New Zealand Member of Parliament (MP) Dr Gaurav Sharma on Wednesday scripted history by becoming the first parliamentarian of Indian origin to take oath in Sanskrit language on foreign land. 33-year-old Dr Sharma, who hails from Himachal Pradesh, was recently elected as an MP from the Labour Party in New Zealand.
Dr Sharma said that he speaks multiple Indian languages and wanted to choose a language that would represent a wide range of current languages spoken in India.
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“I, Gaurav Sharma, swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth the second and her successors according to law, so help me God,” he said during the swearing-in session in New Zealand’s Parliament.
Watch the video here:
A proud moment for India that Dr @gmsharmanz originally from Himachal Pradesh, created history by becoming the first parliamentarian of Indian origin to take an oath in #Sanskrit in New Zealand after having won the election as a Labour Party candidate from Hamilton West. pic.twitter.com/klVK1JXgzF
— Priti Gandhi – प्रीति गांधी (@MrsGandhi) November 25, 2020
In a tweet, Muktesh Pardeshi, High Commissioner to New Zealand and Samoa, said: “@gmsharmanz one of the youngest, newly elected MP in NZ Parliament took oath today, first in NZ’s indigenous Maori language, followed by India’s classical language- Sanskrit, showing deep respect for cultural traditions of both India and New Zealand.”
@gmsharmanz, one of the youngest, newly elected MP in NZ Parliament took oath today, first in NZ’s indigenous Maori language, followed by India’s classical language- Sanskrit, showing deep respect for cultural traditions of both India and New Zealand. @MEAIndia @ICCR_Delhi https://t.co/dZU1RCePeH
— Muktesh Pardeshi (@MukteshPardeshi) November 25, 2020
While responding to a tweet that asked why he did not speak in Hindi, Dr Sharma said: “To be honest I did think of that, but then there was the question of doing it in Pahari (my first language) or Punjabi. Hard to keep everyone happy. Sanskrit made sense as it pays homage to all the Indian languages (including the many I can’t speak)”.
To be honest I did think of that, but then there was the question of doing it in Pahari (my first language) or Punjabi. Hard to keep everyone happy. Sanskrit made sense as it pays homage to all the Indian languages (including the many I can’t speak) https://t.co/q1A3eb27z3
— Dr Gaurav Sharma MP (@gmsharmanz) November 25, 2020
The video of the ceremony has gone viral and Indians are hailing the MP for taking the Indian language to a world platform. Here are some reactions:
Respect for the Universal Language which contains the vibrations of the origins of universe #Sanskrit https://t.co/yspXUnf2HU
— Rachit (@Runner01160894) November 25, 2020
It’s a proud moment for the country and Himachal that son of the soil @gmsharmanz , was elected as a parliamentarian in NewZealand and owing his virtues took his oath in Sanskrit.
We feel really proud of you @gmsharmanz jiBest Wishes!! https://t.co/MWiglDZCIV
— Prajwal Busta (@PrajwalBusta) November 26, 2020
Sharma, who is a doctor by profession, had won Hamilton West by defeating Tim Macindoe of the National Party by 4,386 votes. Before that, he had unsuccessfully fought elections in the year 2017.
