Udupi: India's ancient knowledge known even in China, says Prof. Saroja Bhate

Udupi: Prof. Saroja Bhate, President of the All India Oriental Conference (AIOC), highlighted that ancient Indian knowledge was not confined to just one language, but spread across multiple languages and regions. She emphasized that India’s ancient wisdom has left an indelible mark on the world.

Speaking at the inauguration of the three-day All India Oriental Conference at the Rajangana, Shri Krishna Matha, Udupi, on Thursday, she said that oriental knowledge transcends boundaries of language, religion, and geography. It has been published in various forms in Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit, Persian, and even in Chinese sources. Research has shown that for over 1,000 years, Indian knowledge dominated the global intellectual sphere.

The conference is being organized in collaboration with the Indian Vidvat Parishad, Paryaya Sri Puthige Matha, and the Central Sanskrit University, New Delhi.

Oriental Studies: A Historical Perspective

Cha Mu Krishna Shastri, addressing the gathering, mentioned that the concept of ‘Oriental Studies’ took shape during the British era, with London serving as the focal point. However, the past 100 years have witnessed significant changes.

“Indian knowledge and its significance have been firmly established. It is essential to shift our study focus back to Indian languages, as the primary sources of Indian knowledge are in languages like Sanskrit. Currently, we study Indian knowledge through secondary sources in English. To access the original wisdom, we must delve into Indian languages,” he added.

The session saw enthusiastic participation, with scholars and experts from across the country sharing their insights into the richness of India’s ancient knowledge systems. The event serves as a platform for exploring new perspectives on the role of Sanskrit and other Indian languages in preserving and transmitting this intellectual heritage.