While London’s St James Independent School has incorporated Sanskrit into its syllabus, in India, the language hasn’t many takers.
While London’s St James Independent School has incorporated Sanskrit into its syllabus, in India, the language hasn’t many takers. Foreign languages like German and French are offered at many schools in the city; however, hardly any have Sanskrit in the curriculum.
Acharya Kailash, who completed his MA in Sanskrit and has been taking Sanskrit classes for the last five years, says, “All languages stand where they are; people’s thinking and perception either draws them closer or drags them away from it. Sanskrit is not just a language, but a way of living.”
Sanskrit, one of the 22 official Indian languages, is also one of the oldest. 23-year-old Pradnya Kelkar, a media professional, conducts Sanskrit classes. “Today, every parent wants their child to know English, and there is nothing wrong with this. But Sanskrit, which is a historic language, is neglected and this is not right,” she rues.
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan is one of the few institutions working towards the revival of the language. It brings out Sanskrit publications from time to time. “Many regional languages have stemmed from Sanskrit,” says GB Jani, deputy director, PG and Research department, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.
Gauri Mahulikar, HOD of the Sanskrit department at Mumbai University, points out that they are working towards the revival of the language. She says the University Grants Commission (UGC) has made a 20-mark course in Sanskrit mandatory for government schools and certain colleges. “It could be in the form of an assignment, viva or book review, but it has to be compulsorily in Sanskrit,” she says.
Umesh Bhardwaj, principal, Swami Shantiprakash Gurukul Vidyapith in Ulhasnagar, one of the few gurukuls in the city, suggests that the language be made compulsory at least till standard 12. “Gurukuls often don’t receive financial support and this hampers their functioning,” he says.
Mahulikar adds that many private schools have started offering Sanskrit because it is considered a scoring subject. Mumbai University has also started a one-year part-time certificate course, and has seen an increase in student registration. “Any language prevails only if it’s written and spoken, which is not the case with Sanskrit. But decline is often followed by a revival, and Sanskrit today is in the revival stage,” she says.
h_ansari@dnaindia.net
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}