UK: ‘Uttarakhand to Set Up Sanskrit Commission; Government Seeks Suggestions’
Dehradun: The Uttarakhand government is preparing to establish the Uttarakhand Sanskrit Commission to promote the preservation, enrichment, and modern application of the Sanskrit language within the state. To ensure the commission’s formation is comprehensive and effective, suggestions are being invited from Sanskrit scholars, teachers, researchers, universities, *Gurukuls*, Sanskrit institutes, and Sanskrit enthusiasts across the country. Interested individuals and institutions can submit their suggestions via email by August 10, 2026.
Deepak Kumar, Secretary of Sanskrit Education, stated that Uttarakhand pioneered a new initiative in the country by granting Sanskrit the status of the state’s second official language in 2010. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had emphasized the need for a high-level Sanskrit Commission—dedicated to the language’s preservation and effective implementation—during the International Sanskrit Conference held in Haridwar in December 2025. Following this, the process of establishing the commission was advanced during a high-level meeting held at the Secretariat on July 15, 2026.
The proposed commission will work on areas including Sanskrit education, research, the preservation and digitization of ancient manuscripts, the Indian knowledge tradition, Vedic and classical studies, Sanskrit-based skill development and employment, and the use of Sanskrit in administration and technical fields, as well as exploring its potential in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital media. The commission will also play a pivotal role in formulating long-term policies and action plans for the propagation of Sanskrit.
“The identity of ‘Devbhoomi’ Uttarakhand is defined by its rich cultural and spiritual heritage, in which Sanskrit holds a special place. Sanskrit is not merely a language but the cornerstone of India’s knowledge tradition and cultural heritage. The state government is making continuous efforts to take it to the masses and give it a new identity suited to the times.”
— Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister
