Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 10 Aug: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in a programme organised at Government Inter College, Bhogpur, today, at which he inaugurated 13 Model Sanskrit Villages—one in each district of Uttarakhand.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister announced that the State Government will, in the future, construct Sanskrit Bhawans in all these villages and also establish Government Primary Sanskrit Schools.
The Chief Minister formally launched the following villages as Model Sanskrit Villages: Bhogpur in Dehradun; Mukhem in Tehri Garhwal; Kotgaon in Uttarkashi; Bainji in Rudraprayag; Dimmer in Chamoli; Goda in Pauri Garhwal; Urg in Pithoragarh; Jaity Pandekota in Almora; Sheri in Bageshwar; Kharkkarki in Champawat; Noorpur Panjanhedi in Haridwar; Pande Gaon in Nainital; and Nagla Tarai in Udham Singh Nagar.
He also interacted virtually with residents of various Sanskrit Villages.
Expressing grief over the recent disasters in Uttarkashi and Pauri, the Chief Minister assured that the government would carry out rehabilitation work in the affected areas with full sensitivity and speed. He said the State Government’s aim is to establish a Model Sanskrit Village in every district of Uttarakhand, bringing Devvani Sanskrit closer to the people. Uttarakhand, he noted, has been a centre for the study and research of Sanskrit for centuries, and the government is committed to keeping the sacred flame of Sanskrit alive in the state.
The Chief Minister said Uttarakhand is the first state in India to take such an initiative for the preservation and promotion of Sanskrit. He emphasised that Sanskrit is the foundation of India’s culture, traditions, knowledge, and sciences, and that ancient human civilisations developed on its basis. The Vedas, scriptures, Puranas, and Upanishads of Sanatan Sanskriti were all composed in Sanskrit, a language that is eternal and timeless.
He added that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, efforts are being made nationwide to preserve and promote India’s cultural heritage. The New Education Policy has given special attention to establishing Sanskrit as a modern and practical language. Sanskrit universities are being equipped with modern facilities, Sanskrit literature is being brought onto online platforms, and Sanskrit e-learning platforms and apps are being developed. The Central Government has also begun translating Lok Sabha proceedings into Sanskrit.
The Chief Minister said that in Model Sanskrit Villages, people will use Sanskrit in their daily lives so that Devvani once again becomes a natural part of conversation, behaviour, and communication. The State Government is also providing special scholarships to promote Sanskrit education in schools, honouring outstanding students under the Sanskrit Student Talent Award Scheme, and, through the Uttarakhand Sanskrit Academy in Haridwar, organising events such as the All India Research Conference, All India Astrology Conference, and All India Vedic Conference.
Highlighting other historic decisions, he said Uttarakhand is the first state in the country to implement the Uniform Civil Code. After the introduction of the anti-cheating law, over 23,000 youth have secured government jobs. The government is also preserving Uttarakhand’s cultural values and demography, and under Operation Kalnemi, strict action is being taken against impostors maligning Sanatan Dharma.
Cabinet Minister Dr Dhan Singh Rawat said that Sanskrit is our historical heritage, and Uttarakhand is the first state in India to declare Sanskrit as its second official language. From next year, NCC and NSS will be introduced in Sanskrit schools, and teacher shortages will be addressed. He also expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for previously allocating Rs 75 crore for infrastructure development at the Sanskrit University. He added that work will continue to promote Sanskrit in all 13 Model Sanskrit Villages.
Present on the occasion were MLA Brijbhushan Gairola, Rishikesh Mayor Shambhu Paswan, Secretary Deepak Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Uttarakhand Sanskrit University, Prof Dinesh Chandra Shastri, Madhukeshwar Bhatt, and other dignitaries.
