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Sanskrit: Past, Present and Future

Different Languages and Sanskrit

Language is a structured system of communication. It is the primary means of communication between human beings and is one of our finest assets. Communication can be made through speech or signs or writing. Even animals that cannot speak communicate their feelings using sound uttered from their mouths or through bodily gestures. Generally, human languages are of three types: spoken, written and gesture. The spoken language involves speaking and listening while the written language is used for writing and reading skills. Similarly, physically impaired or disabled (the blind, the deaf and the mute ones) use different gestures as a form of communication. According to different sources, there are more than 7000 living languages in the world. Their sister languages called dialects are uncountable. Languages evolve just like our societies and the nature of language changes for different reasons in different generations. Similarly, what we have also experienced is that languages also have words and vocabularies that are directly or indirectly borrowed from other influential languages. As an example, words such as guru, pundit, Rishi, lathicharge etc. are from Sanskrit, Nepali and Hindi, but now commonly used in English. Conversely, words such as coat, jacket and computer, camera are borrowed and commonly used in Nepali or Hindi from English. Although, computer of English is translated as Susankhya in Sanskrit nowadays. Ohnologue, a trusted online publication shows that as many as 7151, languages spoken around the world today. 1 As per their website, the most spoken ten languages (by population) is listed below: 1. English 1,132 million 2. Mandarin (Chinese) 1,117 million 3. Hindi 613 million 4. Spanish 534 million 5. French 280 million 6. Arabic 274 million 7. Bengali 265 million 8. Russian 258 million 9. Portuguese 199 million 10. Indonesian 170 million Languages are structured by grammar and linguistic rules. The development of language was made through human sense. In other words, the human development itself is the history of language development. The history of human development or the history of language development is counted roughly from 150,000 years ago. However, the linguistic evidence in script dates back to around 6000 years before. 2 Sanskrit The literal meaning of the word 'Sanskrit' is anything 'washed', 'cleaned', 'refined'. However, Sanskrit refers to mainly two things: 1. A refined language that has huge and plenty of religious, ethical, scientific, and management-based books compiled and, 2. Oldest language in the global history 1 https://www.ethnologue.com/guides/how-many-languages 2 Ibid Sanskrit books include literature, different writings of great authors like Kalidas, Megha, Bharati and many others till date. Sanskrit literature includes philosophy (Eastern) both Astikas, who believe in God, Sankhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Baisheshik, Mimamsa and Vedant and Nastikas who do not believe in God, the Buddha, the Jain and the Charbak, Science (mainly Astronomy), yoga, mathematics, algebra, geometry, medicine and diseases, their cause and remedies, ways of dancing, singing different types of music, lyrics, Karmakand, a strong ritual deeds composition. (Hindu human functions from pre-birth to post funeral, Yagya, Hawan, rite of passage, marriage and so like). Apart from those subjects' ancient history of the Manus, the original kings, rishis, their ancestors also are described. Sanskrit literature also houses all the Hindu rituals, their purposes, uses and ways. Sanskrit is called an old Indo-Aryan language in which the most ancient documents are composed. The Vedas are composed in Vedic Sanskrit language. Sanskrit is the mother of several Indo-Aryan languages including both Hindi and Nepali. Both those languages have a lot of dialects that are borrowed in the same form (tatsam) and/ or in the similar form (tadvab). Other languages such as Pali, Awadhi, Bhojpuri, Bengali, Urdu, English, French, and Portuguese, among others, have many words that are directly or indirectly decorated from Sanskrit vocabulary. It is easily explainable that Sanskrit is the richest language in language storage with a reserve of more than 102.78 billion words with about 2200 dhatus or root words. Sanskrit words are created out of those dhatus, adding different prefixes and suffixes. Unlike other rich languages, Sanskrit words can be pronounced within the strict rule of gender and tense. In Sanskrit, words are grouped based on pronunciation created by throat, teeth, nasal, lip etc. Number of words in different languages 3 Sanskrit 102,780,000,000 English 171,476 Russian 150,000 Spanish 93,000 Chinese 85,568 Therefore, Sanskrit seems more structured and rich in the milieu of global language arena. 3 Ibid Strength of Sanskrit Sanskrit stands out with some peculiar characteristics in the store of global language. The specialties of Sanskrit can be listed as below: 1. Sanskrit is one of the oldest living languages of the world. 2. Sanskrit is rich in words and structured in defined grammar. 3. The oldest books, the Vedas, were composed in Sanskrit. 4. Sanskrit is not only a language but also a symbol of human value, culture and storage of heritage. 5. Sanskrit is the language of deities and Gods, which was familiarized by our Rishis, Munis, saints, and the divine power. 6. Sanskrit's well-structured strength encouraged NASA for study to make it a language of computer. 7. Well known universities of the world like Harvard, Cambridge and many German universities have been teaching and researching in Sanskrit through their separate Sanskrit departments or research units. 