Dr Srikrishna Semwal, Delhi Sanskrit Academy’s former Vice Chairman spoke about Sanskrit, Culture and World Sanskrit Conference with Organiser
New Delhi, 03 Aug: Sanskrit is not merely a language. It is the heritage of knowledge. This consolidated treasury of knowledge can have several branches. Ayurveda, rasayan etc. are ancient knowledge found in Sanskrit. Sanskrit is not a medium of literature or even language. The whole great tradition of science is included in this language. It is a medium for higher thoughts in which the soul of the nation appears.
Dr Srikrishna Semwal has been significantly contributing towards the propagation as well as contributing towards the growth of Sanskrit for the past four and a half decades. He has written 15 books in Sanskrit and edited several others over these years.
On World Sanskrit Day, Organiser caught up with Dr Srikrishna Semwal, Delhi Sanskrit Academy’s former Vice Chairman, to share his views on the utility of Sanskrit in modern times and on several other issues related to this divine language. In this interview, Dr Semwal spoke about Sanskrit, Culture and World Sanskrit Conference.
EXCERPTS…
What steps has the Delhi Sanskrit Academy taken to propagate Sanskrit?
Dr Semwal: Delhi Sanskrit Academy has been in the forefront of bringing about the awareness of Sanskrit in modern times. It has taken several steps in this direction. All the contests related to Sanskrit at all the branches of Delhi Educational Directorate are conducted by the Academy in which shloka singing, shloka recitation, etc takes place. It has been our aim to collect as many as students as possible for participation in these contests.
From the standpoint of livelihood, what is the importance of the language?
Dr Semwal: In this age of science and communication, people are being misled on the reality of Sanskrit. The entire Sanskrit literature is filled with scientific knowledge. A great number of websites on Sanskrit exists from which one can get a lot of information. The growth of a language does not happen only by grants. We must make some changes to connect it with livelihood. Till then, people’s faith in Sanskrit will merely remain devotional.
What is the importance of shlokas in Sanskrit literature?
Dr Semwal: In Sanskrit, a majority of literary works are written in sholka form. Shloka is the root form of Sanskrit literature. Keeping this in mind, Delhi Sanskrit Academy conducts shloka contests in schools and colleges on a regular basis. Besides, Delhi Sanskrit Academy provides academic services to students who take exams in Sanskrit by conducting coaching classes for them. This effort by the academy gives a tremendous moral boost to the students. The 21st century is important in terms of knowledge and writers. Through the medium of Sanskrit, this knowledge can be given a new direction. For this purpose, there is a need for research.
What kind of harmony is there between Sanskrit and civilization?
Dr Semwal: Sanskrit is one of the oldest languages of the world. Compared to other languages of the world, only Sanskrit literature is complete and ancient. Secondly, Sanskrit is a scientific language. The script is scientific. The grammar is unique. No other language has a grammar which has so much richness and which is so scientific. Taking Panini’s grammar, we can create the grammar of all the languages. Indeed, Sanskrit is the root of Indian civilization.
What method should be adopted for an appropriate study of Sanskrit?
Dr Semwal: There cannot be a single method. There are several methods for the study and teaching of Sanskrit. Each of them is useful. The easiest and best method is by speaking the language, simple sentences should be taught by presenting them in a simple form. Then slowly and gradually one should reach the depth.
How can Sanskrit be simplified?
Dr Semwal: Solutions for simplification are being researched upon. Animation films are being made on the stories of Panchtantra. There is a correspondence course and a distance learning course. Efforts are being made to make it simple and attractive. We are also seeing the impact of these efforts. Thousands of people have benefitted from these efforts. New methods in the field of education are helping us in propagating Sanskrit.
On the global level, where do you find Sanskrit?
Dr Semwal: We are satisfied with the position that Sanskrit is in the foreign countries. There are nearly 150 universities in foreign countries where Sanskrit is studies at the post-graduate level.
Is Sanskrit just a language?
Dr Semwal: Sanskrit is not merely a language. It is the heritage of knowledge. This consolidated treasury of knowledge can have several branches. Ayurveda, rasayan etc. are ancient knowledge found in Sanskrit. Sanskrit is not a medium of literature or even language. The whole great tradition of science is included in this language. It is important to present Sanskrit in this way.
What kind of impact can the growth of English language have on Sanskrit?
Dr Semwal: With the growth on English language, we are getting alienated from our own sciences. It is of utmost importance that we disseminate knowledge through this language. We need to raise the level of education the way it was during Nalanda and Takshila. Indian philosophy and thought have provided scientific solutions to humanity’s fundamental problems. These have to reach the intellectuals of the world. This will be possible only if Sanskrit is given encouragement at the national level. Cultural growth is necessary for national growth. And cultural growth is possible through Sanskrit only.
