The Royal University of Fine Arts (RUFA) and the Embassy of India in Phnom Penh have reached a deal on the publication of book “Sanskrit Loanwords in Khmer Language”.
The signing ceremony took place on the ‘Sanskrit Day 2022’ celebration organised by the embassy and RUFA in Phnom Penh on Aug. 9, between Dr. Heng Sophady, Rector of RUFA, Dr. (Ms) Chhom Kunthea, renowned Sanskrit scholar, and the embassy’s representative, in the presence of H.E. Dr. Devyani Khobragade, Ambassador of India.
Speaking at the function, Dr. Heng Sophady appreciated the long partnership with embassy for the benefit of Cambodian students. He hoped for enhanced cooperation in other fields such as classes on Indian classical dance and yoga as was conducted in the past by the embassy. H.E. Ambassador, on her part, assured of resumption of the same in near future.
While highlighting the richness of the oldest Sanskrit language termed ‘Gods language’ and ‘mother of all languages’ that believed to have originated in India around 3500 years ago and defining the Sanskrit derived from the conjoining of the prefix ‘Sam’ meaning ‘Samyak’ which indicates ‘entirely’ and ‘krit’ indicates ‘done’, H.E. Dr. Devyani Khobragade underlined the need for protection and propagation of the most scientific language in the world for the benefit of the next generation and celebration of Sanskrit Day every year to be aimed to spread awareness in this direction.
Noting adoption of significant number of Sanskrit words in the Khmer language in day to day life, H.E. Ambassador expressed pleasure over ongoing Sanskrit language classes being conducted as part of the academic curriculum in RUFA and assured all cooperation to further strengthen embassy’s partnership with the university.
Addressing the Sanskrit students present during the celebrations, the Indian diplomat encouraged them to further enhance their language skills as well avail various scholarship projects being sponsored by the Government of India for Cambodian students under ITEC programmes for higher studies in India.
There was chanting of Sanskrit verses by students of Archaeology Faculty of RUFA and presentation of ‘A Glimpse on Sanskrit Literary Inscriptions of Ancient Cambodia’ by Mr. Pi Khatana and ‘100 years of Sanskrit Learning in Cambodia’ by Dr. Chhom Kunthea.
According to the embassy, the events are being undertaken as part of Iconic Week celebrations of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) of the Embassy of India in Cambodia from Aug. 8-16 leading to culmination of 76th Independence day of India. The AKAM is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements.
Source: Agency Kampuchea Press