Assam Governor attends Jogiraj Basu Memorial Lecture at Gauhati University
Guwahati,Rongili Barta: Assam Governor Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya attended the Jogiraj Basu Memorial Lecture, organised by the Department of Sanskrit, Gauhati University, in collaboration with the Acharya Umakant Dev Sharma Foundation Trust held at Phanidhar Dutta Seminar Hall, Gauhati University.
The Governor paid homage to the revered memory of Prof. Jogiraj Basu and Prof. Umakant Dev Sharma, recalling their immense contribution to the promotion of Sanskrit and spirituality in Assam.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Shri Acharya said that both scholars exemplified a harmonious synthesis of study, teaching, and research, and would continue to inspire generations of learners and researchers.
The Governor on the occasion congratulated Prof. Ramesh Kumar Pandey, former Vice-Chancellor of Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University and National President of Sanskrit Bharati, who was honoured with the prestigious “Sanskrit Ratna” Award. He said the honour symbolised Prof. Pandey’s outstanding contribution to the enrichment and popularisation of Sanskrit and described his efforts to make Sanskrit a language of the masses through Sanskrit Bharati as a true nation-building movement.
Emphasising that the vision of a developed India extends way beyond material progress, the Governor observed that true development must encompass cultural consciousness, moral values, and spiritual balance. In this context, he said Sanskrit forms the foundation of India’s civilisational strength, having gifted the world with the timeless ideals such as Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah.
The Governor expressed pride in the renewed global recognition of India’s knowledge traditions, including Sanskrit, yoga, and Ayurveda, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He also appreciated the active role being played by the Department of Sanskrit, Gauhati University, in preserving and promoting India’s rich intellectual heritage.
Quoting the Sanskrit maxim, “Bhāratasyā pratiṣṭhe dve – saṃskṛtam saṃskṛtistathā,” the Governor remarked that Sanskrit language and Indian culture together form the twin pillars of India’s prestige. He highlighted the scientific structure of Sanskrit grammar, particularly Panini’s Ashtadhyayi, and described Sanskrit as a vast ocean of knowledge encompassing diverse disciplines through the Vedangas.
Highlighting Assam’s own rich Sanskrit legacy from ancient Kamarupa to the present day, the Governor said the state continues to make meaningful contributions to Sanskrit education and research.
Drawing attention of the students, the Governor recalled Kalidasa’s wisdom that tradition must be engaged with discernment embracing what is valuable and scientific while discarding superstition. He noted that this approach resonates with the spirit of the National Education Policy 2020, which seeks to nurture learners rooted in Indian traditions while preparing them for global challenges. He also expressed confidence that Sanskrit and Indian culture would continue to guide the nation towards a bright and balanced future.
It may be mentioned that the Jogiraj Basu Memorial Lecture is organised annually in honour of Professor Jogiraj Basu, former Head of the Department of Sanskrit, Gauhati University, and a distinguished scholar.
The programme was attended by Vice-Chancellor of Gauhati University, Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta, faculty members, office-bearers of the Acharya Umakant Dev Sharma Foundation Trust, and several other eminent scholars and dignitaries.