Sanskrit in Asia : Unity in Diversity

The Conference Secretariat can be reached at:

Sanskrit Studies Centre,
Office of the President,
Silpakorn University,
22, Boromarachachonani Road,
Talingchan, Bangkok
10170 Thailand
Phone: (66-2) 880-7374 ext. 2801
Fax: (66-2) 434-7255
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.ssc.su.ac.th

The eternal value and significance of Sanskrit needs no introduction to us. It is generally accepted that Sanskrit as one of the most important languages in the Indo-European family has been a powerful instrument for shaping Asian civilizations beyond the Indian subcontinent. It would be no exaggeration to say that without the knowledge of Sanskrit, we would have known far less not only of ancient India but also most of Asia.

Silpakorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, is one of the earliest universities in Southeast Asia where Sanskrit has been offered as a major course in curriculum for almost half a century. In recent past, with the establishment of Sanskrit Studies Centre (SSC) under the Department of Oriental Languages, Faculty of Archaeology of the University, the study of Sanskrit has tremendously grown up and Sanskrit related research in the region has been stimulated and widened. The SSC is planning to provide academic facilities to the researchers from all parts of the world. Some of Sanskrit books and academic materials are supported by the Government of India through good offices of the Embassy of India, Bangkok. Private sectors in Thailand and abroad also play important roles in this regard. A new library with database mainly highlighting the Southeast Asian heritage was recently opened for public.

This conference is being held on the auspicious occasion of the 50th birth anniversary of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the Most Revered Great Patron of Cultural Heritage of Thailand.

Themes of the Conference include:
• Sanskrit and East Asia (with special reference to China, Japan and Korea)
• Sanskrit and Central Asia (with special reference to Silk Route)
• Sanskrit and South Asia
• Sanskrit and Southeast Asia
• Sanskrit-based Languages in Asia
• Sanskrit and the World Civilizations
• Sanskrit and Asian Religions
• Classical Sanskrit Literature and Folklore
• Archaeology and Sanskrit
• History and Epigraphy
• Science and Medicine
• Music and Performing Arts
• Geography of Asia: Dvipa, Dvipantara and Bhumi
• Nagarjuna and Asian Philosophy
• Agama, Tantra and Yoga
• Vedic Studies in Asia
• Impact of Sanskrit on Modern Writings in Asia
• Myths and Legends in Asia: Epic, Puranic and Buddhist Sanskrit Sources