Should Sanskrit be made compulsory in Indian schools?

Is it time to make Sanskrit a compulsory subject in Indian schools? This is an interesting question, and one that deserves a nuanced exploration. While many advocate for the adoption of Sanskrit as a compulsory subject due to its profound linguistic and cognitive benefits, the practicalities of implementation must also be considered.

Benefits of Learning Sanskrit

One cannot overlook the significant benefits that Sanskrit offers in terms of brain development and overall intellectual growth. Historically, Sanskrit has been a powerful tool for education and has contributed to the development of science, mathematics, and philosophy.

India is the birthplace of Sanskrit, and it holds immense cultural and spiritual value. However, making Sanskrit compulsory as per the Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry would likely face significant opposition. Students and various communities might resist such a move, primarily due to a biased thought process.

Alternative Approaches

Instead of making Sanskrit mandatory, the HRD Ministry should focus on creating awareness about the language's benefits. This can be done from a scientific standpoint rather than a religious one. By emphasizing the cognitive and developmental advantages, the Ministry might garner more support.

For instance, countries like Russia, Germany, and other Western nations have included Sanskrit in their university curricula. These examples can be highlighted to demonstrate the relevance and value of the language in contemporary education systems.

The Ministry could also conduct scientific studies with a sample size of volunteers to observe the before-and-after effects of learning Sanskrit. Such studies would provide empirical evidence of the language's benefits, which could be used to build a stronger case for its inclusion in Indian schools.

Challenges and Success Stories

The HRD Ministry should aim to gain a broad buy-in from the majority of the population before making Sanskrit a mandatory subject. This approach is ironic considering the language's origins in India. For instance, Sriramachandrudu, a prominent figure in the field of Sanskrit, has significantly contributed to the language's preservation.

Key Figures: Sriramachandrudu, the head of the Sanskrit department at Osmania University, played a pivotal role in promoting and teaching Sanskrit. He has over 100 books to his name and has been honored by multiple governments and institutions for his contributions.

Special Recognition: On the occasion of his 70th birthday, Sriramachandrudu's contributions to the language were celebrated, albeit slightly late. His disciples and the Pithadhipati of Kanchi sent greetings to honor him. About 250,000 people worldwide speak Sanskrit daily, with many institutions like Surabhi actively promoting the language.

Current Initiatives: Sanskrit is currently taught in central schools under the CBSE board up to Class XII. The HRD Ministry has already provided scholarships, fellowships, and funding for classical studies related to Sanskrit, indicating support for the language. However, the challenge remains more with the lack of enthusiasm from certain sections of the population.

Implementing Change: Making Sanskrit compulsory might not be the most effective approach. Instead, focusing on promoting the language through awareness campaigns and empirical studies can lead to a more positive and informed acceptance.

Conclusion

While the idea of making Sanskrit compulsory in Indian schools is well-intentioned, it must be approached carefully. By fostering a genuine appreciation for the language and its benefits, the HRD Ministry can achieve its goals without causing unnecessary tension. Focusing on guidance and support rather than compulsion may be the key to ensuring the continued promotion and preservation of Sanskrit in Indian education.