For years, Sanskrit has been spoken of as a language of the past. Artificial Intelligence, on the other hand, is seen as the technology of the future. Now, Central Sanskrit University is trying to bring both into the same classroom.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted this unusual experiment during the 135th episode of Mann Ki Baat. He praised Central Sanskrit University's new B.Tech programme in AI and Data Science calling it an important step towards combining modern technology with India’s traditional knowledge systems.
But the real story is not just that a Sanskrit university is offering an engineering degree. The bigger story is what this course could make possible: AI tools for Indian languages, better digitisation of ancient manuscripts, and a new generation of engineers trained to work at the intersection of technology, language and heritage.
PM Modi Did Not Just Praise It — He Called It a Turning Point
PM Modi said the new course combines modern technology with India's traditional knowledge. He said it will help develop AI tools for Indian languages. The course will also help convert ancient books and manuscripts into digital format. It will help preserve India's valuable cultural and historical records. The Prime Minister congratulated the university for this important step.
He also urged other educational institutions to follow this example.
What the B.Tech Programme Actually Offers?
The B.Tech programme in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science will be offered at the Nashik campus of Central Sanskrit University. It has been approved by AICTE for the 2026–27 academic session.
- The programme runs at the Nashik campus of Central Sanskrit University.
- It is AICTE-approved for the 2026–27 academic session.
- Total seats: 66 — 60 regular and 6 supernumerary.
- It is India's first AICTE-approved engineering degree from any Sanskrit university.
- Admissions are already open.
This is not just a course. It is a new kind of engineer India is building.
Why This Matters Beyond the Classroom?
This programme trains students in both AI and Sanskrit. It builds unique cross-disciplinary skills. Graduates can create AI tools for Indian languages. They can improve text recognition and translation technology. They can also digitise ancient manuscripts at scale.
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India has thousands of ancient manuscripts. Most are still not in digital form. These trained graduates can speed up preservation work. They can protect India's knowledge heritage faster than before.
PM Modi urged other universities to launch similar programmes. He said such courses bridge ancient wisdom with modern tools. They also prepare students for tomorrow's job market.
A Signal for Other Universities
PM Modi also urged other educational institutions to look at similar models. His message was clear: India’s traditional knowledge should not remain locked in archives, libraries or old manuscripts. It should be brought into conversation with modern tools.
This is why the programme deserves attention beyond the education sector. It is not only about one university or one batch of students. It raises a bigger question for Indian higher education: can more institutions design courses that combine technology with India’s own knowledge systems?
As AI becomes more powerful, India will need more than software engineers. It will need language engineers, culture-tech researchers, digital archivists and AI professionals who understand the country’s diversity.
News4Bharat POV
This course may begin with just 66 seats, but its idea is much larger. It asks Indian higher education to think beyond standard engineering models and build programmes rooted in India’s own strengths. If more universities follow this path, AI in India may not just become faster or smarter — it may become more Indian.
Now all eyes are on other universities. The big question remains — who will be next?
