Sanskrit ‘A language that stays with its learners’

 

 

In the time of global cultural exchanges, the preservation of Classical languages remains an essential pillar of heritage and knowledge. Sanskrit, language of the Vedas, Upanishads, and literary treasures; has enriched arts, academics, and philosophy, time and again. Today, its resurgence in various fields, ranging from arts to scientific research and spiritual exploration, underscores the benefits of unlocking the wisdom in Sanskrit texts that can shape thoughts. ‘The Hitavada’ spoke to Shraddha Telang, a senior Sanskrit theatre actor and director, to gain insight on the current scenario of Sanskrit plays, scope, and essence of the Sanskrit language. Reflecting on her years as a Sanskrit teacher, Telang recounted 26 years of teaching at Bhide Girls High School in Nagpur, and mentioned that her engagement with Sanskrit language stemmed from her father who was also a Sanskrit teacher.

 

She expressed that Sanskrit has a rich repository of wisdom, encapsulated in its ‘Subhashitas’ - sayings that elevate speech and enrich one’s perspective. She mentions that Sanskrit language holds a significant place in arts, including drama and dance, continuing to inspire creative expression. Speaking on the past and present of Sanskrit plays, she said, “Earlier plays were based on the Ramayan and Mahabharat themes and popular Marathi one-act plays were translated into Sanskrit, but now productions explore diverse subjects.” Performance in Sanskrit language requires grasp of the language with correct accent, nuances, and understanding the meaning of words while delivering dialogues. Speaking about training of artists, she says, “Many participants, especially adults, come without prior knowledge of Sanskrit. We teach them to connect emotions to dialogues in a language familiar to them. Once they grasp the emotional core, we guide them in transitioning to Sanskrit. Children, on the other hand, adapt quickly. They listen, learn, and perform with ease.” Reflecting on her journey in Sanskrit theatre, Telang says that over the years there is a rise in audience for Sanskrit drama. “When I started, the response was minimal. I remember in my first drama competition there were three judges and a doorkeeper in the audience. Though the judges appreciated performance, there was no real satisfaction.

 

Today, we see a large audience attending Sanskrit plays, and we also try to make the language more understandable,” she expresses. Realising the need to expand the reach of Sanskrit drama, she started introducing it to children through ‘Sanskrit Sanskar Shibir’. In these workshops, she teaches children plays with humour and relatable themes, making the learning process both entertaining and memorable. She also passionately notes the initiative of Sanskrit Bal Rang Bhoomi, which has been running successfully for three years now. She believes that introducing Sanskrit in academics from an early age can ignite a lasting interest in students, connecting with language’s rhythmic and structured nature. She adds that Sanskrit has an impeccable grammar system, and notes, “Unlike other languages, Sanskrit’s case system ensures that word order does not disrupt meaning, making it a unique medium of expression.”

 

Telang mentions that in India, nearby regional dialects often create a linguistic mixture, but Sanskrit teaches clarity, its pronunciation can also refine one’s speech in other languages. Often, many struggle with the foundational aspects of the language and Telang urges teachers to address these gaps by revisiting and strengthening foundation. “If students commit to understanding the fundamentals early, the logic of the language will begin to make sense over time,” she says. For those interested in exploring it further, she mentioned the scope of Sanskrit in the field of research and translation. “Sanskrit is a language that stays with its learners. People who have been away from the language for years can easily reconnect with it,” she concludes.