Ahmedabad: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday paid tribute to Adi Shankaracharya, saying that the 8th-century philosopher and scholar not only established India’s identity but also ensured that the banner of Sanatana Dharma fluttered high in all directions. Shah made the remarks while launching Shankaracharya’s complete ‘Granthavali’ in Gujarati, a 15-volume compilation of the philosopher’s works, which he said would inspire and guide the youth of Gujarat.

Addressing the gathering, Shah said that the texts contained answers to the myriad questions that existed in society during Shankaracharya’s time. “You will find the solutions to all the questions that existed in society of that time in these texts,” he said, highlighting the enduring relevance of the works.

Shah elaborated on Shankaracharya’s life and contributions, emphasizing that very few individuals in history have achieved so much in such a short lifetime. “Shankaracharya travelled extensively across India on foot and, in a sense, played the role of a walking university,” Shah said. He explained that the scholar did not just traverse the country physically but also spiritually and intellectually, establishing centres of learning and knowledge in the process.

According to Shah, Shankaracharya established India’s identity by creating four monasteries in the four cardinal directions, laying the foundations for the preservation and propagation of the Vedas. “He didn’t just travel on foot; he established India’s identity, built four monasteries in the four directions, established centres of knowledge, and ensured that the banner of Sanatana Dharma fluttered high in all four directions,” Shah said.

The Union minister pointed out that the monasteries, or mathas, created by Shankaracharya were not merely religious centres. Under their aegis, he systematically divided the Vedas, ensuring that the sacred texts had a permanent place for preservation and study. This organizational effort, Shah said, provided a framework for spiritual and intellectual continuity across generations.

Shah also noted Shankaracharya’s role in responding to the philosophical challenges of his era. With the rise of various schools such as Buddhism, Jainism, Kapalika, and Tantric traditions, doubts and questions about Sanatana Dharma had emerged. Shankaracharya, according to Shah, addressed these challenges by providing logical, well-reasoned responses that reaffirmed the core principles of Indian spiritual thought.

“Adi Shankaracharya not only gave ideas, but also offered India a synthesis of ideas. He not only imparted knowledge, but also gave it a form; he not only presented the idea of liberation, but also paved the way to it,” Shah said, emphasizing the practical and philosophical depth of Shankaracharya’s contributions.

The Home Minister expressed confidence that the 15-volume Granthavali, published by Sastu Sahitya Mudranalay Trust and edited by Gautam Patel, would serve as an important resource for the youth, helping them explore philosophical, spiritual, and ethical dimensions of life. He encouraged young people to delve into the works and apply the insights to their personal lives and professional pursuits.

Shah’s remarks underscored the significance of preserving and disseminating India’s ancient knowledge systems. By presenting Shankaracharya as a unifying figure who bridged diverse philosophical traditions and fortified Sanatana Dharma, he highlighted the enduring cultural and spiritual legacy of the scholar in contemporary India.

In his speech, Shah also described Shankaracharya as a transformative figure whose efforts transcended mere scholarship. His travels, debates, and institution-building activities, Shah said, had a profound impact on Indian society, shaping religious, educational, and cultural structures that persist to this day.

Shankaracharya’s approach, Shah added, combined intellectual rigor with practical application, making spiritual knowledge accessible and meaningful to people across regions and social strata. By establishing centres of learning and creating a structured system for the study of the Vedas, Shankaracharya ensured that his teachings would survive and flourish across centuries.

The Granthavali, according to Shah, allows readers to appreciate the depth and scope of Shankaracharya’s philosophy, which spans metaphysics, ethics, theology, and epistemology. Shah highlighted that the publication in Gujarati aims to make these works accessible to a broader audience, particularly the youth of Gujarat, fostering engagement with India’s rich spiritual heritage.

By reflecting on the life and legacy of Shankaracharya, Shah emphasized the continuing relevance of ancient Indian wisdom in modern times. He described the philosopher as someone whose ideas were not merely abstract but provided practical guidance for navigating life’s challenges, promoting moral values, and nurturing intellectual curiosity.

The event also highlighted the importance of documenting and preserving classical texts. Shah’s remarks suggested that initiatives like the publication of the Granthavali are essential not only for historical and cultural preservation but also for empowering new generations to connect with India’s philosophical traditions.

Concluding his address, Amit Shah reiterated that Shankaracharya’s vision was one of inclusivity, intellectual clarity, and spiritual strength. By establishing institutions, resolving philosophical debates, and disseminating knowledge, Shankaracharya ensured that Sanatana Dharma’s principles were deeply embedded in Indian society. Shah expressed hope that the Granthavali would inspire readers to continue the journey of understanding, reflection, and application of these timeless teachings.

Through this initiative, Shah said, the youth of Gujarat—and India at large—could access Shankaracharya’s ideas, derive insights for personal and social development, and contribute positively to the broader cultural and spiritual discourse in the country.