Rise above the Vedic and Gandhian studies in this age of modern science

Guv's remarks against Sanskrit cause students to rebel THE TIMES OF INDIA 11 Feb, 2007 VARANASI: Governor T V Rajeswar would not have imagined that his well-meaning advice to students of Sampurnanand Sanskrit University (SSU) for career building would invite their uncontrolled ire, forcing him to leave the place unceremoniously under security cover. The governor, who was addressing the convocation at SSU on Friday afternoon, had to leave the place amidst utter chaos and slogan shouting.

Protesting against his remarks against Sanskrit learning, the students not only threw chairs and shoes at the convocation venue, but also turned violent, indulging in brick-batting at the main gate targeting the motorcade. However, the governor, who is also the chancellor of the university, was taken away safely from the place. Not only students, but teachers too felt hurt with his speech and remarks therein. Everything was going on as per schedule at the convocation until the address of the Governor, who was presiding over the function. The entire audience was shocked when he described Sanskrit learning as worthless in this age of science and technology.

He said that Sanskrit learning would lead students to the bail-gadi yug (age of bullock-carts). "Sanskrit is no longer the language of God,"he said adding that the knowledge of English and science was essential in this age for a bright career. He went on to say he would take a lead for amendment in state universities regulation for compulsory education of English. He exhorted Sanskrit students to come out of the age-old confines of the language and look forward to learning modern things for development. He said that even Greek and Latin languages were out of the syllabus of western universities while Sanskrit was being taught in most Indian schools even today, he said.

He added that languages like Sanskrit and Persian had been promoted by the British to divide and rule the country. Not in SSU alone, the governor had earlier also called upon students at the convocation at Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth (MGKV) to rise above the Vedic and Gandhian studies in this age of modern science to ensure their place and position in modern-day metros. "Aj zamana badal raha hai. Sirf Vedic aur Gandhian studies se aap log aage nahin badh sakate hain,"he said. He said that students should move ahead with the time, leaving out-dated traditions behind. This speech of the governor annoyed students, who were there to receive their degrees. Seeing their restlessness the function was cut short and the National Anthem hurriedly sung. However, the students created a scene at the venue, hurling chairs and shoes. They also raised slogans against the governor.