The 19th World Sanskrit Conference began on Thursday at Nepal Academy Hall in Kamaladi, Kathmandu. Organised by the Nepal Sanskrit University, the five-day event has brought together scholars, researchers, and practitioners of Sanskrit, with major participation from India, Europe, and the United States.

Professor Kashi Nath Neupane, head of the Buddhist Studies department at Nepal Sanskrit University, said, “We are honoured to host participants from across the world.”

President Ram Chandra Poudel attended the inaugural session and said, “The word ‘Nepal’ itself is found in the Vedas”. He added, “Sanskrit has been used since the Lichhavi and Malla periods. More than 200 inscriptions in Sanskrit prove that Nepal is historically connected to this language.”

He also addressed the decline in its use, stating, “Sanskrit became less common in everyday life because it was historically restricted from being studied by women and lower caste communities. But the government is now working on its promotion and preservation.”

Indian religious teacher Chinna Jeeyar Swami, also speaking at the event, remarked, “Sanskrit is a mythical language, the language of the gods. It brings the world together through the Vedas, which contain mantras presenting the divine as it is.”

The evening ended with a cultural programme featuring Indian classical dance performances, including Kathak and Bharatanatyam. The conference will feature diverse sessions, speakers, and discussions aimed at advancing Sanskrit scholarship and encouraging interdisciplinary exchange.

It will continue at DAV Sushil Kedia Vishwa Bharati School, Jawalakhel, until June 30.