Need to increase digital technologies usage in preserving precious manuscripts: VP

Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), Apr 27 (FN Bureau) Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday expressed the need for increased usage of digital technologies in the preservation of precious ancient manuscripts. Addressing the third convocation of the National Sanskrit University (NSU) here, Dhankhar wanted Sanskrit to be developed according to present-day needs and its learning made easy. Noting that any language survives only when it is used by society and literature is composed in it, VP expressed the need to increase Sanskrit usage in our daily lives. Stating that studying Sanskrit is not merely an academic pursuit, the Vice President described it as a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.

He gave a clarion call to “Carry Sanskrit’s legacy – not just academic knowledge, but a path to transformation” and asked students to become ambassadors for this invaluable heritage, ensuring its treasures reach future generations. Stressing the role of institutions like the National Sanskrit University in the revival and propagation of Indic knowledge systems, the Vice President called for developing innovative curricula and fostering interdisciplinary research, so that the gap between Sanskrit’s rich heritage and modern academic needs can be bridged. He said that Sanskrit is the language of divinity and serves as a sacred bridge in our pursuit of spirituality and the quest to connect with the divine. He described Sanskrit as a cultural anchor for human civilization in a storm emphasizing that “In today’s whirlwind, Sanskrit offers a unique solace: intellectual rigor, spiritual serenity, and a deeper connection to oneself and the world.”

“Let Sanskrit’s sacred language not only connect us to the divine but also illuminate the path towards a more holistic understanding of the world,” he said. Describing Sanskrit as the treasure house of our cultural heritage, the Vice President called for its preservation and promotion as a national priority and duty. Referring to the rich and diverse literary corpus of Sanskrit encompassing not just religious and philosophical texts but also secular works on medicine, drama, music, and science, Dhankhar highlighted that despite this breadth; Sanskrit’s integration into mainstream education remains limited, often hindered by a lingering colonialist mindset that dismisses Indian knowledge systems. Before the convocation ceremony, Dhankhar had Darshan at the holy Tirumala temple.