Vlogging in Sanskrit, this 23-year-old from Karnataka breaks stereotypes to promote the ancient language

The 23-year-old is a Sanskrit scholar with a vision to promote the ancient language. Armed with a Master’s degree in Sanskrit, her journey began with a deep-rooted connection to the language, nurtured since childhood along the serene banks of the river in Karnataka’s Honnavar.

Reflecting on her journey, Gubbi reminisces about her early encounters with Sanskrit. “We started learning Sanskrit from childhood and it became a ritual by the river every year, surrounded by fellow Sanskrit enthusiasts,” she recalls.

The inception of Sthayi.in in 2021 marked a turning point.

“We wanted to take Sanskrit to all sectors of society. Sthayi.in evolved beyond a mere educational platform, striving to make Sanskrit accessible and relevant to diverse audiences. Through innovative initiatives like themed marathons and musical bands, we wanted to shatter stereotypes and reach out to corporates, sports enthusiasts, and musicians alike,” said Gubbi.

However, Gubbi soon realised the need to make Sanskrit more relatable to the younger generation. She believed that Sanskrit could be a language for everyday conversations, and food vlogging was her unique strategy to bridge the gap between the ancient language and modern life. She later started with capturing the essence of Bengaluru’s diverse culinary scene, from the historic Priyadarshini to the trendy cafes.

Her vlogs showcase not just the food but also the stories behind them, making them visually appealing and informative.

Gubbi’s approach to Sanskrit vlogging was unconventional. She uses a natural and fluent voice-over, along with subtitles in contemporary language, making her content easily accessible and comprehensive to a wider audience.

“My aim is to break the stereotype of Sanskrit being an ancient, religious language and present it in a way that resonated with the youth,” she said.

Her content, featuring trendy cafes – McDonalds, Pizza Hut – and other food destinations in Bengaluru strikes a direct chord with the Bengaluru’s young and vibrant culture.

“By using Sanskrit to discuss burgers and pizzas, and how to pronounce pizza in Sanskrit, I make efforts to bridge the gap between the ancient language and the modern world,” she said.

However, her journey as a Sanskrit vlogger has seen several challenges. “Some people were hesitant to interact with me in Sanskrit. But I mustered up a positive attitude and displayed my genuine passion for the language to win them over. I realised that even those who didn’t understand Sanskrit, were intrigued by my vlogs and appreciated my efforts to promote the language,” she said.

She recalls that capturing the legacy of an old restaurant SLV and the 95-year-old owner’s journey as a restauranter in Sanskrit language has been one of the most memorable experiences as a Sanskrit vlogger. Gubbi’s vlogs are not just about food; but it also extends to cultural immersion, historical preservation, and awareness of the Sanskrit language.