“Preserving Sanskrit and Culture is Vital” – Swami Sachchidanand Saraswati

Nashik,Sanskrit is not merely limited to rituals; it plays a vital role at every stage of life and must reach every household. This was emphasized by Swami Sachchidanand Saraswati, Mahamandaleshwar of Kailash Math, Nashik and President of Bhakti Dham Trust. He was addressing the Sant Sammelan as the chief guest during the Utkarsh Mahotsav 2025.

Swami Sachchidanand stated, “It is essential to preserve both culture and Sanskrit. The language should be promoted extensively. Sanskrit is used from rituals to everyday living. Lord Shiva is the ideal example—a powerful head of the family. When the family leader is strong, the Sanskrit family too becomes strong.”

Highlighting the impact of the Gayatri Mantra, he said that it empowered legendary singer Asha Bhosale to perform in multiple languages. He appealed to the Central Sanskrit University to launch a “Minimum Sanskrit Campaign” to make the language accessible in every home.

In the inaugural session, Prof. Samir Somaiya, Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai, stated, “Our education system should be based on profession, thought, and character, but sadly, it is now limited to just professions.”

The session was chaired by Prof. G.S.R. Krishnamurthy. Notable dignitaries on stage included Prof. Shrinivas Varakhedi, Prof. Muralimanohar Pathak, Prof. Madhukeshwar Bhatt, Prof. Nilabh Tiwari, Prof. Madan Mohan Jha, and Prof. R.G. Muralikrishna.

Padma Shri Abhiraj Rajendra Mishra, a guest of honor, remarked, “Indian culture is the most ancient and rooted in the Vedas. To make India a world leader, Sanskrit must be declared the national language.”

Prof. Shrinivas Varakhedi, Vice-Chancellor of Central Sanskrit University, announced the establishment of an Ayurveda Gurukulam at the Nashik campus, where Ayurveda will be taught in Sanskrit.

The occasion also witnessed the presentation of Praachya Vidya, Sevavrati, and Utkarsh Awards to individuals such as Prof. Bhagyalata Pataskar, Dr. Jayaprakash Tripathi, Prof. K. Ramasubramanian, Nagaraj Paturi, Dr. Vighneshwariprasad Mishra, Dr. R.V.S.S. Avadhanulu, Dr. S.T.G. Shreemanarayan, Umesh Nagarkatte, Rameshwar Bhattacharya, Vedanta Vidyapeeth (Pune), and Sanskrit Bhasha Pracharini Sabha (Nagpur).

Several important texts were also launched:

Shrotayajna Prabha by Dr. Dayanath

Darshanarnava by Sukanta Kumar Senapati

Atharvavede Bheshajya Vigyanam by Ram Pada Sama

Shlesha Siddhanta

Bharat Bharatambe by Guru Paad K. Hegde

Vedic Mathematics by Prof. G.S.R. Krishnamurthy

Kashmiri Itihasa by Prof. Shivshankar Mishra

In the second session, a Sant Sammelan was presided over by Swami Shankaranand Saraswati, President of Trimbakeshwar Akhara Parishad. Distinguished guests included Mahant Bhaktacharan Das, Guru Hariram Tripathi, Prof. Prahlad Joshi, and other revered saints.

The third session hosted a Youth Leadership Dialogue, where students from various campuses presented proposals for the university’s future initiatives.

The Utkarsh Mahotsav reaffirmed that Sanskrit is not just a language but a complete way of life and a priceless cultural legacy. Its preservation and promotion remain a collective responsibility.