Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu (SKUAST-Jammu) honoured Sanskrit scholar, Social reformer and president of Shri Kailakh Jyotish Avim Vedic Sansthan Trust, Mahant Rohit Shastri for his achievements in the field of Sanskrit language.
Prof. J.P. Sharma, Vice Chancellor, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu (SKUAST-Jammu) presided over the function. Former minister and state BJP vice President Sham Lal Sharma was chief guest on the occasion while former DGP Dr. S.P. Vaid and Director, Central Sanskrit University, Jammu Campus, Prof. Madan Mohan Jha were Special Guest and Guest of Honour, respectively.
Prof. J.P. Sharma said that if we talk about the contribution of youth in the efforts being made for Devvani Sanskrit in Jammu and Kashmir, then one name comes in front of us in the most powerful form. And that name is young Sanskritist of Jammu, dedicated to the promotion of Devvani Sanskrit, Jyotishacharya Mahant Rohit Shastri. The discussion of Sanskrit or culture is incomplete without mentioning Rohit Shastri, who was devoted to Sanskrit language and Indian culture in the twenty-first century. J&k, is the only state in the whole world where Devvani Sanskrit has been used for the longest time in the past, not only as a language of reading but also as a contact language.
Sham Lal Sharma said that the land of Jammu and Kashmir has been the centre of Shaivism. Acharya Abhinavagupta, Mahakavi Kalhana, Mahakavi Bilhan etc. - all the Acharyas from the state, have paved the way for uniting not only India, but the whole world with the positivity of their deeds. But from the second half of the twentieth century, the conditions for Sanskrit in this Jammu and Kashmir became worse. However, in such difficult conditions and unfavorable environment for the Sanskrit and for the preservation of culture, Mahant Rohit Shastri remains ready.
Prof.Madan Mohan Jha mentioned that Mahant Rohit Shastri was an inspiration for the youth and through his work he promotes our culture. He also appealed people to remain united and work for the preservation of their culture and ethics.
On occasion Mahant Rohit Shastri said that without Sanskrit language India is incomplete and the roots of India are in the Sanskrit language. ”Therefore we must learn to read and write in Sanskrit”, he added. Shastri strongly asserted that the Sanskrit language unifies India and we all should promote it. Shastri appealed to people to make Sanskrit language as a daily mean of communication and to opt for Sanskrit language in their studies so that the coming generation will know the good things present in our ancient books like the Vedas and the Upanishads etc