Notices

press release of Sanskrit Day 2022

EMBASSY OF INDIA
PHNOM PENH
PRESS RELEASE

    As part of ongoing Iconic Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav week celebrations, the Embassy of India, Phnom Penh in collaboration with Royal University of Fine Arts (RUFA) organized ‘Sanskrit Day 2022’ on August 09, 2022 in the University. To mark the celebrations, the Embassy signed a contract with Dr. HENG Sophady, Rector of RUFA and Dr. (Ms) Chhom Kunthea, renowned Sanskrit scholar for the publication of book “Sanskrit Loanwords in Khmer Language” in presence of H.E. Dr. Devyani Khobragade, Ambassador of India.

2. The program commenced with Dr. HENG Sophady, RUFA welcoming Hon’ble Ambassador in University. Appreciating the long partnership with Embassy for the benefit of Cambodian students, Dr. HENG hoped for enhanced cooperation in other fields such as classes on Indian classical dance and yoga as was conducted in the past by the Embassy. Ambassador, on her part, assured of resumption of the same in near future.

3. Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Ambassador while highlighting the richness of the oldest Sanskrit language termed ‘Gods language’ and ‘mother of all languages’ that believed to have originated in India around 3500 years ago. Defining the Sanskrit derived from the conjoining of the prefix ‘Sam’ meaning ‘Samyak’ which indicates ‘entirely’ and ‘krit’ indicates ‘done’, Ambassador underlined the need for protection and propagation of the most scientific language in the world for the benefit of the next generation and celebration of Sanskrit Day every year to be aimed to spread awareness in this direction. Noting adoption of significant number of Sanskrit words in the Khmer language in day to day life, Ambassador expressed pleasure over ongoing Sanskrit language classes being conducted as part of the academic curriculum in RUFA and assured all cooperation to further strengthen Embassy’s partnership with the University. Addressing the Sanskrit students present during the celebrations, Ambassador encouraged them to further enhance their language skills as well avail various scholarship projects being sponsored by the Government of India for Cambodian students under ITEC programmes for higher studies in India.

4. This followed chanting of Sanskrit verses by students of Archaeology Faculty of RUFA and presentation of ‘A Glimpse on Sanskrit Literary Inscriptions of Ancient Cambodia by Mr. Pi Khatana and ‘100 years of Sanskrit Learning in Cambodia’ by Dr. CHHOM Kunthea.

5. The events are being undertaken as part of Iconic Week celebrations of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) of the Embassy of India in Cambodia from 08-16 August 2022 leading to culmination of 76th Independence day of India. The AKAM is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of progressive India and the glorious history of it’s people, culture and achievements.

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