Scholars delve into Sanskrit’s role in shaping Indian ethics

Gorakhpur: As part of the the week-long observance of the 55th death anniversary of Mahant Digvijaynath Ji Maharaj and the 10th anniversary of Rashtrasant Brahmalin Mahant Avedyanath Ji Maharaj, a conference focusing on the significance of ‘Sanskrit and Indian Culture' was organised on Wednesday. Renowned scholars, including Prof. Vinay Kumar Pandey, former head of Astrology at Banaras Hindu University, emphasized that the unique value-based life philosophy in Indian culture derived from Sanskrit. "Indian scriptures like the Vedas and Puranas outline ethical conduct for families, society, and even adversaries, setting us apart from ancient cultures like Greece and Rome," Prof. Pandey said. The erosion of these values leads to immoral behaviour, and Indians should take pride in their Sanskritic heritage, he added. He also discussed how Indian culture balances knowledge and spirituality with science, contrasting it with the materialistic focus of Western cultures. Pandey noted that India resisted permanent foreign domination due to its strong cultural roots, despite efforts by colonisers to erase the Sanskrit tradition.Lakshmi Mishra from Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University stressed the inseparable link between Sanskrit and Indian culture, calling Sanskrit the ‘mother of Indian civilization'. Dr. Kamalchandra Yogi from Central Sanskrit University, Jaipur, highlighted the global recognition of India's spiritual culture rooted in Sanskrit. The conference, attended by prominent spiritual leaders like Mahant Sureshdas of Ayodhya and Mahamandaleshwar Santosh Das from Kashi, reiterated Gorakshpeeth's role in preserving Sanskrit and Indian culture.