Sanskrit gains popularity in Mangaluru; e-learning platform to be launched soon

Mangaluru: From schoolchildren to retirees, an increasing number of Mangalureans are taking an interest in Sanskrit. To make learning the language more accessible, Samskrita Bharati, an organisation that promotes Sanskrit through schools and its popular Sambhashana Shibira (spoken Sanskrit camps), will launch an e-learning platform on Vijayadashami.

The platform is primarily aimed at working professionals and others who find it difficult to attend regular offline classes due to their busy schedules. Dr Vishwas Mahodya, a member of Samskrita Bharati’s All-India Working Committee, said the language was gaining popularity among children, youngsters and retirees.

“We will be launching an e-learning platform especially for working professionals who have busy schedules and cannot attend offline courses. The platform will allow them to learn Sanskrit at their convenience,” he said.

The growing interest in Sanskrit is also evident in schools. At Sharada Vidyalaya, students from classes 1 to 5 attend oral Sanskrit classes to develop basic vocabulary. From class 6 onwards, students can choose Sanskrit or another language.

Principal Chandrika Bhandary said nearly 100 out of 200 students had opted to study Sanskrit this academic year, reflecting the language’s appeal among younger learners.

Ashwin Kini, who has been teaching Sanskrit at Sharada Vidyalaya for five years, and has attended Samskrita Bharati’s training camps since 2020, said the teaching method begins with oral communication and basic vocabulary before gradually introducing grammar and written proficiency.

The interest in Sanskrit extends beyond the classroom. Prakash Shenoy, a retiree who is both a student and volunteer teacher with Samskrita Bharati, said teaching children had helped him strengthen his own understanding of the language.

“Teaching is the most effective way of learning. Helping young children learn Sanskrit enables me to revise and improve my own knowledge,” he said.

With the launch of the e-learning portal, Samskrita Bharati hopes to bridge the accessibility gap for learners with limited time, and help Sanskrit reach a wider audience through digital platforms.

Source: The Times of India