In a historic step toward the preservation and promotion of India’s ancient scriptural traditions, the “Shastra Museum and Research Centre” was grandly inaugurated today in the spiritual heart of Bharat—Kashi (Varanasi). Inspired by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the centre was formally inaugurated by Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The inauguration ceremony was held at the Dharma Sangh Auditorium, within the Swami Karpatri Ji Maharaj Ashram, Dharma Sangh Math Mandir, Durga Kund, Varanasi. The event saw the participation of scholars, monks, researchers, and cultural enthusiasts from across the country, united in their reverence for India’s rich knowledge systems.
In his opening remarks, the founder of the centre, Ramanand Tiwari, shared the vision behind the initiative, stating, “That which is eternal is Sanatan, and Sanatan is eternal. The true journey of self-realization begins when one reconnects with the wisdom of the Shastras.” His remarks set the tone for the significance of the centre as a bridge between timeless philosophy and contemporary society.
Uttar Pradesh’s Minister for AYUSH, Dayashankar Mishra ‘Dayalu’, praised the establishment of the museum and stated that it would play a crucial role in drawing public interest, particularly among the youth, towards the vast intellectual wealth contained in our ancient texts.
Chief Guest Eknath Shinde, in his address, bowed to Baba Vishwanath and paid homage to the sacred Ganga. He described the centre not just as a repository of books, but as a living embodiment of Sanatan values and the spiritual unity of Bharat. He lauded the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting that his balanced vision of development and cultural resurgence has inspired initiatives like this. Shinde emphasised that India can reclaim its stature as a Vishwaguru by blending the strength of Shastra (knowledge) with Shastra (defence), and that the digitization and conservation of ancient texts is a vital part of this national revival.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Bhujang Bobde, Chairman of the Shastra Museum and Research Centre, acknowledged the spiritual and intellectual legacy of Kashi, describing the centre as an invaluable resource for researchers, scholars, and students of Indian knowledge traditions.
As part of the concluding segment of the event, Eknath Shinde also inaugurated a special exhibition featuring a remarkable collection of rare manuscripts and scriptures. Among the showcased works were Vigyan Bhairav Kalpa (Sharada script), Shiva Puja Vidhi, Bijak (Tridha) – critical edition, Rigveda Samhita (Books 1–8), Samaveda Samhita (Parts 1 & 2), Aitareya Brahmana (Volumes 1–8), Kena Upanishad, Hanumat Samhita, Aryabhatiya, Vivek Martanda (Goraksha Shataka), Vashishta Smriti, Tantra Saar Karma Prakash, Tarkabhasha with Tatparya Tika, and Sharangadhara Samhita.
The Shastra Museum and Research Centre is equipped with modern infrastructure to facilitate the preservation, digitization, study, translation, and public dissemination of India’s sacred knowledge systems. Its inauguration stands as a milestone in the resurgence of Bharatiya intellectual and cultural heritage, offering a vital platform for future generations to engage deeply with the timeless wisdom of the Shastras.
