Sanskrit that can be used in “practical life” will be taught through a new three-month course run by the Sanskrit Academy of the Delhi government, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said on Wednesday.
Mr. Sisodia, who holds the Languages and Education portfolios, said the academy would set up 75 centres across the city to conduct the certificate course in Sanskrit, which would have a nominal fee. Explaining, he said though people tend to study Sanskrit up to Class X, the focus of education remains language and grammar, not practical knowledge.
He said the government’s approach would be to encourage the use of Sanskrit in daily life, like in understanding prayers. He added that most people do not understand the meaning of mantras and other rituals in Hinduism, relying on priests to convey the meaning. The course being designed would have emphasis on practical use, he said, adding that the way people study Urdu and English for practical use, the government wants to promote the interest in Sanskrit.