UP minister calls for ideological battle to save Sanskrit

Varanasi, July 29 (UNI) Drawing a parallel between the dwindling popularity of Sanskrit language and extinction of the once powerful dinosaurs, Uttar Pradesh Environment and Culture Minister Nakul Dubey today called for an ideological battle to prevent the ancient language from possible extinction.

''The dwindling popularity of Sanskrit, which serves the basis of Indian culture, is a well thought conspiracy by vested interests hell bent at popularising the English culture in the name of modernisation,'' Mr Dubey said, while addressing the inaugural function of the five-day All India Vyas Mahotsava at the Sampoornand Sanskrit University here.

''If serious efforts are not made to preserve and promote Sanskrit, not only this ancient language, but other languages which have originated from the Sanskrit tree, including Hindi could face the threat of extinction in the longer run. The need of the hour is to launch an ideological battle to save Sanskrit, failing which the language could become extinct just like once powerful dinosaurs,'' Mr Dubey maintained.

The minister, however, said the Mayawati-led BSP Government in UP was committed at preserving the grandeur of Sanskrit and culture at a time, when the western nations were seriously researching on the boundless potential of Sanskrit treasure trove.

Taking a dig at the fast proliferating English lingo oriented culture and lifestyles, Mr Dubey said ''even those entrusted with the task of drawing the blueprint for celebrations to mark the 150 years of country's first war of Independence are working in the lingo of colonial powers, who once ruled the country.'' The minister said ''during a meeting in New Delhi's Vigyan Bhawan recently in connection with the preparations for celebrating the 150 years of first war of Independence, 17 pages of the 20-page booklet circulated among all were in English. Even, the union ministers present at the meeting were discussing in the language gifted to the country by the Britishers.'' ''We are not averse to learning or working in English, but that should not be done at the cost of those languages, which form the basis of our culture,'' he added.

About the persona of great seer Ved Vyas, Mr Dubey said ''it was Vyasji, who first authored the mantra of an egalitarian society through his eternal words 'Bahujan Hitai Bahujan Sukhai.'' ''All of us should realise the hidden potential of Sanskrit language and take a vow for working to preserve the ancient lingo,'' Mr Dubey observed.

UNI