29-10-2026:Address by the Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand at the Inaugural Session of the 52nd All India Oriental Conference
(Date: October 29, 2026)
Respected Prof. Srinivas Varakhedi Ji, who is presiding over this conference; revered Yog Rishi Swami Ramdev Ji; respected Acharya Balkrishna Ji; Vice-Chancellors from various universities; distinguished scholars; Acharyas; research scholars; students; and ladies and gentlemen present here—
My respectful greetings to you all!
“असतो मा सद्गमय।
तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय।
मृत्योर्मामृतं गमय ।”
This profound prayer from the Upanishads inspires us to move from untruth towards Truth, from ignorance towards the light of knowledge, and from a limited perspective towards a broader consciousness. The fundamental objective of the Indian knowledge tradition has likewise been to cultivate discernment within the individual, harmony in society, and a welfare-oriented outlook towards the entire creation.
It is a matter of immense joy and honour for me to be present at the sacred land of Haridwar on the occasion of the inauguration of the 52nd All India Oriental Conference. Organised on the holy banks of the Ganga, this conference provides an important opportunity to preserve and enrich our ancient knowledge heritage and to understand its relevance in contemporary life.
The participation of scholars from India and abroad in this 52nd session reflects the widespread interest in the invaluable heritage of Indian intellectual thought. I am confident that the scholarly dialogue, research deliberations and exchange of ideas taking place here will provide a new direction to the study of the Indian knowledge tradition.
On this occasion, the release of works such as “History and Exegesis of Indian Philosophies,” “Vedamritam,” and “Bharatiya-Darshan-Bodh” is also a valuable contribution towards carrying forward the rich tradition of knowledge and intellectual inquiry. These works will help bring the depth of Indian philosophy, its intellectual diversity and its life-oriented perspective to a wider readership. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the authors, editors and all scholars associated with the publication of these works.
India’s civilisation is not glorious merely because of its antiquity. Its uniqueness also lies in the fact that it connected knowledge with life, conduct and the welfare of society. Our Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Puranas, philosophical texts and diverse classical traditions not only contemplate the profound questions of human existence, but also show society the path of morality, duty and harmony.
The Vedas embody reverence for nature; the Upanishads emphasise self-knowledge; the Bhagavad Gita expounds the philosophy of Karma Yoga; the Ramayana represents the ideal of Maryada; and the Mahabharata offers profound reflections on Dharma and the complexities of duty. A distinctive feature of Indian thought is that knowledge has never been regarded merely as a means of intellectual advancement; it has also been viewed as a means of refining character, conduct and social responsibility.
Our Acharyas made remarkable contributions in numerous fields, including grammar, logic, mathematics, astronomy, Ayurveda, Yoga, architecture and philosophy. The grammatical tradition of Maharishi Panini, the Yoga philosophy of Maharishi Patanjali and the rich tradition of Ayurveda are important examples of India’s intellectual capabilities. Studying these achievements should not merely inspire pride in our past; it should also encourage us to approach knowledge with humility, curiosity and a scientific outlook.
Sanskrit has been one of the principal vehicles of this vast body of knowledge. Through Sanskrit, knowledge, philosophy, literature and ways of understanding life were preserved and transmitted across generations. The promotion of Sanskrit, along with the authentic editing, translation and research of ancient texts, is therefore of immense importance so that the knowledge contained within them can reach the younger generation and be meaningfully studied in contemporary contexts.
The study of Oriental knowledge is not merely a means of understanding the past. It provides us with an opportunity to understand the evolution of our civilisation, the dialogue among different schools of thought and the intellectual history of human society. The need of the hour is to study our ancient knowledge traditions not only with reverence, but also on the basis of reason, evidence, authentic sources and rigorous research methodologies.
Our tradition has a rich culture of questioning, debate and arriving at conclusions through reasoned inquiry. The tradition of Shastrartha is an outstanding example of this intellectual spirit. Despite differences and disagreements among various schools of philosophy, the pursuit of Truth has remained an important characteristic of Indian thought.
In the contemporary era, the study of ancient knowledge should be integrated with disciplines such as history, linguistics, philosophy, archaeology, literature, mathematics, medicine and modern technology. Such an interdisciplinary approach will not only help clarify the meaning and context of ancient texts, but will also enable an objective assessment of their historical contributions and contemporary relevance.
Oriental studies have particular significance in understanding India’s cultural unity. Our diverse languages, philosophies, literary traditions and systems of knowledge have enriched Indian civilisation. Authentic and interdisciplinary study of these traditions will bring their historical contributions and contemporary relevance to the fore and ensure that India’s intellectual heritage makes a meaningful contribution to global academic discourse.
