September 7, 2026
Governor and Chancellor of Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Rajasthan Sanskrit University, Jaipur, Shri Haribhau Bagde, attended the university’s eighth convocation ceremony on Monday and emphasized the need for an education system that develops wisdom, awareness and discernment among students.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor said university education should not be limited to textbooks. Students should also receive practical, life-oriented education that encourages awareness, critical thinking and sound judgment. Such an approach, he said, would strengthen their intellectual capabilities and help them become wise and discerning individuals.
Highlighting the importance of Sanskrit, Bagde said the language could progress rapidly if it were used more frequently in everyday life. Describing Sanskrit as one of India’s oldest languages, he said its rich tradition was preserved and transmitted through the oral ‘Shruti’ tradition. He also noted the historical interest in Sanskrit among scholars from outside India.
The Governor spoke about India’s ancient knowledge traditions and referred to accounts concerning sages such as Agastya and Bharadwaj. He also cited the destruction of the Nalanda University library by Bakhtiyar Khilji, saying that while books and libraries can be destroyed, knowledge cannot be eliminated because people preserve and pass it on through generations.
Referring to Indian contributions to knowledge and science, Bagde mentioned Shivkar Bapuji Talpade of Maharashtra and his reported experiments with aircraft. He said that several Indian achievements and knowledge traditions did not receive adequate recognition during the colonial period.
The Governor also expressed his views on the education system introduced during British rule, particularly the approach associated with Lord Macaulay. He said there was a need for an education system that gives due importance to India’s own history, culture and intellectual traditions.
Emphasizing the social message of saints and spiritual leaders, Bagde said their lives are dedicated to the welfare of society. Recalling the teachings associated with Ramanandacharya Ji, he highlighted the message of social equality and devotion beyond caste distinctions.
He also described Narayan Das Ji Maharaj, the founder of the university, as a visionary whose foresight contributed to the establishment of the institution and its focus on Sanskrit and traditional knowledge.
Vice-Chancellor of Central Sanskrit University, Prof. Srinivas Varkhedi, delivered the convocation address.
During the ceremony, Governor Bagde launched the website of the Rajasthan Mantra Pratishthan, an initiative established by the university. He also conferred the honorary degree of Vidyavachaspati upon Brahmarshi Shri Guruvanand Swami and Prof. Ramesh Kumar Pandey.
PhD degrees and other academic degrees were awarded to students, while gold medals were presented to top-performing students. Kulguru Prof. Madan Mohan Jha presented the university’s progress report during the ceremony.