8. Sanskrit mantras hold the strength of peace-keeping, disease control, good consult, copying of natural calamities, yoga and so on. In order to mitigate COVID 19-control, the then US president Donald Trump recited Sanskrit mantras widely through pundits. 9. In Sanskrit sentences, the nouns, verbs and objects can be put in the beginning or in the middle or at the end of the sentence where the speaker is free to decide. 10. International communities appreciate the inherent Sanskrit knowledge and importance by doing International Sanskrit Conferences in every 3 year interval. 11. Every year, thousands of books are written and published in Sanskrit. 12. Separate Sanskrit universities have been established to promote the importance of Sanskrit in Nepal and India. 13. Many organizations in Nepal and India, like Jayatu Sanskritam (Nepal) and Sanskrit Barati (India) have been established to highlight the glory of Sanskrit globally, especially in Nepal and India. Moreover, Sanskrit teaching/ learning practices are gaining popularity even in Germany, England and USA. 14. Sanskrit pronunciation helps to provide energy to mind and brain through meditation such as Yoga (studies have proved). 15. Many languages in the world are influenced by Sanskrit words (Many books have proved). How old is Sanskrit? Sanskrit is considered one of the oldest languages in Asia. There is no record of the actual date when Sanskrit was first spoken. However, it is believed that Sanskrit was developed in Hind Kush area of northern Himalayas. According to the Hindu holy book and Hindu Gurus and Pandits, Sanskrit is the language of Gods and deities. All Hindu holy books and divine instructions are codified in Sanskrit books. Out of Sanskrit books, the Vedas are considered to be the oldest. They are the pioneer and oldest ever received books in the entire world. All other Hindu holy books including Upanishad, Puran, Dharmashastra and Smritis are structured in Sanskrit. It is believed that the Vedas were written before 5000 B.C. It is already mentioned that Hindu rituals and cultures are codified in Sanskrit. The Indian subcontinent that includes both Nepal and India are considered the center of Hinduism. Overall Sanskrit learning, which is called the Vangmaya, and the language were both expanded in the region since the prehistoric era. When the Greeks, the Portuguese, the Moguls and the English invaded India in different time periods, the strength of Sanskrit gradually became feeble. Especially the Moguls and English attacked the Hindu culture, broke Hindu deities' statues, and burnt Hindu holy books. When the English people invaded India, they started to hit the Hindu civilization, Hindu culture and Sanskrit learning. Sanskrit and Hindu civilization took a big hit when they established English schools, harassed Sanskrit teachers and disturbed the usual Hindu rituals. It is said that Lord Macaulay, the representative of the British Empire in India, presented a report in the British parliament with the view to hit Hindu culture and Sanskrit study to establish and promote British influence in 1835. Soon after that, the British government in India started English schools shutting down the existing Sanskrit schools. They also started teaching in the English language and unfairly treating the Sanskrit scholars, gurus and students. These events started the downfall of Sanskrit overall in India. On the contrary, even with different unfavorable settings happening in Himalayan region Nepal, the people remembered the unperishable knowledge (capital) of Sanskrit. They realized the long run influence of Sanskrit and Hindu heritage. These strengths helped them preserve Sanskrit language and culture in Nepal and in the entire world. Nepali Hindu people have known that many kinds of heritage, arts, cultures and traditions are based and developed in Sanskrit texts, hence, signifying the strength and importance of the language. Even today, in order to properly master the Nepali language, Sanskrit which deserves about 80 percent words, is inevitable. In Nepal, Sanskrit became the official language during medieval period. The Lichchhavi rulers in Nepal officially followed Sanskrit language and gave equal treatment to local languages. Even today, many stone and metal inscriptions belonging to the Lichchhavi era are in Sanskrit. Such unperishable assets help us make and strengthen Sanskrit language and the civilization based on it. Viewing the inseparable situation of Sanskrit in a civilization, Sanskrit teaching/ learning practices could not be interrupted or stopped. Such a strength of Sanskrit encouraged Nepal government to establish a separate University and continue Sanskrit teaching, learning, researching practices. This geared Nepal government to Sanskrit University. Simultaneously, some institutions like Jayatu Sanskritam started working for Sanskrit in and out of the country. Establishment of Separate Nepal Sanskrit University In 2001 (2044 BS), a separate Sanskrit University was established in Nepal. A renowned Sanskrit campaigner Yogi Naraharinath encouraged the then government to establish a separate Sanskrit university for the overall development of Sanskrit sector in Nepal. Once the separate university was established, it gave a lot of joy to Sanskrit lovers and scholars as well as its well-wishers because that was an important step taken up toward the preservation and promotion of the Sanskrit language and its earning practices in Nepal. Prior to the establishment of the University, all Sanskrit classes, examinations, degrees and research works were done through Tribhuvan University, the oldest