Acharya Devvrat Takes Oath as Governor of Maharashtra in Sanskrit

Acharya Devvrat formally assumed office as the Governor of Maharashtra on Monday, marking a ceremonial yet symbolic moment in the state’s constitutional leadership. Appointed by President Droupadi Murmu last week, Devvrat will now discharge the functions of the Maharashtra governor in addition to his duties as Gujarat’s Governor, following C P Radhakrishnan’s resignation after his election as the country’s next Vice-President.

The swearing-in ceremony at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai was conducted with solemnity and tradition. The oath of office was administered in Sanskrit by Bombay High Court Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar, highlighting Devvrat’s commitment to India’s cultural heritage. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, state ministers, senior bureaucrats, and police officials attended the ceremony, underscoring the importance of the event in the state’s administrative calendar.

Profile and Background

Acharya Devvrat, 66, has served as the Governor of Gujarat since 2019. He holds postgraduate degrees in Hindi and History and has earned a doctorate in Naturopathy and Yogic Science. His academic and spiritual background reflects a blend of scholarship and public service, aligning with his long-standing reputation as an educator and administrator.

Devvrat’s assumption of office as Maharashtra’s governor reinforces the tradition of governors being appointed across states to ensure constitutional continuity and impartial governance. By taking the oath in Sanskrit, he also highlighted India’s classical languages and cultural values, setting a tone for an office that often bridges ceremonial dignity with administrative responsibility.

Significance of the Appointment

The appointment of Acharya Devvrat comes at a transitional phase in Maharashtra, following the elevation of C P Radhakrishnan to the Vice-President of India. Devvrat’s dual responsibilities reflect the trust placed in him to uphold constitutional duties across two major states while maintaining governance stability. His extensive experience in administration and education positions him to manage the ceremonial and functional responsibilities of the gubernatorial office effectively.

The presence of senior state leaders and top officials at the swearing-in ceremony also underscores the collaborative approach required between the governor and the state government to maintain democratic and administrative balance.

Lessons in Governance and Tradition
 

Acharya Devvrat’s oath-taking in Sanskrit is more than symbolic; it demonstrates the importance of cultural continuity and constitutional decorum in Indian governance. At a time when the state and the nation navigate complex administrative challenges, the smooth transition of gubernatorial power exemplifies the resilience of India’s democratic institutions.
His appointment reminds citizens and policymakers alike that governance is as much about tradition and ceremony as it is about functional oversight. Maintaining this balance ensures the continuity of constitutional processes and reinforces public confidence in institutional leadership.