The Uttarakhand government has recently approved the Adarsh Sanskrit Village Programme. This initiative aims to promote Sanskrit as the second official language of the state. It targets one village in each of the thirteen districts. The programme seeks to connect the younger generation with Indian philosophy and cultural heritage through the ancient language.
Objectives of the Programme
The primary goal is to preserve and promote Sanskrit. The initiative focuses on teaching the language in selected villages. It aims to create a model for future expansion to block levels based on initial responses. The government also intends to include diverse communities in learning Sanskrit.
Selection of Villages
A committee led by the District Magistrate selected the thirteen villages. These include Bhogpur, Mukhem, and Kotgaon among others. Surveys were conducted to gauge the community’s receptiveness to the initiative.
Instructor Recruitment
Thirteen instructors will be appointed at a monthly salary of Rs 20,000. The selection process involves written tests and interviews. The instructors will receive training at the Sanskrit Academy in Haridwar.
Syllabus and Learning Materials
A comprehensive syllabus has been established. Textbooks will include shlokas and stories from epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Important shlokas from the four Vedas will also be included.
Community Engagement
The programme aims to include all community members. This includes Muslims, Dalits, and tribal populations. The government plans to introduce Sanskrit as an optional language in madrasas.
Employment Opportunities
The initiative also seeks to create job opportunities linked to Sanskrit proficiency. Industry associations will collaborate to facilitate employment for those who learn the language.
Signage and Public Awareness
The Uttarakhand government is implementing Sanskrit signage in public spaces. This includes airports and railway stations. The aim is to increase public exposure to the language.
Technological Integration
The government is exploring the use of Artificial Intelligence to promote Sanskrit. Collaborations with IIT Roorkee are underway to digitise Sanskrit texts. This will enhance accessibility and learning.
Incentives for Learning
Financial incentives are being offered to encourage learning. A monthly stipend of Rs 250 will be provided to girls and SC/ST students who study Sanskrit. This initiative starts from the 2023-24 academic year.
Future Prospects
The government plans to conduct visits to successful models like Mattur in Karnataka. These visits will provide vital information about effective Sanskrit promotion strategies.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically examine the role of regional languages in preserving cultural heritage in India.
- Discuss in the light of modern education systems, how traditional languages can be integrated into contemporary curricula.
- What are the implications of promoting Sanskrit in diverse communities? How can it impact social cohesion?
- Explain the significance of technological integration in language preservation and promotion. Provide examples from other languages.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically examine the role of regional languages in preserving cultural heritage in India.
- Regional languages serve as vessels of local traditions, folklore, and oral histories.
- They encourage a sense of identity and belonging among community members.
- Languages encapsulate unique worldviews and cultural practices, influencing art, music, and literature.
- Preserving regional languages can enhance biodiversity by maintaining ecological knowledge specific to regions.
- Government initiatives and educational policies can support the revitalization and use of regional languages.
2. Discuss in the light of modern education systems, how traditional languages can be integrated into contemporary curricula.
- Curricula can incorporate traditional languages as elective subjects to spark interest among students.
- Project-based learning can be used to explore cultural heritage through traditional languages.
- Teacher training programs can include methods for teaching traditional languages effectively.
- Use of technology, such as language learning apps, can facilitate easier access to traditional languages.
- Collaboration with cultural institutions can provide resources and expertise for curriculum development.
3. What are the implications of promoting Sanskrit in diverse communities? How can it impact social cohesion?
- Promoting Sanskrit can encourage inclusivity by bridging cultural divides among different communities.
- It can enhance mutual respect and understanding through shared linguistic heritage.
- Learning Sanskrit may empower marginalized groups by providing access to ancient texts and knowledge.
- Community engagement in Sanskrit programs can strengthen social ties and collective identity.
- However, care must be taken to avoid perceptions of elitism or exclusion based on language proficiency.
4. Explain the significance of technological integration in language preservation and promotion. Provide examples from other languages.
- Technology can facilitate the digitization of texts, making languages more accessible to learners worldwide.
- Language learning apps and online courses can provide interactive platforms for language acquisition.
- AI and machine learning can be used to analyze and generate content in endangered languages.
- Examples include the use of technology in revitalizing languages like Hawaiian and Maori through educational programs.
- Social media platforms can promote language use in everyday contexts, encouraging younger generations to engage.