I am pleased that under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, special emphasis is being placed on the preservation and promotion of India’s cultural heritage, ancient knowledge traditions and Indian languages. The Prime Minister’s vision of “Development as well as Heritage” underlines the fact that modern progress and commitment to our cultural roots are complementary to each other.
The National Education Policy 2020 accords significant importance to the Indian knowledge tradition, mother tongues, multidisciplinary education and research. The policy is an important initiative towards familiarising students with their cultural heritage while simultaneously developing their capacity for innovation, scientific temper and independent thinking.
In this context, efforts are also being undertaken through the Gyan Bharatam Mission towards the survey, cataloguing, preservation, digitisation and wider accessibility of manuscripts. India’s ancient manuscripts are an invaluable repository of the memory of our civilisation and its intellectual achievements. Safeguarding the knowledge contained within them, conducting authentic research on it, and making it accessible to researchers and future generations is our collective responsibility.
Artificial Intelligence and other modern technologies can assist in the recognition, classification and comparative study of manuscript texts, as well as in the discovery and retrieval of knowledge resources. At the same time, to ensure the authenticity of conclusions derived through technology, the expertise of scholars and traditional knowledge systems must be appropriately integrated. The convergence of modern technological tools with traditional scholarship can open new avenues in this field.
The land of Uttarakhand holds a unique place in India’s spiritual and cultural consciousness. The divine presence of the Himalayas, the sacred streams of the Ganga and Yamuna, revered pilgrimage centres such as Badrinath and Kedarnath, and the rich folk culture of the region give a distinctive dimension to our knowledge traditions.
This region has remained deeply connected with traditions of Yoga, Ayurveda, meditation, naturopathy and spiritual practice. The local knowledge associated with folk languages, folk songs, folklore, traditional agricultural practices and medicinal plants also represents a valuable repository of experience and wisdom accumulated over generations. The documentation, scientific evaluation and responsible preservation of these traditions are essential so that our cultural heritage remains protected while also serving society in meaningful ways.
The conference being organised by Patanjali University in Haridwar is particularly significant in this regard. Efforts to connect the study of Yoga, Ayurveda, Sanskrit and Indian philosophy with modern research methodologies can play an important role in taking the Indian knowledge tradition to the younger generation. I appreciate the efforts of the University and all institutions associated with this important initiative.
The knowledge heritage of any civilisation remains alive only when the younger generation engages with it, studies it, raises questions and arrives at new insights. Our young researchers should undertake a serious study of the original texts of ancient works, their historical contexts, linguistic characteristics and philosophical meanings.
Universities and research institutions should encourage collaboration between traditional scholars and experts from modern disciplines. Special attention should be given to the preservation of manuscripts, critical editing of rare texts, high-quality translations into Indian languages and wider dissemination of research findings. At the same time, authenticity of sources, transparency of conclusions and intellectual integrity must occupy the highest place in research.
Our ancient tradition has always sought to connect knowledge with the welfare of society. The universal prayer—
«“Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah”
May all be happy; may all be free from illness.»
—reminds us that the highest purpose of knowledge is to contribute to the happiness, health and welfare of all humanity. At a time when the world is confronting numerous social, environmental and ethical challenges, serious engagement with the Indian knowledge tradition’s emphasis on balance, coexistence, restraint and a holistic outlook can offer valuable perspectives.
Our objective should not merely be to celebrate the glory of our heritage, but to understand its meaningful elements, evaluate them on the basis of evidence, and ensure that they are applied in the broader interests of humanity. This approach will help strengthen India further in the fields of knowledge, research and innovation.
In conclusion, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes for the successful organisation of the 52nd All India Oriental Conference to Patanjali University, revered Yog Rishi Swami Ramdev Ji, respected Acharya Balkrishna Ji, the Central Sanskrit University, the Bharatiya Vidvat Parishad, and all the scholars, organisers and collaborators associated with this conference.
I am confident that the 52nd session of the All India Oriental Conference will become a foundation for meaningful scholarly dialogue, new research and renewed resolve towards the preservation and promotion of the Indian knowledge tradition. The deliberations taking place here will make an important contribution towards understanding our ancient intellectual heritage, evaluating it authentically, and carrying it forward to future generations.
Let us all resolve to carry forward India’s tradition of knowledge, culture, research and innovation. While remaining rooted in our heritage, let us seek solutions to the challenges of the modern world and contribute towards establishing India as a nation that takes pride in its heritage and uses its knowledge to pave the way for the welfare of the world.
With this auspicious wish, I extend my heartfelt best wishes to you all.
Jai Hind!
Jai Bharat!
Vande Mataram!