Sanskrit: Stitching together a national identity

Sanskrit is the basis of this country and it is every Indian’s fundamental duty to gather a strong understanding of the nuances of the language and adopt it. There will be no better source of inner pride and strength than the situation when every Indian, irrespective of caste, creed, religion, geographical or ethnic allegiance is able to have a working knowledge of the language. Men and women of all followings should be able to grasp writings and literary works in Sanskrit. A mere reading of translated editions will not suffice. It is necessary to be able to sink into the essence of the language and be able to internalize the intent of the meanings.

Whatever the economic or social compulsions be, men and women should take to the task of wielding the Sanskrit language with mind and soul. It should not at all be a matter of difficulty to arrange like minded groups associated by reason of locality, profession or otherwise. With regularity, each group should meet at some suitable location at a convenient time. With humility and with the sole intention of learning the Sanskrit language, a teacher should be approached. It is eminently preferable that all such activities be performed in an informal manner. There is absolutely no need to institutionalize any aspect of this process. Persons who prefer an individual approach can take up this process of Sanskrit learning like a private adventure - following different leads and collecting together a tapestry that reflects the wonderful colours of our civilization. As a labour of love, with the joy that comes with painstakingly achieving a cherished goal, Indians of all hues should patiently keep at the task of mastering Samskrtam.

Initially there will be the short task of gathering the first few rules of grammar. Many millennia of pedagogy have resulted in a few brief tables that lend themselves to memorization. Tables of word forms and verb forms learnt over the first few weeks allow an easy way to gather the basic tools that will be of assistance right up to the most advanced summits of Sanskrit learning. This initial process of rote learning could be accompanied by the assisted reading of some literature in Samskrtam to get a feel of the usage.

With time, the regular hours of joyfully learning the language will lead to competency in reading basic literature and fluency in conversational usage. Sanskrit literature, beginning with the ancient treatises and leading to the various grand works of playwrights, poets and composers can in itself lead to a lifetime of meaningful pursuit and fulfillment. Apart from literature, those with a special interest in the various fields of classical learning like music, grammar, logic, science, prosody, astronomy and mathematics (to name only a few) can separately, or in like minded groups continue with their learning under the guidance of a qualified scholar. It will be enriching, both to the individual and the society in large, if even a few amongst us can contribute to extending the boundaries of traditional scholarship. There is a pressing need to update many of the classical sciences by incorporating discoveries and theories established over the last few centuries all over the world. Discussion, refinement and evolution have always characterised the intellectual traditions of our country. There is every need to assist its continuity. Like minded groups can associate to organize intellectual gatherings where competitions and discussions can give reason to strive for excellence and improvement.

This nationwide pursuit of Sanskrit will be like a national hobby. There are no institutions to confirm to, no time-tables to adhere to. As it might suit each one of us, in a convenient pace, a parallel framework for thinking and expression can be created to enrich our minds and animate our beloved country to unshackle itself from its deadened stupor. Given the catholic appeal of Sanskrit and its highly secular nature, there will be no boundaries between fellow Indians. If not already done, theological scholars should get together and prepare authorized translations of religious texts like the Quran, the Holy Bible and the Guru Granth Sahib in Sanskrit. No geographical, ethnic, religious, social, financial or racial barriers can stop the powerful potential of this great land. All of us identify with Sanskrit and yet it belongs to no particular region or community. It is the one common distinct thread that runs deep within all of us, binding us subtly. If we could recognize this binding force and breathe into it the fire of our wills, our unity and cohesion will become a force to reckon with.

This entire chain of events will have a remarkably short gestation period. Within a few years and almost certainly within a decade the many thousands of sparks of learning and wisdom throughout the country can engage the genius of our land to form a brightness to light the world.