Sanskrit legacy getting new lease of life

For this peace-loving army, introductory pamphlets of the language have replaced the ammunitions and post-doctoral fellows, research scholars, teachers, housewives and students have substituted the soldiers.

The mission slated to turn into a movement is taking shape in the city which has the rare distinction of one of most renowned centres of Sanskrit learning and research in the world.

The declaration of year 1999-2000 as `Sanskrit year’ by the Education department under the Ministry of Human Resource Development has provided another strong reason for the army of the scholars, besides their love for the language, to fold their sleeves and get set for the task.

So taking time out of their antique study rooms and ancient manuscripts, the scholars along with their local and international students propose to bring about the revival of the language.

On the other hand, profound love for Sankrit has also served the union of nearly 50 Sanskrit institutions of national and international repute in the city which have come together and formed a `Sanskrit varsha samitee’ (Sanskrit Year Committee) to organise various events for the propagation and popularisation of the language.

“We have stopped feeling sorry for the sorrowful plight of the `divine language’ in the country of its origin. But we do not think much nor do we blame the government for this, we want to take up the responsibility on our shoulders and revive the language once again in the society,” remarks Dr Saroja Bhate, working president of the Samitee as she reflects the determination of her team.

“Rather than seeking financial assistance from the government, we have decided to contribute ourselves for the noble task. Besides we will go door-to-door for collection of fund. Collaborate with the Central Sanskrit Board is also being worked out”’, adds Bhate.

Despite a humble beginning with mere Rs 2,000, the committee proposes to raise a massive fund on its own for its various events which it plans to organise in the districts of Pune, Ahmednagar and Nashik.

The most highlighting feature of the campaign is that the language may be ancient but its revival is being scripted with a colour of glamour and verve.

So, the committee has a full-fledge programme that shall take care of its aggressive media campaign. So the All India Radio has been made has its presence as the member of the committee which will ensure the radio coverage of programmes such as talks and discussions for popularisation of Sanskrit.

Doing it the electronic way, there is a campaign to be run on Doordarshan besides a plan to sneak into the furnished drawing rooms of cosmopolitan apartments through the cable network is also on anvil.

There are conventional events too, like workshops for teachers and a lecture series by eminent Sanskrit scholars from all over the country.

But here again, the convention is being robed in the most popular gown of modernity. Then be it the novel idea of a `Sanskrit Quiz’ a la Bournvita quiz style which will see students cracking their brains over puzzles relating to the Sanskrit language or even further interesting event of `Sanskrit Antakshari’ for the young hearts who soothe their nerves viewing the similar programmes on the tube.

With glitz comes the inseperable money. The organisers are toying with the idea of finding sponsors for their unique promotion campaign of the language. “Pepsi, Coca Cola?” quizzes Bhate. “Why not if they are ready to promote the language,” she answers in same breath.