State-Level Sanskrit Day Celebrated in Himachal's Chamunda

A state-level *Sanskrit Day* celebration was organised at Sanskrit College, Chamunda, in Kangra district, marking Shravan Purnima, observed nationally as the day dedicated to the ancient language. The event, hosted by the Himachal Pradesh Department of Language and Culture, drew dignitaries including Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa and academics from the Central Sanskrit University.

Speakers underscored Sanskrit's role as the language of Indian tradition and a repository of knowledge, noting its status as the *second official language of Himachal Pradesh*. The proceedings opened with a lecture on the *"Scientific Nature and Relevance of Sanskrit in the Present Context"* by Dr Rameshwar Sharma of Banaras Hindu University.

Around 100 students from nearly 15 Sanskrit colleges across the state competed in speech, quiz, translation and shloka recitation contests, with Gunjan of Government Sanskrit College, Tungesh, winning the recitation category. The day also featured a Sanskrit Kavi Sammelan with 30 poets, alongside exhibitions on state history and archival heritage.