West Bengal is all set to get its first Sanskrit University. Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee announced the decision on Wednesday, saying the varsity would be named `Paschim Banga Sanskrito Viswa Vidyalaya’. A commission under Nrisingha Prasad Bhaduri has been formed to decide the likely cost, location and other key details. The panel has to submit its report in two months.
In the evening, Chief Minister posted on her Facebook page: “I am happy to share with you that we will be setting up a new Sanskrit University for the first time in the state. This will give a huge fillip to studies and research on one of the most ancient languages known to mankind.“
The existing Sanskrit college in Kolkata may come under the ambit of the university. This will be the third Sanskrit University in eastern India after Jagannath Sanskrit Vishvavidayalaya in Puri (1981) and Kumar Bhaskar Varman Sanskrit and Ancient Studies University in Nalbari, Assam (2011).
The announcement came a day before the Chief Minister is to leave for Bangladesh to attend the Bhasha Divas celebrations. The visit will help further strengthen ties between Bangladesh and West Bengal.