This is an archive article published on February 17, 2016
Govt school in Bhuj introduces Sanskrit from Class I
The students of Shivnagar (Shantinagar) Prathmik Shala 24 in Kutch-Bhuj will study Sanskrit from Class I .
Written by Ritu Sharma
Ahmedabad | February 17, 2016 12:54 AM IST
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INTRODUCING Class I students to Sanskrit, a government primary school in Bhuj has started it as a subject from the entry-level class. According to the school administration, Bhuj is first in the state to do so. The students of Shivnagar (Shantinagar) Prathmik Shala 24 in Kutch-Bhuj will study Sanskrit from Class I . State education department’s current rule is to introduce Sanskrit from Class VI. A special programme was organised by the school administration to implement the decision on February 12, on the occasion of Basant Panchami.
“Sanskrit being our deva bhasha, we believe children should learn this language at an early stage, recognise alphabets and at least be able to speak common words we use in our daily life. For instance, danda deepa (tubelight), bhramandhwani (mobile phone), dhenu (cow), shuka (parrot) and items used in classroom like krishnafalak (blackboard). At the introductory stage, they will be taught orally, though with the help of books, but the focus will be on speaking Sanskrit more,” said school principal Pareshbhai Gujarati.
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“The school has been conducting Sanskrit learning classes for children and adults. They approached us with this idea and we gave the nod. It’s the first school in the district to have a rainwater harvesting facility and its students have also contributed towards de-addiction campaign in the area,” said deputy District Primary Education Officer (DPEO) Nileshbhai Gor.
When asked if the school has been granted permission from the education department, Gujarati said, “We have received the permission to start this initiative under ‘other activities’ that a school can start, for instance, innovative programmes for environment. It was a collaborative effort of our school teaching faculty and Samskrita Bharati that has donated textbooks.”
As per the curriculum designed for the entry classes, the stress would be on spoken language. The school also plans to conduct written exams.
Ritu Sharma is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express' Gujarat bureau, an editorial position that reflects her experience and Authority in regional journalism. With over a decade of concentrated reporting experience, she is a highly Trustworthy and specialized journalist, especially noted for her Expertise in the education sector across Gujarat and previously Chandigarh.
Expertise
Primary Authority (Education): With over ten years of dedicated reporting on education in both Gujarat and Chandigarh, Ritu Sharma is a foremost authority on educational policy, institutional governance, and ground realities from "KG to PG." Her coverage includes:
Higher Education: In-depth scrutiny of top institutions like IIM-Ahmedabad (controversies over demolition/restoration of heritage architecture), IIT-Bombay (caste discrimination issues), and new initiatives like international branch campuses in GIFT City.
Schooling & Policy: Detailed coverage of government schemes (Gyan Sadhana School Voucher Scheme), the implementation and impact of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, teacher recruitment issues, and the impact of national policies like the NEP.
Student Welfare: Reporting on critical issues such as suicide allegations due to caste discrimination, and the challenges faced by students (e.g., non-delivery of NAMO tablets). ... Read More
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