Gandhinagar: In a landmark move to revive and promote India’s ancient language, Chief Minister Mr Bhupendra Patel today launched five key initiatives under the “Yojana Panchakam” scheme during a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Gujarat State Sanskrit Board in Gandhinagar.
The Chief Minister also unveiled the official logo of the Sanskrit Board at the event, which was attended by Education Minister Dr. Kuber Dindor, Board Chairman Dr. Himanjay Paliwal, and senior officials.
The five schemes – Sanskrit Saptahotsav Yojana, Sanskrit Sanvardhan Sahayata Yojana, Sanskrit Protsahan Yojana, Shrimad Bhagavad Gita Yojana, and Shata Subhashita Kanth Paath Yojana – aim to encourage the learning, usage, and preservation of Sanskrit through education, community engagement, and cultural initiatives.
Sanskrit Week to Celebrate Language’s Legacy
One of the major components of the new initiative is the Sanskrit Saptahotsav Yojana, under which Sanskrit Week will be celebrated across Gujarat from August 6 to August 13, 2025. The week will culminate on Sanskrit Day, traditionally celebrated on Shravan Sud Poonam, which falls on August 9 this year (Raksha Bandhan).
During this week, educational institutions and cultural organizations across the state will host programs to immerse the public in Sanskrit’s linguistic and literary heritage, creating a state-wide environment rich in cultural tradition.
Breakdown of the Five New Schemes
- Sanskrit Sanvardhan Sahayata Yojana
This scheme provides financial assistance to institutions proposing workshops, seminars, training programs, research, and other innovative Sanskrit-related activities. It aims to encourage grassroots-level engagement with Sanskrit. - Sanskrit Protsahan Yojana
Designed to boost Sanskrit education in secondary schools, this scheme rewards schools where 100% of Standard 10 students opt for Sanskrit. Grants will be provided based on enrollment numbers to support and incentivize institutions. - Shrimad Bhagavad Gita Yojana
This initiative promotes universal access to the teachings of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, encouraging people of all age groups to engage with the scripture, which holds a significant place in global spiritual discourse. - Shata Subhashita Kanth Paath Yojana
Focused on character building and moral development, this scheme encourages the memorization and recitation of 100 Sanskrit Subhashitas (wise sayings) to instill ethical values and cultural pride in citizens, especially the youth. - Sanskrit Saptahotsav Yojana
A cultural celebration that engages communities, educational institutions, and Sanskrit enthusiasts during Sanskrit Week with performances, recitations, and educational events.
Vision Aligned with ‘Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi’
The initiative is in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi” – blending heritage with development. The Gujarat State Sanskrit Board, formed in 2020, has been positioned as the nodal agency for implementing Sanskrit-related policies in the state.
Chief Minister Patel praised the Board’s work and urged officials to expand the reach and scale of Sanskrit-focused initiatives. He emphasized using Sanskrit as a tool for cultural resurgence and fostering a deeper connection with India’s intellectual and spiritual traditions.
Dignitaries Present at the Meeting
The meeting was attended by–
- Chief Secretary Mr Pankaj Joshi
- Additional Chief Secretary, Education Ms Sunayna Tomar
- Principal Secretary, Education Mr Mukesh Kumar
- Principal Secretary, Finance Mr T. Natarajan
- Additional Principal Secretary to the CM Smt. Avantika Singh
- Commissioner of Higher Education Mr Dilip Rana
- Chairman, Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board Mr M.A. Pandya
- Senior officers of the Sanskrit Board and other government departments
