Sanskrit University to celebrate 100 years of existence

An erstwhile Sanskrit college, which was started by a Christian teacher in 1909, will be celebrating its 100 years of existence on February 21.

The Sahitya Deepika Sanskrit college at Pavaratty was started by P.T. Kuriyakose when it was taboo for non Brahmins to learn Sanskrit. In 1979, it was upgraded as a deemed University under the HRD Ministry and is now known as Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan Deemed University, Guruvayur Campus.

General Convener of the centenary celebration committee, P.G. Sreenivasan told reporters here that the three-day celebrations would be held at Pavaratty and the deemed University campus at nearby Puranattukara.

Despite opposition from various sections including the Church, Kuriakose developed the college to a full-fledged educational institution of repute and got it affiliated to the Madras University, he said.