University in the country. The Nepal Sanskrit University during its establishment, had set for itself the following objectives: a. Run all of its operational business in Sanskrit b. Fulfill the need of an autonomous institution c. Develop Nepal into a center of Sanskrit learning d. Preserve and promote Sanskrit education and heritage in and out of the country e. Encourage research of in Sanskrit at different levels and capacities The Nepal Sanskrit University provides different degrees, conducts non-degree courses and encourages research works in Sanskrit. The University also conducts training programs on Vedic Literature, Jyotish (Astronomy) and many other subjects. Jayatu Sanskritam Jayatu Sanskritam was a campaign to promote Sanskrit during the Rana regime in Nepal. Initially, such campaigns were organized by Sanskrit scholars to ask for equal opportunities as that of other students who were studying English. At that time, Sanskrit students who were mainly living in hostels were not granted permission to study modern subjects like Geography, History, Mathematics and English. The purpose of the campaign was to force the government to let the Sanskrit students study all the other subjects as well. Eventually, after a long and arduous struggle, the government was forced to fulfill the students' demand. This movement was also the first protest by the students against the Rana regime. This laid a foundation and eventually was one of the driving forces to dethrone the Ranas and to establish democracy in Nepal in 1951 AD. This event is now recollected by many scholars as a historical people's movement to replace Rana autocratic regime and establish democracy. Later, the same movement was transferred to a non-government sector organization called Jayatu Sanskritam in Nepal in BS 2055 (1998 AD). This organization focuses on the promotion, expansion and development of Sanskrit in Nepal and abroad. 4 Once, Jayatu Sanskritam movement was transferred to Jayatu Sanskritam organization in BS. 2055 (1998 AD) in a private sector, it focused on the following: A. Translation of Sanskrit books into Nepali language (various eastern philosophy books and the Puranas). Till date, 23 different books on different subjects of Sanskrit have been published by the organization. B. Publishing Sanskrit books in varied subjects C. Honoring Sanskrit scholars D. Giving cash prizes and honor certificates to those who have been working in areas that benefit Sanskrit E. Conducting Sanskrit learning classes F. Working in tandem with other Sanskrit loving organizations like, Tribhuvan University, Nepal Sanskrit University, Open University Nepal Academy, and others. 4 "Situation of Sanskrit Language in Republic Nepal." An article published by Rishiram Adhikari in academia.edu 2022. G. Assists and urges the government to make Sanskrit policies and curriculum for the development of Sanskrit H. Writing Uttar Mahabharat - Uttar Mahabharat is a giant book on global culture and history of the post-Mahabharat era. It is a single book on global facts on what happened after the Mahabharat war which is well known. Jayatu Sanskritam has started to conduct this project to meet the gap of events after the great war by writing single global book, taking consideration that after Mahabharat, no single book on the events have been written. Apart from the aforementioned activities, Jayatu Sanskritam organizes Sanskrit teaching courses in the different parts of the country and world, both in class sessions as well as virtually via Zoom. The organization also celebrates regular annual and significant activities like the Jayatu Sanskritam Movement day (Asar 1), Hindu religious festivals, Sanskrit poem functions etc. The organization has also held programs that can be completed in a short time such as Sanskrit language training, training on religion, philosophy and culture areas etc. Overall Situation of Sanskrit Situation of Sanskrit in Nepal /India seems opposite to what it is like in the global context. While curiosity about the language and culture pertaining to Sanskrit has been found increasing in the Western part of the world, it feels as if the opposite is happening in Nepal/India where the language's popularity is declining. Learning-teaching practices among the people have been deteriorating in the recent time. Recent data show that only 1500 families speak Sanskrit in Nepal.5 A large mass of people thinks Sanskrit to be an old, non-practical and traditional language. The views of the general people that learning Sanskrit doesn't guarantee job security is partly true, and so, the government hasn't been doing enough. People's view of Sanskrit not being capable and sufficient to compete with in modern world will not change unless learning Sanskrit can help people get more jobs as well as sustainable lifestyle. Such thinking is hampering Sanskrit's development. As a result, the number of Sanskrit students is decreasing year by year. On the contrary, the annual tuition and fees of Sanskrit University has not decreased. The University is bound to run classes even if there are very few or no students. Moreover, the University is bound to pay salary to those teacher /subjects who have insignificant number of students or even if there are no students. 