanskrit is the original language of India, deeply rooted in truth and authenticity, arguing that events like this one are vital for transmitting this priceless heritage to future generations.

He highlighted Sanskrit as the cornerstone of knowledge and the arts, asserting that, despite historical setbacks and invasions, India’s culture, including the Sanskrit language and scriptures, continues to thrive and resonate today. Acharya Balkrishna criticized the Western view that reduces Sanskrit to mere rituals, which creates a false sense of inferiority. In reality, he stated, Sanskrit has the power to empower individuals across various fields.

He remarked that without Sanskrit, our scriptures and culture would be endangered. He proclaimed that Indian history is indeed the collective history of the world and noted that India is regaining its global prominence thanks to its classical traditions and knowledge systems.

In his presidential address, Prof. Srinivas Varkhedi, Vice-Chancellor of Central Sanskrit University, conveyed that Sanskrit transcends mere communication, serving as the very essence of Indian culture. He stressed that the All India Shastra Competition is a critical platform for the preservation and promotion of Sanskrit. This competition allows students to demonstrate their proficiency in Vedic literature, philosophy, grammar, logic, astrology, literature, and music, fostering a collaborative environment for mastering the profound aspects of Sanskrit.

Prof. Varkhedi described the 62nd All India Shastra Competition as both a testament to Sanskrit’s glorious history and a significant move towards safeguarding India’s cultural legacy. He praised Patanjali University and its affiliates for their leading role in revitalizing India’s knowledge traditions and urged students to integrate the study of Sanskrit texts into their daily lives beyond mere exam preparation.

Guest speaker Prof. C G Vijaykumar, Vice-Chancellor of Maharshi Panini Sanskrit University, noted that identity, culture, economic values, and knowledge all emerge from India’s rich knowledge tradition. He regarded knowledge as the true strength of a nation and indicated that India is in a transformative period, with increasing discussions around Indian knowledge traditions. He framed the Shastra Competition as a pivotal initiative in achieving the vision of a developed India by 2047.

Dr. N P Singh, Executive Chairman of the Indian Education Board, and Dr. Sandhya Purecha, Chairperson of the Sangeet Natak Academy, contributed valuable insights about India’s knowledge traditions, culture, and Sanskrit.

The event featured a “Vakartha” discussion where scholars from throughout India engaged in in-depth conversations regarding the “Janikratupakritih” Sutra found in various scriptures and philosophical traditions. Topics of discussion included Advaita Vedanta, Panini’s sutras, and their commentaries, as participants analyzed the usage and interpretation of the Prakriti Sutra through classical reasoning, grammatical scrutiny, and philosophical viewpoints. Notable scholars such as Acharya Srinivas Varkhedi, Acharya Devdutt Patil, Acharya Gyanendra, Acharya Brajbhooshan Ojha, Dr. Bilwakupeshwar, and Acharya Tulsi Kumar actively participated in the discussion.

The ceremony was attended by a number of distinguished guests, including Prof. Sadhvi Devpriya, Dean of Humanities and Ancient Studies at Patanjali University; Prof. Mayank Kumar Agarwal, Pro-Vice Chancellor; and Prof. Satyendra Mittal, Director of Distance Education, among others, as well as faculty members, students, researchers, and scholars from Patanjali University and Central Sanskrit University. The program was hosted by Prof. Pawan Vyas.