’Sanskrit Bharati’ pushes for Sanskrit Academy’

Special Correspondent

Silchar, January 3:Sanskrit Bharati which organised Sanskrit Japada Sammelan recently here has now taken up cudgel against the attempts by vested interests to do away with the classical language and to ensure that the language of Vedas and Purans is brought back to its pristine glory. In identical memorandum to the State Education Minister and the Union Human Resource Minister, Sanskrit Bharati has stressed that Sanskrit is the language of our glorious tradition, culture and science. Leaders like B R Ambedkar too admitted that learning and teaching in Sanskrit is necessary for all Indians.

 It was way back in 1956–57 that Sanskrit Ayog after long discussions and exchange of views with the scholar and experts made several recommendations for deciding the method for the spread and education in Sanskrit. University Grants Commission also made slew of recommendations in 1966 for imparting education in the classical language across the country. Even the Supreme Court of India also favoured Sanskrit teaching and learning for strengthening the unity and integrity as well as for identity as an Indian.

 But of late, Sanskrit Bharati noted with concern how move is on to remove Sanskrit from the curriculum of schools and universities. The only organization trying desperately against such a subtle and sinister attempt has forwarded arguments in the memorandum to justify the continuation of Sanskrit in educatiol institutions from the primary to the highest level and sought immediate and urgent intervention of both the state of Assam and the Centre.

 It was impressed that the state governments and the Centre should take effective steps for making Sanskrit compulsory from the primary to higher secondary stage in educatiol institutions. Students having Sanskrit in their courses of studies for higher secondary should be admitted in BA and MS course of Ayurveda. Besides, Sanskrit be included in the Ayurveda curriculum. The  teaching and examition in the subject at all levels of education has to be in Sanskrit.

 Another important thrust by Sanskrit Bharati has been the inclusion of study of ancient science and philosophy of the country in professiol and technical courses.. UNESCO in its report has after much evaluation considered learning of Sanskrit as the strong base of education for inculcation of values and virtues and above all humanitarianism in individuals. Both the Centre and the States have at the same time been impressed upon for the preservation of Vedas and all other Indian scriptures as well as the patronization of centres of Sanskrit education, many of which are struggling hard for lack of motivation and adequate funding from the government.  

 Many states, it has been pointed out, have set up Sanskrit Academy. But, unfortutely, north east states have no such academy. Assam and other states in the region should be provided necessary encouragement and fiscal support for setting up Sanskrit Academy. Uma Shankar Tiwari, president of Sanskrit Bharati, is hopeful with the change of guards in Delhi, concrete steps might be initiated in this regard.