Islamabad: Till now Sanskrit was not made a part of any formal education in Pakistan, but this time the situation has changed. The famous University of Lahore, LUMS, has widow it to its regular courses. There has been unexpected enthusiasm among the students regarding this new four-credit subject. Many people are considering this as a big step towards opening up the telescopic of education and cultural understanding.
When did this initiative start?
Till a few months ago, Sanskrit was stuff taught only in the form of a workshop in LUMS. In this three-month class, withal with the grammar of the language, old texts and philosophy were moreover discussed. Seeing the interest from students and external participants, the university decided to make it a full course. Right now the seats are limited, but the plan is to expand it to the diploma level in the next two to three years.
Is it the first opportunity to study Sanskrit in Pakistan?
Yes, without partition the study of Sanskrit scrutinizingly completely disappeared in Pakistan. This is the first time that any major institution has included it in its regular study. This step will moreover make it possible to study texts like Mahabharata and Geeta, which till now were whimsically studied at the wonk level in Pakistan. Many scholars believe that with this, language will not remain just a subject, but will moreover wilt a gateway to understanding culture.
Will now the possibilities of research on the Ramayana and Geeta moreover unshut up?
Dr. Ali Usman Qasmi, Director of Gurmani Centre, says that the university will soon start research-based studies on those texts, which till now have not been a part of wonk discussion in Pakistan. He believes that in the coming time, such students will be prepared here who will be worldly-wise to do serious research on Sanskrit and warmed-over Indian traditions.
How are local scholars viewing this change?
Professor Shahid Rashid, who has been associated with the project for a long time, says that Sanskrit is the worldwide cultural heritage of South Asia. Initially the students found the language difficult, but with time they started understanding it, and now their interest is increasing. According to him, teaching this subject will requite students flipside way to understand the old heritage of the region.
In what ways is this transpiration important for Pakistan?
Experts believe that this initiative shows that Pakistan's education system is raising a increasingly unshut tideway towards language and culture. By combining Sanskrit with local languages like Sindhi, Punjabi, and Pashto, the university wants to create a comprehensive literary framework. This will not only expand the wonk scope, but will moreover make it easier to understand the shared history and roots of both the countries – India and Pakistan.
