Vishwa Hindu Parishad Australia organised a 20 hour spoken Sanskrit camp from January 22 onwards. The camp was organised in two cities, Parramatta and Blacktown. Shri Vasuvaj, a dedicated volunteer and Sanskrit teacher of Samskrit Bharati, taught Sanskrit. The purpose of the camp was to understand the ease in learning, understanding and conversing in this ancient and scientific language.
The ten-day camp was thoroughly enjoyed by one and all, who attended and were able to successfully engage in conversations with fellow participants as well as the teacher, Shri Vasuvaj. The essence of this language was soon endorsed as that can be progressive in years to come. The younger attendees of the camp felt that Sanskrit can be easily spoken when the language itself can be translated to their mother tongue or the language, which is spoken at home. Sanskrit was made easy to follow by the diverse use of resources. Shri Vasuvaj also encouraged the participants to think diversely and contribute to class discussions by involving several aspects of one’s life whether it may be Bharatiya Carnatic music, or traditional classical dance Bharatanatyam, other hobbies, one’s likes, dislikes, work, schooling etc. Perhaps engaging the audience to personal conversation would make learning easier, as this was witnessed throughout the camp.
Following this, a 25 hours teacher’s training course was also held for those who are current teachers as well as future teachers of Bal Samskar Kendras. In this course, the participants learnt the necessity to uphold the credibility of this ancient language, by abiding the rules already set and practised by predecessors. The importance of retaining the values and authenticity was emphasised strongly by Shri Vasuvaj. Through dance, music, drama and other group activities, Sanskrit was made easy to learn, and even more easier to teach.
Overall, the course and the teacher’s training were very well appreciated. In their best interests and the best interest of others, VHP will be likely to hold more spoken Sanskrit camps in the future to enhance participation and to engage one and all to begin conversing in this language. The current participants have requested and shown keen interest in advancing this course by taking part in the correspondence course hosted by Samskrit Bharati.
On a lighter note, many of these participants are keen on becoming Sanskrit teachers, and spreading the beauty and authenticity of the language.
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