We are not 'vishwaguru' anymore: M M Joshi bats for Sanskrit

NEW DELHI: Batting for greater promotion of Sanskrit and its use even in quantum computing, BJP veteran Murli Manohar Joshi on Monday said India is not a 'vishwaguru' (global teacher) anymore and this term should not be used.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event here, Joshi also made a strong pitch for making Sanskrit India's official language, saying many people, including B R Ambedkar, made efforts for it in the past, but the proposals were not cleared.

He was speaking to reporters at the inauguration of the central office of the Sanskrit Bharati, an affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Asked about his view on India's role in the promotion of Sanskrit at a time when India has become a 'vishwaguru' and is also emerging as an AI hub, the former Union minister said, "The notion that we are a 'vishwaguru'... I personally believe nowadays that we should refrain from using this term. We are not 'vishwaguru' at present. We should aspire to be 'vishwaguru'."

"Indeed, we were 'vishwaguru' at one time. However, the reality today is that we are not," he said.

From this point of view, Sanskrit is very significant today, Joshi said, batting for greater promotion of the ancient language and its use in modern scientific pursuits, including quantum computing.

"Sanskrit is not merely India's heritage, but the heritage of the world. It is the oldest language. It is also the language of knowledge and science. It is the language of spirituality. It is also the language of technology. Sanskrit is the very 'prana' (life force) of Bharat," he said.

"Even experts at NASA repeatedly affirm that Sanskrit is, in reality, the most significant language for computing. In what is currently termed quantum computing, Sanskrit will hold paramount importance," he said, adding, "I believe that it would be an unprecedented contribution from India if we make Sanskrit the language for computing as soon as possible."

Batting for making Sanskrit the official language of India, Joshi said it will be a true achievement for the country when the majority of the work is done in this ancient language.

"When the Constitution was being drafted, Dr Ambedkar, too, made an effort to make Sanskrit India's official language. Several individuals put forward proposals to this effect. However, the proposals were not passed," he said.

"Nevertheless, my point is that even back then, it was the desire of many people that Sanskrit should be the official language of India," he added.

Joshi also called on people, especially the youth, to learn Sanskrit and gain knowledge from literature available in this language, asserting that it will benefit the country and the world.