Howrah
The state of West Bengal could soon witness its first ever Sanskrit University. But nothing much has been planned in a concrete manner apart from the name of the University.
According to the state's Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, the University would be named 'Paschim Banga Sanskrito Viswa Vidyalaya'.
The state Government has constituted a commission headed by Nrisingha Prasad Bhaduri which would work on all the key details including the attached cost and the possible location. The commission has been given a time frame of 2 months to come up with its report.
Not hiding her enthusiasm regarding the project, Mamata Banerjee posted the following on her Facebook page, "I am happy to share with you that we will be setting up a new Sanskrit University for the first time in the state. This will give a huge fillip to studies and research on one of the most ancient languages known to mankind."
According to some sources, the already existing Sanskrit colleges in the state would be brought under the control of the proposed University. Once it comes into being, it would be the third Sanskrit University in eastern part of the country. The other two Universities being 'Kumar Bhaskar Varman Sanskrit and Ancient Studies University in Nalbari, Assam "“ established in 2011' and 'Jagannath Sanskrit Vishvavidayalaya in Puri "“ established in 1981).
The CM made this important announcement a day prior to her visit to Bangladesh for the 'Bhasha divas' celebrations. The official visit is aimed at sweetening the relations between Bangladesh and its neighbouring Indian state.
The Chief Minister was quoted saying "We are very happy that we are going to Bangladesh to attend the Bhasha Divas celebrations. We will pay our homage to the martyrs. I have gone to Bangladesh previously. We are overwhelmed at their hospitality. We will meet the Prime Minister and President. There will be business meets, too. Our language, food and culture are the same and we hope that this trip will make our bond stronger,"
The members in the CM's delegation include filmmaker Gautam Ghosh, Moon Moon Sen, Dev and Prasenjit "“ actors, Bratya Basu and Firhad Hakim "“ ministers and singer Indranil Sen.
When quizzed about the exclusion of MP Kanib Suman from her delegation, she said "But he may have some health reasons for not going,".