Sanskrit taught in our varsities since 1876, says Croatian PM

New Delhi: Highlighting the deep-rooted cultural links between the two countries, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said that Sanskrit has been taught at the university level in his country since 1876, underscoring a shared intellectual heritage spanning over a century. As the chief guest at a lecture on "Bridging Continents: Croatia and India in a Connected World" at the Vice Regal Lodge, Delhi University, Plenkovic spoke about India–Croatia relations, global cooperation and the shifting international landscape. Croatian ambassador Petar Ljubicic also attended the event.
Delhi University vice-chancellor Yogesh Singh said the visit of the Croatian PM to India would give fresh direction to cultural and educational ties between the two countries. Praising DU's "rich, inspiring academic environment", Plenkovic said the "spirit of dialogue and coexistence amid diversity is clearly visible". It provides students with a broad worldview, he added. Recalling historical links, he referred to Marco Polo and noted that travellers once connected Asia and Europe through the exchange of ideas — a role now played by education and knowledge.He said the teaching of Sanskrit at the University of Zagreb for nearly 150 years reflected the depth of Indo-Croatian cultural engagement. Referring to Mahatma Gandhi, Plenkovic added that Gandhi's ideals of non-violence, truth and human dignity continued to influence global politics. TNN