JAMMU, Aug 1: Shri Kailakh Jyotish avim Vedic Sansthan Trust, Raipur (Thathar), Jammu, on Saturday inaugurated “Sanskrit Month” with a grand ceremony at Panchmukhi Hanuman Ji Temple, Yatri Bhawan, Jeeval, marking the beginning of a month-long campaign dedicated to the promotion of Sanskrit and environmental conservation. The programme, organised in collaboration with the Social Forestry Department, Jammu, also featured the distribution of 5,000 saplings, reinforcing the message of ecological preservation alongside India’s rich cultural heritage.
Chief Electoral Officer, Jammu & Kashmir, Sanjeev Verma (IAS), was the chief guest, while SP City Vivek Shekhar Sharma attended as the guest of honour. Padma Shri S. P. Verma graced the occasion as the distinguished guest. The programme was presided over by State Awardee Mahant Rohit Shastri, President of Shri Kailakh Jyotish avim Vedic Sansthan Trust.
Addressing the gathering, Mahant Rohit Shastri described Sanskrit as the soul of India’s cultural, philosophical, scientific and spiritual traditions. He said the preservation and promotion of Sanskrit was the collective responsibility of every Indian. He announced that Sanskrit Month, being observed from August 1 to August 28, would include a series of literary, cultural, educational and social activities such as Sanskrit processions, recitation sessions, student interaction programmes, anti-drug awareness rallies, cybercrime awareness camps, plantation drives and other initiatives to connect the younger generation with India’s ancient heritage.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Electoral Officer Sanjeev Verma (IAS) said, “Preserving Sanskrit is not only about protecting a language but also about safeguarding our culture, moral values and environmental balance. Beginning Sanskrit Month with a tree plantation initiative is truly commendable. Such programmes promote morality, discipline and social harmony, which are among the greatest needs of our society.” He appreciated the Trust’s consistent efforts in promoting Sanskrit and creating social awareness and assured full support for its future initiatives.
SP City Vivek Shekhar Sharma said that Sanskrit and nature are two fundamental pillars of Indian civilisation and preserving both is essential for safeguarding the country’s cultural heritage. He lauded the Trust for successfully integrating cultural promotion with environmental conservation.
Padma Shri S. P. Verma described Sanskrit as one of the world’s most scientific and systematic languages and expressed confidence that Mahant Rohit Shastri’s mission to take Sanskrit to every household would inspire a new wave of cultural awakening.
The programme witnessed the participation of representatives from various social, religious and administrative organisations, including Pawan Kumar Shastri, Anil Gupta, Ashok Kalsi, Dinesh Joshi, Sandeep Tak, Raj Kumar Langar, Uttam Chand Sharma, Gurudas Sharma, Dr. Sanjay Sharma, Prof. Sharad Sharma, Bhushan Singh Jamwal, Rakesh Bajrangi, Kuldeep Kumar, Pratap Singh, Amit Jamwal and Honey Singh, besides students, teachers, Sanskrit scholars, environmental activists and prominent citizens.
The event concluded with the distribution of saplings and a collective pledge by participants to protect the environment and actively contribute towards preserving Sanskrit and India’s cultural heritage throughout the month-long campaign.