Sanskrit is a classical language of South Asia belonging to the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European languages. It arose in South Asia after its predecessor languages had diffused there from the northwest in the late Bronze Age. Sanskrit is the sacred language of Hinduism, the language of classical Hindu philosophy, and of historical texts of Buddhism and Jainism. It was a link language in ancient and medieval South Asia, and upon transmission of Hindu and Buddhist culture to Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Central Asia in the early medieval era, it became a language of religion and high culture, and of the political elites in some of these regions. As a result, Sanskrit had a lasting impact on the languages of South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia, especially in their formal and learned vocabularies.

Every tradition faces similar challenges from time to time, and its adherents must consider how to maintain its viability in new epochs. On the whole, this is a healthy process. A tipping point, however, comes when opponents begin to dominate the discourse so overwhelmingly that the defenders of the tradition simply capitulate. Sanskrit studies are facing this risk right now.

Sanskrit was losing its charm and importance after India’s Independence in 1947 but the new education policy framed by the Education Ministry Government of India has given emphasis to the Sanskrit Language which will boost career opportunities for the student pursuing graduation, post-graduation, or doctoral studies in Sanskrit.

1. Sanskrit is the mother of all languages

The earliest form of Sanskrit language was Vedic Sanskrit that came approximately around 1500-200 B.C. Later on, In the 18-century relationship between Sanskrit and Latin-greek languages was found which established the relation between Indo-European languages.

Brahma (the universe creator), Hindu God is considered to be the creator of Sanskrit language due to which it is also known as DevVani or language of gods.

Some of the oldest epics Ramayana and Mahabharat were written in the Sanskrit language. Apart from this, ancient Vedas such as Rigveda, Sama-Veda, Yajur-Veda, and the Atharva-Veda is also written in the Sanskrit language. Classical Sanskrit and its grammar rules are written by Panini some thousand years back. 

2. Increasing Demand for Sanskrit Scholar in Germany 

In Germany, Sanskrit courses were started at the University of Heidelberg about 20 years ago. There were hardly any students at that point in time but now the university is rejecting candidates due to fewer seats and more applications. 

Some of the earliest discoveries in mathematics, astronomy, science, surgery, medicine, sociology, politics, and economics were written in the Sanskrit language. The eagerness and interest to know about the ancient discoveries and research motivated german scholars to learn the Sanskrit Language.

Presently, 14 universities in Germany are teaching Sanskrit and also conducting summer courses each year. Germany is a country that has promoted research in every field of education and research and also provides free higher education to students from all over the world.

3. Memorizing ancient mantra helps improves memory  and increases the size of brain regions associated with cognitive function

According to James Hartzell, Cognitive NeuroScience Researcher of Trento University found in his research that reciting ancient Sanskrit mantras can sharpen your memory and cognitive skills.

St. James School, London, and some of the other schools in the UK and Ireland have included Sanskrit in their curriculum, and the number of students interested in learning Sanskrit is growing in number significantly.

4. Sanskrit is the best language for Artificial Intelligence

Rick Briggs, Roacs, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffet Field, California claimed in his article that Sanskrit is the best language for Artificial Intelligence. Claims like this have triggered research all over the world to find the facts and also find different dimensions to the predefined theory.

Sanskrit is the most ancient language which was used by sages in various fields such as astronomy, medicine, mathematics, astrology, etc., and because of its strict grammar rules, it is considered the best language for natural language processing. Sentences in Sanskrit are never out of context or mis- contextual like the English language.

5. For Disclosing the hidden gems in Indian Vedic Scripts

Some of the ancient scripts related to astronomy, astrology, medicine, surgery,  mathematics, economics, sociology, politics are still considered to be the source of great knowledge and its teaching is still relevant in the present world.

All the ancient discoveries in various fields are mentioned in the Vedic text which is written in Sanskrit. To understand and gain knowledge out of these Vedic texts it is important to understand Sanskrit.

6. Increase in Job opportunity due to a shift in focus on Sanskrit under the National Education Policy

Under the new educational policy 2020 recently announced by the Government of India, Sanskrit will be an optional language under the three-language formula proposed in the New Educational Policy. Sanskrit can be taken as a subject at all levels of studies in the school.

The New Education Policy approved by the Cabinet, Government of India has proposed to set up the Indian Institute of  Translation and Interpretation (IITI) which will have a focus on Sanskrit and other India Languages.

If you have an interest in Indian Vedic tradition and wish to find hidden secrets written in the old ancient text then you can go for learning Sanskrit. Also, in the coming day’s professionals having a degree with Sanskrit as a subject will have a good opportunity to get jobs in government institutions as teachers, lecturers, and professors.

Learning a language is never a waste of time. Whether it’s computer code or Sanskrit, our brains benefit from having to work harder

Start learning and experience all the benefits of learning Sanskrit yourself!

All the best!!!