Anish Regmi, a student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Sanskrit at Pindeshwar Vidyapeeth, Dharan, has a unique motivation behind his choice of study. An event in 2014 inspired him to pursue Sanskrit education.

During a religious ceremony in his hometown of Pakali, Itahari, he was captivated by a Pandit who spoke all day through a microphone. This moment sparked his desire to one day address a congregation, just like the Pandit.

Motivated by this ambition, Regmi travelled to Dharan and enrolled in Chandra Sanskrit Secondary School to pursue his dream of becoming a Pandit. This marked the beginning of his journey into Sanskrit education in grade six.

In ancient times, the Sanskrit language was primarily associated with Hindu religious rituals, Vedic studies, and scholars. This historical limitation has led many people to mistakenly believe that only the sons of Brahmins can study Sanskrit.

A growing number of students from diverse backgrounds are studying the language

However, Sanskrit has evolved over the years and has become more accessible to a broader audience. Institutions like Nepal Sanskrit University in Dang and its affiliated campuses now offer Sanskrit education to students from various backgrounds. Anyone interested in the language, regardless of gender, caste, or religion, can pursue it without restrictions.

Bhim Khatiwada, vice-chancellor of Nepal Sanskrit University, says, “The university provides an annual scholarship of nine thousand rupees for male students, while female students and those from marginalised communities receive an increased scholarship of eighteen thousand rupees.”

This initiative is helping to break down the long-standing stigma associated with Sanskrit education and encourages more participation from underrepresented groups. “Some of my friends from the marginalised community have a keen interest in this subject and are studying with me,” says Regmi.

Sabnam Meheta, a student from a non-Brahmin family currently studying Sanskrit at Pindeshwar Vidyapeeth, Dharan, shares, “I aspire to be a storyteller and narrate the Bhagwat. To achieve my dream, I did not allow societal criticism to deter me on my path.”

There is a common misconception that Sanskrit is a singular subject. However, it encompasses various branches, including Sanskrit grammar, Vedas, astrology, and literature. As a Sanskrit student, Regmi’s major subjects are Shukla Yajurveda and Major Nepali. In Major Nepali, students are not required to use Sanskrit for reading and writing. However, Shukla Yajurveda mandates that students read, write, discuss, and communicate in Sanskrit. “It is essential to focus on a specific branch of Sanskrit and gain expertise in it,” says Regmi.

Ironically, many Sanskrit professors lack fluency in the language. Still, Regmi explains, “Some professors may not be fluent in Sanskrit, yet they are experts in their specific branches, such as Sanskrit astrology.

What matters most is their ability to acquire and effectively share knowledge in their respective subjects, rather than their fluency in the language.”

—The Kathmandu Post/

Published in Dawn, October 21th, 2024