Jaipur school fosters children with shlokas and ayats alike

Shedding its former claim to fame as the communal violence centre in Rajasthan's capital city, Bhatta Basti is now setting an example of communal harmony instead. Case in point, a school in the village teaches its children to recite both Sanskrit shlokas. Here, hands are raised while reciting Quranic verses and folded while reciting Sanskrit shlokas.

Predominantly Muslim populated, it was until recently in news for sporadic communal tensions. But away from the hotspot, the state-run school has nearly 450 students where students dabble in reading Quranic verses, followed by a lesson in Sanskrit literature.

Held every day over two periods at Government Secondary School, each student is expected to be acquainted with the combined syllabus.

Speaking to Zee, a student said, "In the morning, I go to study the Quran in the madrasa, while in the afternoon I learn Sanskrit and Urdu. I am fluent in eight to ten Sanskrit verses and enjoy learning the language."

Nagesh Sharma, the Principal of the school, said, "In the initial period, we faced difficulty, but now this school has become an example for people. When these children recite the shlokas, their voice can be heard far and wide. The craving among these children to learn the mother of all Indic languages is very impressive and appreciated."

― Zee Media Newsroom