First World Sanskrit Book Fair to be held in Jan

"Renowned scholars from about 20 foreign countries, including the UK and Germany, are expected to participate in the four-day fair, which is being held for the first time in the country from January seven", former Chief Justice of India M N Venkatachalaiah told reporters here today.

The advent and popularity of Indian knowledge systems including yoga, ayurveda, vedanta and Bhagawad Gita has led to a renewed interest in the people world over to learn Sanskrit language, the "key to treasure house of Indian knowledge tradition", Venkatachalaiah, president, National Advisory Board, World Sanskrit Book Fair, said.

"This sudden spurt is also due to people's longing to go back to the roots and access primary sources. In view of this, to make Sanskrit books and Sanskrit literature in all Indian languages available to the public, the fair is being held", he said.

Fourteen Sanskrit universities including Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, 16 oriental research institutes, seven Sanskrit academies, NGOs and about 100 publishers from all over the country are taking part in the fair.

In all about 10,000 delegates from India and abroad were participating in the fair which would include a three-day national conference of Sanskrit scholars and an exhibition on "Knowledge Heritage of India".

As a prelude to the book fair, over a Sanskrit Speaking Classes will be held in various parts of Bangalore.