Between 1-3 May 2004, Sanskrit teachers teaching at universities and colleges throughout Gujarat gathered for the 28th annual Sanskrit Teachers’ Conference, which was held at the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Tithal.
During the three days, over 70 papers were presented on topics such as: Vedas, Upanishads, Vedant, Sanskrit grammar, Sankhya, Yoga, Purans, literature, Jainism, Buddhism, Pancharatra scriptures, Smruti scriptures, modern literature, lives of great people, etc.
The conference was presided over by Pujya Bhaktipriya Swami (Ph.D.), Kothari of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Mumbai, and was inaugurated by Naresh Bhatt of the Swadhyay Mandal in Pardi. During his opening address, Naresh Bhatt said, “Indian culture had spread throughout the world and Indian knowledge is gaining increasing recognition in many countries. So, it is necessary for Sanskrit teachers to become increasingly aware in this direction.”
Pujya Kothari Swami stressed that to progress in study and research there is a need for good character, care for students and other virtues.
During the conference the following were honored by Pujya Kothari Swami:
1.Saraswat Vishesh Award to Shri Rasik Parikh of Bhartiya Vidya Mandal, Surat, for promoting Sanskrit among children and youths.
2.Retiring teachers.
3.Students who successfully completed Ph.D. and M.Phil.
4.Top ranking students from the South Gujarat University’s BA and MA exams.
Among the papers presented were three by scholars of AARSH (Akshardham Center for Applied Research in Social Harmony), Gandhinagar:
1.‘The Importance of Pancharatra Scriptures in the Swaminarayan Sampraday and Darshan,’ by Pujya Rasikvihari Swami, Ph.D.
2.‘Introduction of Panchratra Agamas,’ by Pujya Shrutiprakash Swami, Ph.D.
3.‘Universalibity Use of Pancharatra Agamas,’ by Prof. Janak Dave
Congratulating BAPS for hosting such an excellent conference, Dr. Manilal Prajapati of North Gujarat University and Dr. Vasant Bhatt, Head of Sanskrit Department at Gujarat University, commented, “By presenting their papers, the sadhus have directed us towards the Panchratra Agamas. Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s work includes not only social service but also academic excellence.”