External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday called for a 'healthy' amalgamation of the ancient and the modern, urging the bridging of the gap between shastras and science.
"Sanskrit is not a mere language. It is a world view. There is an unbroken tradition from time immemorial of Sanskrit's use as the medium in literature, philosophy, medicine and science. Knowledge in Sanskrit will go a long way in finding solutions to the contemporary problems of the world," Swaraj said, while addressing the 16th World Sanskrit Conference in Bangkok.
"The Indian Council for Cultural Relations has decided to grant an International Sanskrit Award, which will comprise of a certificate and USD 20,000 to a scholar who has made significant contribution in Sanskrit. I am also pleased to announce that a post of Joint Secretary for Sanskrit has been created in the Ministry of External Affairs," she added.
On Saturday, Swaraj had arrived in Bangkok to pay a two-day visit to Thailand.
