Chandigarh August 15: Giving a major gift to the people of Panchkula on the occasion of 74th Independence Day today, Haryana Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Lal laid the foundation stone of Shri Muktinath Ved Vidyashram (Sanskrit Gurukul) at Mata Mansa Devi Complex in Panchkula.

Speaking on this occasion, Mr Manohar Lal said that with the laying of the foundation stone of this Sanskrit Gurukul, a new chapter has been added today in the field of Sanskrit education.

While congratulating the people, the Chief Minister said August 15 assumes a special significance for the people of Panchkula as alongwith the Independence Day, today is also the foundation Day of Panchkula. On this day in 1995, Panchkula became the 17th district of Haryana. He said that since the district has completed 25 years of its formation, he has asked Deputy Commissioner, Mr Mukesh Ahuja to organize a function for the people to celebrate its silver jubilee.

The Chief Minister said that Sanskrit is an ancient language and Shri Muktinath Ved Vidyashram (Sanskrit Gurukul) would prove to be instrumental in further promoting this language among masses. He said that there was a time when the Sanskrit Language was on the verge of extinction but as a result of concerted efforts made by the present State Government for the promotion of this language, the interest of people towards Sanskrit has been increased considerably. He said that the State Government has established Maharishi Valmiki Sanskrit University at village Mundri in Kaithal district and has appointed Dr. Shreyansh Dwivedi as its first Vice-Chancellor.

He said that apart from Gurukuls, today Sanskrit is also being taught in school, colleges and universities. He said that the Sanskrit Gurukul in Panchkula would also help preparing trained Sanskrit teachers as children here would be imparted quality education in Sanskrit language from the very beginning.

Speaking on this occasion, Vice Chancellor of Maharishi Valmiki Sanskrit University, Mundri, District Kaithal ,Dr. Shreyansh Dwivedi expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Lal for his efforts towards promoting Sanskrit language in the State.

Principal of Gurukul, Swami Prasad Mishr said that Shri Muktinath Ved Vidyashram (Sanskrit Gurukul) at Mata Mansa Devi Complex is a pioneer in this field. He said that the Gurukul which is being constructed on 0.56 acres of land would have 15 rooms and about 200 students would be able to get education here.

Earlier, the Chief Minister also honoured two students for their outstanding achievement in the field of Sanskrit.

Among those present on this occasion included Deputy Commissioner, Panchkula Mr Mukesh Kumar Ahuja, President, Gurukul Mr Daulat Ram Aggarwal, Mr Ishwar Jindal, Secretary, Gurukul Mr Mukesh Gupta, BJP District President Mr Deepak Sharma and other dignitaries.