New Delhi, April 20: Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), emphasized the importance of learning Sanskrit on Monday, describing it as the “soul” of India and an essential element of the country’s cultural continuity.
Bhagwat spoke at the inauguration ceremony of the Sanskrit Bharati central office in Delhi. He elaborated on ongoing efforts to utilize Sanskrit as a modern means of communication.
Addressing the gathering, Bhagwat stated, “Sanskrit is a language. Yet, it is more than just a language. In India, Sanskrit embodies the soul of the nation, as it represents the most ancient traditions of thought, life, and culture—traditions that remain vibrant today.”
He further explained India’s philosophical essence, saying, “India’s existence is not merely a geographical fact. It is not just a political or economic entity. India is a living tradition, the foundation upon which the continuity of life rests.”
Reflecting on his experiences with the language, Bhagwat remarked, “When I was in school, learning Sanskrit seemed challenging. Memorizing verses was mandatory, leading to the perception that Sanskrit is a difficult language. However, when I heard those same verses spoken naturally at home, they never felt difficult to me.”
He added, “This issue persists today; students still view Sanskrit as a tough language. But the question is, why does it seem so hard? In reality, the simplest and most effective way to learn a language is not through textbooks but through conversation.”
He stressed that the easiest way to learn a language is to immerse oneself in it and use it regularly.
Bhagwat noted, “Whenever I travel across India, even if I am not familiar with specific regional vocabulary, I can still grasp the underlying emotions and meanings. Continuous listening and speaking allow for effortless language acquisition. Therefore, the best way to learn a language is to be among its speakers, listen to them, and speak that language consistently.”
He also praised the role of Sanskrit Bharati in reviving interest in Sanskrit, stating that the organization has successfully generated a new enthusiasm for the language across the country in a relatively short time.
He concluded by highlighting the transformative change in societal attitudes towards Sanskrit over the past 15 years.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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