New Delhi – Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has strongly advocated for a significant increase in the promotion of Sanskrit throughout India. Bhagwat articulated that a wider prevalence of the ancient language would not only serve to enrich all other Indian languages but also act as a vital bridge connecting them. Furthermore, he posited that it would foster a deeper connection between the populace and the ancient thoughts and cultural heritage of Bharat, a concept he elaborated on during a recent event.
Addressing an assembly organized to inaugurate the newly constructed central office of Sanskrit Bharati, an organization affiliated with the RSS, Bhagwat delved into the profound meaning of the term ‘Bharat’. He explained that the essence of ‘Bharat’ transcends mere geographical boundaries or a simple political-economic definition. Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that Bhagwat described Bharat as an enduring tradition, a foundational bedrock upon which life continuously flows, sustaining existence across the entire cosmos, encompassing both animate and inanimate elements. He emphasized that the world consistently requires this tradition, and fulfilling this need is the inherent duty of individuals who identify as Indians.
To effectively uphold and advance this tradition, Bhagwat stated that it is imperative to possess a thorough understanding and comprehension of Bharat, along with its extensive wealth of knowledge. He asserted that for these objectives to be realized, grasping Sanskrit is fundamental to understanding India itself. He acknowledged the multitude of languages present in India, affirming that each language is, in its own right, a national language. However, he identified Sanskrit as the crucial link that binds these diverse national languages together. Bhagwat urged Sanskrit Bharati to intensify its efforts in promoting Sanskrit across the nation, envisioning a future where every Indian citizen can converse in the language.
Bhagwat further characterized Sanskrit not merely as a language but as the very life force, or ‘prana’, of the nation. He underscored that India is home to the most ancient existing traditions of thought, life, and culture. The RSS chief elaborated that an increased presence of Sanskrit would undoubtedly enrich all other Indian languages, as the underlying sentiment and emotional currents are shared. He described Sanskrit as a potent vehicle for expressing emotion. Bhagwat also highlighted a key virtue of Sanskrit: its ability to thrive without displacing or hindering the development of other languages. He noted that Sanskrit has always persisted in India, experiencing periods of both strong and weak influence, and continues to exist today with families and even villages actively speaking it.
He reiterated that Sanskrit has never, and will never, flourish at the expense of other Indian languages or impede their progress. Bhagwat described the Sanskrit language as a unifier and the mother of many languages, functioning as a crucial bridge. He pointed out that Sanskrit serves as the connective tissue for all languages in India, with a significant portion of vocabulary in every Indian language, estimated at 30 to 40 percent, derived from Sanskrit or its ‘tadbhav’ forms. The Sanskrit Bharati, as an affiliate of the RSS, plays a pivotal role in these promotional endeavors, working to revive and popularize the language across the country. The organization’s efforts are aimed at ensuring that Sanskrit’s influence and utility are recognized and integrated into modern Indian life, fostering a sense of national unity and cultural continuity. Bhagwat’s remarks come at a time when there is a renewed focus on indigenous languages and cultural heritage within India, with various organizations and governmental bodies exploring ways to preserve and promote them. The RSS chief’s call for greater Sanskrit promotion is seen as a significant endorsement of these initiatives, potentially leading to increased resources and attention for the language. The vision presented by Bhagwat is one where Sanskrit is not confined to academic circles or religious rituals but becomes a living, breathing part of everyday Indian discourse, thereby strengthening the cultural fabric of the nation and reinforcing its ancient identity. The implications of such a widespread adoption of Sanskrit could be far-reaching, impacting education, literature, and inter-state communication, as envisioned by the proponents of its revival. The organization’s commitment to this cause is expected to translate into tangible programs and initiatives designed to make Sanskrit accessible and appealing to a broader audience, including younger generations. The emphasis on Sanskrit as a unifier and a mother tongue underscores its central role in the linguistic landscape of India, a role that the RSS chief believes needs to be revitalized and strengthened for the nation’s cultural and spiritual well-being.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