5 Census BS 2068, Nepal Bureau of Statistics Reason behind to decrease the students Reasons behind the decreasing number of students in Sanskrit sector in Nepal are as follow: – Sentiments of Hindu opposition views has augmented within the country. – The anti-Hindu sentiments and the increased conversion from Hinduism to Christianity and the movement of Christianity membership drive especially withing the rural parts of the country. – Some people's incorrect idea and approach to Sanskrit being a language of the Brahmins and that other castes or races cannot study the subject. Their idea is that only Brahmins have autocracy in Sanskrit and that Brahmins do not allow other casts to learn Sanskrit. – Sanskrit teachers did not protest and care about the in-depth study and selfcorrection measures – Every year annual national budget for Sanskrit sector and its research has been trending down limiting organizations to push the language on common people. – Nepal, even though its 92% population are Hindus, recently became a secular nation. This worked against the favor of both Hinduism as well as Sanskrit. The importance of Hindu philosophy has shadowed, consequently the importance of Sanskrit is largely endangered. Sanskrit in Global Context Globally, Sanskrit's importance seems to be growing. The western society appears especially benevolent to Sanskrit's enormous knowledge and wisdom that comes together with Sanskrit language. They realize the theme of humanity in Sanskrit, like letting everybody be happy, being free of physical and mental illness, being involved in good works, welfare activities etc. They love the idea of respecting parents, gurus, and seniors as dictated by the Hindu shastras and mythology. Therefore, renowned universities like Harvard, Cambridge and a large number of German universities are opening Sanskrit departments and conducting study and research. Such is the belief that, to eliminate the effects of COVID-19, the then American President Donald Trump recited Hindu mantras brining priests over to the White House. The priests chanted the sacred Vedic Shanti Path or peace prayer in the White House on the occasion of National Day of Prayer Service for the safety and well-being of everyone affected by the coronavirus pandemic and to eliminate the virus itself. Additionally, it is rumored that NASA is researching Sanskrit's importance to make it as computer language. World Sanskrit Conference In order to spread the light of Sanskrit language and literature, a global organization has been organizing international Sanskrit conferences in every 3 years. The conference brings people from more than 90 countries where share their views and exchange experiences, using Sanskrit as the medium of communication. The 18th Conference has been scheduled to run in Canberra, Australia in 2023 January. In fact, this conference was supposed to take place in 2021, but was postponed because of COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking of recent history of the conference, the 15th & 16th conferences were organized in India and Canada respectively. The 17th conference that was hosted in Vancouver, Canada and it decided that the 19th conference would be hosted in Kathmandu in 2024. In Nepal, Sanskrit's importance has been realized in the optimal degree. In recent years Nepal has been regretting its past attitude and activities which hindered Sanskrit. The Nepali politicians, learned people and bureaucrats are trying to correct the policies. Now, they have decided to teach Sanskrit in all school level classes as an optional paper. A curriculum has been prepared for it. Many private schools have started Sanskrit classes on their own. In Tribhuvan University a separate Sanskrit Department has been established. Nepal Academy has started publication in line to promote philosophy, Karmakanda and yoga books to widen Sanskrit education. Many other universities also have turned their eyes in promotion of Sanskrit learning. Conclusion Sanskrit is one of the oldest known languages in the world, with examples of Vedic Sanskrit dating back to approximately 5000 BCE and possibly even earlier. The word “Sanskrit” is translated in several different ways, as “complete,” “perfect,” or “pulled together.” Sanskrit is one of the most famous and culturally important of these languages with literatures and proven science in the field of philosophy, literature, science, learning, astrology, dance-music, lyrics, singing, yoga, ethical and moral knowledge and others. It is believed that there is no other knowledge in the universe which is not composed in Veda. Sanskrit grammar originated by Panini probably in 6th century, is proven as a strong and well formatted grammar. Sanskrit is believed to be originally originated in Hindkush Mountains in Asia. Nepal and India are considered the hub of Sanskrit, but it is a misery that in these core countries the situation of Sanskrit has been endangered. Nevertheless, in recent times, Sanskrit's importance has been globally recognized. Western world has been intrigued by the language and the various literatures in Sanskrit. In the recent times, even in Nepal, the situation seems to be gradually improving for the promotion of Sanskrit learning. The government as well as other organizations should conduct more research as well invest money and wisdom for the preservation of such an appreciated and prized language that once ruled majority of the world but is now endangered. Thanks References : 1. Bachaspati Gairola- Sanskrit Sahitya ka Itihas, Chaukhamba Bidyabhawan Varanasi, India, 2nd. Edition BS 2032. 2. All 18 Mahapuran books originally in Sanskrit and later translated (Chapter wise) in Nepali by Dr. Badri Pokhrel, BS 2076 to 2079. 3. Janardan Ghimire – Shabda Sandoha, A comparative study on Sanskrit and the western languages, part 1, BS 2067. 4. Shiva Gopal Risal, Gyan dekhi Bigyan Samma, BS 2021. 5. Sanskrit ma ke chha (What is in Sanskrit), Jayatu Sanskritam, BS 2061. 6. Harshanath Bhattarai – Kautilya Arthashastra, Education Publishing House, Jamal Kathmandu, BS 2074. 7. Ved Byas – Different angels and aspects of Ramayana and Mahabharat.