Haridwar: The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) will support Uttarakhand in promoting Sanskrit education globally and generating employment opportunities for Sanskrit scholars, according to a state government statement issued after a Uttarakhand delegation concluded a series of meetings in New Delhi from June 1 to 3. The delegation, led by Sanskrit education secretary Deepak Kumar, secured several key agreements.
Online Courses and International Outreach
ICCR has agreed to promote three-month and six-month online certificate courses developed by Uttarakhand Sanskrit University in Haridwar. These courses include programmes on rituals, astrology, and Indian culture, and are expected to attract international learners. The initiative aims to expand the reach of Sanskrit education beyond India.
World Meditation Day and Employment Opportunities
The delegation also finalized plans with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to organize World Meditation Day in Haridwar on December 20 and 21 this year. MEA has agreed to explore overseas employment opportunities for Sanskrit scholars and assist in translating important Sanskrit texts into foreign languages. Additionally, the delegation submitted a research project on Rajmata Ahilyabai Holkar for central funding.
Digitization and AI Initiatives
The Union Ministry of Education has agreed to digitize the Uttarakhand Sanskrit Education Council in Dehradun. The delegation also held discussions with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on launching AI-based Sanskrit projects under the IndiaAI Mission and providing specialized technical training for Sanskrit teachers and students.
Global Seminar and Centenary Celebration
Kumar told TOI, “The ministry will also sponsor a global seminar in Haridwar to mark the birth centenary of eminent Sanskrit scholar Pandit Dinesh Joshi of Almora, who played a key role in making Sanskrit the second official language of Uttarakhand.” This seminar is expected to bring together scholars from around the world to discuss the future of Sanskrit studies.
These developments mark a significant step forward for Sanskrit education, combining traditional knowledge with modern technology and global outreach.
