19-JUN-2025,04:00 PM In a culturally significant exchange that highlights India’s growing global engagement and civilizational pride, PM Modi expressed heartfelt gratitude to Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković after receiving a reprint of the first-ever published Sanskrit grammar book during his diplomatic visit to Croatia. The gesture has been widely acknowledged as a symbolic tribute to India’s ancient linguistic heritage and its enduring global influence.
The moment, captured and shared widely on social media and official diplomatic channels, emphasized the shared commitment between India and Croatia to cultural diplomacy, academic collaboration, and civilizational values.
PM Modi : Croatia Visit Strengthens Cultural and Strategic Ties
PM Modi : A Gift That Speaks Volumes About Shared Intellectual Heritage
During his recent visit to Croatia, PM Modi engaged in high-level bilateral talks with Croatian Prime Minister Plenković. Among discussions on trade, technology, and global cooperation, a poignant cultural gesture stood out—Plenković presented Modi with a reprint of the Institutiones Grammaticae, the first-ever published Sanskrit grammar, originally authored by a European scholar in the 18th century.
In response, PM Modi took to his official channels to thank his Croatian counterpart, saying, “Deeply moved to receive this precious gift that honors our linguistic heritage. Sanskrit is not just a language—it is a treasure trove of wisdom.”
This exchange reflects not just diplomatic warmth but also a deeper recognition of India’s civilizational depth and the global respect for its contributions to language, philosophy, and science.
Sanskrit Grammar Reprint: A Historic Symbol of India-Europe Academic Bond
PM Modi Lauds Cultural Gesture Rooted in Scholarly Tradition
The Sanskrit grammar text that was gifted to PM Modi is considered the first of its kind to be printed in Europe. The original publication was authored by Croatian Jesuit scholar Ivan Filip Vesdin (also known as Paulinus a Sancto Bartholomaeo), who was among the first Europeans to systematically study Sanskrit during his time in India in the late 1700s.
The reprint of this grammar signifies a nod to centuries-old academic and philosophical bridges between India and Europe. PM Modi highlighted the importance of this gesture in reviving intellectual collaboration, particularly as Sanskrit gains renewed interest across global universities and digital learning platforms.
“This is a reminder that India has always contributed to the world—not just in spirituality, but also in scientific and linguistic thought,” Modi said, addressing Indian diaspora members in Zagreb.
Cultural Diplomacy in Focus: PM Modi Champions India’s Civilizational Legacy
From Vedas to Global Partnerships—India’s Story Told Through Culture
Throughout his international engagements, PM Modi has consistently emphasized India’s cultural diplomacy. From gifting sacred texts and sculptures to promoting Ayurveda, Yoga, and classical languages, Modi’s foreign visits often include elements that project India’s soft power.
This latest episode in Croatia is yet another example of how culture and history serve as tools of mutual respect and connection in foreign policy. By accepting the Sanskrit grammar reprint and acknowledging its significance, PM Modi reinforced the message that India’s ancient knowledge systems remain relevant and revered on the global stage.
“This is not just about our past,” Modi said. “It is about building a future on the strong foundation of knowledge, dialogue, and mutual respect.”
India-Croatia Relations: From Diplomatic Courtesy to Strategic Collaboration
PM Modi’s Visit Opens Doors to Education and Cultural Exchanges
While the Sanskrit grammar gift made headlines, PM Modi’s visit to Croatia had deeper diplomatic goals. India and Croatia have been strengthening their cooperation in fields such as renewable energy, IT, pharma, and tourism. However, education and cultural exchange were given renewed attention during this visit.
PM Modi proposed increased collaboration between Indian and Croatian universities, particularly in Indology and classical languages. He also encouraged academic exchange programs, scholarships for Sanskrit learners, and joint research initiatives between Croatian and Indian scholars.
Prime Minister Plenković reciprocated positively, signaling Croatia’s interest in promoting Indian studies at the university level and supporting cultural festivals that showcase Indian heritage.
Public Reaction: Citizens Celebrate PM Modi’s Emphasis on Sanskrit and Heritage
A Nation Inspired by a Leader Who Honors India’s Linguistic Roots
Indians across the globe lauded PM Modi for once again placing India’s linguistic and philosophical traditions at the center of international discourse. On social media, hashtags like #SanskritMatters, #PMModiInCroatia, and #CulturalDiplomacy trended for hours after the news broke.
Sanskrit scholars and cultural activists expressed optimism that this gesture would encourage more governmental support for Sanskrit learning, digital archiving of ancient texts, and international collaboration on India’s knowledge systems.
Dr. Anuradha Joshi, a Sanskrit professor at Delhi University, said, “It is heartening to see PM Modi not just talk about Sanskrit domestically, but also receive international recognition for it. This validates the language’s global significance.”
Looking Ahead: Sanskrit Revival and Global Academic Collaboration
PM Modi’s Vision for Cultural Renaissance in the 21st Century
The reprint of a centuries-old Sanskrit grammar being presented to India’s Prime Minister is more than a diplomatic gesture—it is a reaffirmation of India’s timeless contributions to world civilization. PM Modi‘s consistent advocacy for India’s cultural strengths is playing a crucial role in creating global awareness and appreciation of these treasures.
With renewed focus on the digitization of ancient texts, Sanskrit learning in Indian schools, and collaboration with foreign universities, India is poised to usher in a new era of cultural and academic renaissance.
“This is not a relic—it’s a roadmap,” PM Modi said in closing, holding the reprint aloft for the cameras. “Sanskrit lives in our thinking, our values, and now, through partnerships like this, it lives in the hearts of the world.”
Conclusion
PM Modi’s expression of gratitude to Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković for the reprint of the first published Sanskrit grammar was more than a diplomatic nicety—it was a celebration of India’s enduring cultural legacy and a moment that resonated deeply with scholars, citizens, and the Indian diaspora. As India takes center stage in global diplomacy, such culturally rich exchanges remind the world of the ancient wisdom that continues to shape modern thought.
Source : ANI
