Prof. Ramesh Chander Bhardwaj

Sanskrit language is the patron and nurturer of Indian culture as the essence of India (Soul of Bharata). Without Sanskrit, it is impossible to imagine a complete and unbroken Bharata. That is why it is said that “Bharatasya pratishthe dve Sanskritam Sanskritistatha” meaning that the reputation of India is from Sanskrit language and its culture. The foundation pillar of this India, which is worshiped and welcomed by all, is Sanskrit. Therefore, it is essential to learn the Sanskrit language and Sanskrit scriptures to know the Indian Knowledge System.

Indian Vedic civilization and Indian culture developed on the banks of river Saraswati, therefore, from the point of view of history, Haryana region and Kapishthala city (presently called- Kaithal) have a special place. This land is the Tapo Bhoomi of prehistoric sage Kapila and Vedavyasa. Generally, three periods of Indian culture are accepted. First Indian Vedic period, second Ramayana period and third Mahabharata period. This place has a special relation with all these three periods. Description of Kapishthala is found in the Vedic civilization and a branch named Katha-Kapishthal is also found in Krishna Yajurveda. If we talk about the Ramayana period, then the direct relation of this Kapishthala with the birth of Lava and Kusha is seen. A religious place named Lava-Kush Tirtha still exists here. Kapisthala is also known as the birth place of Lord Hanumana. The relation of this Kapishthala with Mahabharata period is well known. The world's biggest Mahabharata war was fought at Kurukshetra which is located very close to Kaithal. This area of ​​forty-eight Kosa is famous everywhere by the name of Kurukshetra. At this place Lord Hanuman ji was mounted on the flag of the archer Arjuna's chariot. Therefore, this Kapishthala has a special place in Indian culture. Keeping all these things in mind, the Haryana government established Maharishi Valmiki Sanskrit University at this place in the year 2018. This university has become famous all over India in a very short span of time and has become a centre of attraction for the knowledge seekers. This university, continuously engaged in the promotion and dissemination of Sanskrit, is moving towards its goal at a very fast pace. In this university, Indian ancient heritage is being preserved and protected not only by teaching ancient scriptures like Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Philosophy, Puranas, Dharmashastra etc. but also by teaching modern subjects like Yoga, Ayurveda, Computer, Life Management skill, etc. In the same way, the University is committed to propagate and promote Indian cultural values as a specialized training institute of Indian knowledge tradition. I wish this university will not only benefit Haryana state, but would enlighten the whole of India by cultural guidance, research, innovation and spreading the light of Indian traditional knowledge.