Under the Sanskrit Assistance Scheme of the Gujarat State Sanskrit Board, Gandhinagar, a
lecture was organized by Sarvajanik University – Chunilal Gandhi Vidyabhavan, Surat, as
part of the Sanskrit Lecture Series on 11/03/2026 at the Upavan Jayvadan Bodawala Tara
Moti Hall in the M.T.B. Arts College campus.
For this lecture, Associate Professor Dr. Prasad Bhide from Mumbai was invited as the
keynote speaker. Dr. Bhagirathsinh Parmar (District Education Officer, Surat) graced the
occasion as the Guest of Honour, while Acharya Prof. Malhar Kulkarni (IIT Bombay)
presided over the session as the Chairperson. The programme was inspired under the
patronage of Shri Himajaypalalji, Chairman of the Gujarat State Sanskrit Board.
The programme commenced auspiciously with the rendition of the song “Vande Mataram”
and the institution’s anthem. Thereafter, the dignitaries performed Tulsi Pujan as part of
the ceremonial inauguration.
Dr. Meeta Vandsadiya, Director of Chunilal Gandhi Vidyabhavan, delivered the welcome
address and briefly presented the activities of the institution along with the objectives of
organizing the Sanskrit Lecture Series. The invited dignitaries were formally introduced by
Dr. Sandeep Bhatt, Convener of the programme.
The accomplished keynote speaker, Dr. Prasad Bhide, delivered a detailed and inspiring
lecture on the topic “Sanskrit Language – Going Beyond Myths & Prejudices.” He addressed
the misconceptions and prejudices prevailing in society regarding the Sanskrit language
and highlighted its scientific nature, contemporary relevance, and global significance.
Guest of Honour Dr. Bhagirathsinh Parmar emphasized the importance and relevance of
Sanskrit in the field of education and encouraged students to pursue the study of Sanskrit.
In his presidential address, Prof. Malhar Kulkarni explained the scientific aspects of the
Sanskrit language and its utility in the modern era while appreciating and supporting the
views expressed by the speaker.
At the end of the lecture, the audience actively participated in an interactive question-and-
answer session to satisfy their curiosities. A large number of intellectuals, academicians,
undergraduate, and postgraduate students from the city attended the lecture.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Meeta Vandsadiya. The
entire event was smoothly conducted in Sanskrit.
Finally, the programme concluded with the National Anthem and the Shanti Mantra.
