Central Sanskrit University Signs MoU with Thailand's Silpakorn University to Promote Sanskrit and Indian Knowledge System
New Delhi: To boost international academic collaboration, Central Sanskrit University (CSU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Silpakorn University, Thailand, to strengthen academic cooperation and promote Sanskrit, the Indian Knowledge System (IKS), and India’s cultural heritage on the global stage. Under the agreement, the Sanskrit Studies Centre at Silpakorn University will be developed as the Foreign Study Centre of Central Sanskrit University. This will create an international platform for expanding Sanskrit education, encouraging cross-cultural research, and strengthening centuries-old academic and cultural ties between India and Thailand.
The MoU was witnessed by Puneet Agrawal, Ambassador of India to Thailand, and signed in the presence of Srinivasa Varkhedi and Tanasait Ngawhirunpat, along with senior academicians from both universities.
The partnership will promote the academic excellence and international cooperation through several initiatives, including:
The partnership is part of Central Sanskrit University’s plan to take Sanskrit to a global audience. By opening study centres in other countries, the university wants to help more students and researchers learn Sanskrit and understand India’s ancient knowledge and culture. The initiative also follows the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages the promotion of Indian languages, stronger ties with foreign universities, and better opportunities for learning and research.
Thailand shares deep historical and cultural links with Bharat. Sanskrit and Pali have significantly influenced the Thai language, Buddhist traditions, royal ceremonies, architecture, literature, and classical performing arts. Several Thai inscriptions and historical texts also contain Sanskrit vocabulary. Thus, this makes Thailand an important centre for Sanskrit and Buddhist studies outside India.
Central Sanskrit University is a Central University under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Established through the Central Sanskrit Universities Act, 2020, this University focuses on higher education, research, teacher training, manuscript preservation, and the global promotion of Sanskrit and the Indian Knowledge System through its campuses and affiliated institutions.
Silpakorn University is one of Thailand’s leading public universities, established in 1943. Initially it was known for fine arts, but with time it evolved into a multidisciplinary institution. Now it offers programmes in humanities, archaeology, languages, education, science, engineering, and social sciences. Its Sanskrit Studies Centre has been actively engaged in research on Sanskrit, Pali, Buddhist studies, and India’s cultural connections with Southeast Asia.
