India's Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent address at the 1008 Sanskrit Sambhashan Shivirs has stirred a heated debate over the language's role in the country's cultural and educational agenda. Shah claimed that Sanskrit holds a special place in the country's history and its promotion would have a positive impact on other Indian languages. He further highlighted the government's efforts towards supporting Sanskrit's growth, including the establishment of a Central Sanskrit University and a mission for preserving and digitising ancient Sanskrit manuscripts. However, his comments have also sparked discussions about the political motivation behind the push for Sanskrit's revival.
During the closing ceremony of 1,008 Sanskrit Sambhashan Shivirs, Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for creating a favorable environment for the resurgence of Sanskrit in India. He also highlighted the government's efforts to support Sanskrit studies, including financial aid for the publishing and preservation of rare texts, and a nationwide campaign aimed at collecting scattered manuscripts. This initiative, known as the Gyan Bharatam Mission, has a budget of Rs 500 crore and is set to continue in future budgets.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to greet the nation on the fourth day of Chaitra Navratri, a Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Mother Goddess. In addition to his warm wishes, PM Modi shared a devotional song titled 'Amba Stavam by 9 Ambas', sung by nine girls, and dedicated to the various forms of Goddess Durga worshipped during Navratri. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister also joined in the celebrations, posting Sanskrit shlokas and prayers on his own social media handle.
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Janasena Party chief Pawan Kalyan has voiced his support for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the ongoing language war between Tamil Nadu and the Centre. He criticized Tamil Nadu politicians for opposing Hindi while allowing their movies to be dubbed in the language for financial gain. Kalyan also called for the need to embrace linguistic diversity and slammed the DMK government for its stance on Sanskrit and the three-language formula proposed in the new National Education Policy.
A popular video circulating on social media shows individuals in Mumbai struggling to answer the question of what is the official language of Bengaluru. Many mistakenly guessed Hindi or English, while some even suggested Tamil or Sanskrit. The video has sparked a debate among Kannadigas, as many are voicing their frustration over the misrepresentation of Kannada as the official language of the city. This controversy highlights the larger issue of language identity and representation in the business hub of India.
Actor Annu Kapoor recently visited the residence of Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav in Bhopal, where he was greeted with a bouquet and warm conversation. The two discussed their mutual interests in culture, art, and spirituality, with Kapoor reciting the revered Shiv Tandav Stotra. The meeting also highlighted the significance of Indian culture, and the duo talked about the highly anticipated Antakshari show, which features Annu Kapoor. CM Mohan Yadav also welcomed Kapoor and praised the importance of Hindi and Sanskrit languages in India. Annu Kapoor, known for his diverse career spanning over 45 years, has once again left a lasting impression with his heartfelt gesture.
DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran accused the Lok Sabha of wasting taxpayers' money by providing simultaneous interpretation in Sanskrit during House proceedings, citing it as a manifestation of RSS ideology. Speaker Om Birla defended the decision, stating that simultaneous interpretation is available in several recognized languages. However, Maran countered that Sanskrit is not a communicable language, citing its low number of speakers in India.
A new study published in Nature by Russian and Ukrainian scientists challenges the long-standing narrative about the origins of Indo-European languages like Sanskrit, Hindi, and Urdu. By analyzing DNA from ancient individuals across Eurasia, the researchers propose a migration route from the Eurasian Steppe that played a significant role in spreading language and culture. This study sheds light on the complex history of Indo-European language evolution and challenges traditional beliefs about the influence of Aryans.
Indian hip hop's "Godmother" Raja Kumari returned to MTV Hustle 4 after five years as a special guest, setting the stage ablaze with her energetic performance. She also expressed her happiness to be back on the show, shedding light on the difference between being a judge and a guest. Meanwhile, the contestants brought their A-game to secure a direct ticket to the finale, with one memorable performance standing out from Little Bhatia of Dino Warriors. With powerful rock and rap lyrics in Sanskrit, he wowed the judges and received a standing ovation.
As India commemorates the 75th anniversary of its Constitution, President Droupadi Murmu will address a joint sitting of Parliament and release translated versions of the Constitution in Sanskrit and Maithili. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries will also attend the celebrations, together with the unveiling of a commemorative coin and stamp. The event coincides with the launch of a new website dedicated to engaging citizens with the legacy of the Constitution through interactive activities, and mass readings of the Preamble will be held nationwide. This is a significant day for India, as it honours the historic document that laid the foundation for its democracy.