Jagadguru graces Vidya Peetham at Sringeri
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji graced the Rajiv Gandhi Kendriya Samskrita Vidya Peetham, Sringeri on the occasion of the 18th annual day function of Rajiv Gandhi Kendriya Samskrita Vidya Peetham, Rashtriya Samskrit Sansthan at Sringeri on Jan 20th 2011. The Jagadguru was received with Poorna Kumbha honours by the Principal of the Vidya Peetham, Prof. Sacchidananda Udupa and faculty members.
Since time immemorial, Sanskrit has been in vogue in our country. There was once a time when even an ordinary charioteer was knowledgeable enough to instruct a grammarian! Such an instance has been quoted by Bhagavan Patanjali in His Mahabhashya on the Vyakarana Sutras of Maharshi Panini. Hence one has to understand the extent to which Sanskrit was ingrained in the culture. If we analyze the present plight of the language which was once on such a high pedestal then, it is extremely disappointing. A poet has opined – There was once a time when we scoffed at even the celestial Kalpa Vriksha (wish-fulfilling tree) but today we yearn for even a common fig for our survival. The state of Sanskrit today fits into the above analogy. The language which had seen such development and widespread usage is now struggling to stay alive.
What is our duty here? Our ancestors have contributed immensely to the growth of the language. If we, who have descended from them, forget our principal duty to sustain the language, it would be total ingratitude. Is not the tradition and culture of Bharata Varsha reflected in Sanskrit literature, right from the holy Vedas to present day poetic works? There may exist translations but one can grasp the essence of the culture only by studying these works in Sanskrit. Even great philosophers such as Sri Adi Shankara Bhagavatpada have used Sanskrit to spread Sanatana Dharma and expound philosophical thoughts. This being so, it would be utterly foolish for anyone to say that this language has no use for us.
The Jagadguru pointed out that the purpose of education can be fulfilled only if there is a total sense of sincerity driven by the thirst for knowledge. Securing a good certificate or passing with honours is different from securing proficiency in the branch of study.