Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language, has been making a comeback in Australian schools in recent years. While some may wonder why schools are teaching a language that is not widely spoken, the answer lies in the unique benefits that learning Sanskrit can provide.

John Colet School (JCS), which has been serving the forward-thinking community for a number of decades and follows a model that is multilingual and multifaith, has a large presence in the greater Sydney area.

Gilbert Mane, the school's principal, told Indian Link, "Every parent wants his or her child to be a good person first and then get a great career as well." By giving them a taste of self-awareness and encouraging a rational approach, we try to accomplish both. An equal emphasis on spirit, character, and academics is our success formula. We encourage students to become courageous, strong, self-assured individuals.

"Minds and hearts just as the best physical food nourishes the body," Mane said, describing the school's goal of feeding both.

Beginning with simple prayers and progressing to reading and writing in the Devanagari script before mastering vocabulary and grammar, all K–6 students learn Sanskrit. Over the course of their time at the school, several lessons per week gradually lead to a thorough understanding of its fully inflected grammatical system. Students tackle translation using straightforward tales from the Ramayana and Mahabharatha after the foundation has been established.

Students who join the school are offered "catch-up" lessons. Advanced students may also choose to take the "11+ International Sanskrit Exam," which is administered by the Cambridge Examination Board on behalf of St. James School London.

In a similar vein, Latin is offered beginning in Year 1 as an enrichment program. Every year, every student also takes part in a class Shakespeare play. Reading from various scriptures and being exposed to artistic influences, such as Indigenous, Islamic, and Western art movements like Impressionism and the Renaissance, are daily rituals that draw from a variety of cultural and religious traditions.

We will explore the reasons why Australian schools are teaching Sanskrit and why it is becoming an increasingly popular language choice for students.

Cognitive Benefits

Learning Sanskrit has been shown to have cognitive benefits such as improved memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills. This is because Sanskrit is a highly structured language with a complex grammar and vocabulary, which requires students to think critically and analytically. By learning Sanskrit, students are challenged to think in a different way, which can improve their cognitive abilities and help them become better learners overall.

Cultural Connection

Sanskrit is an important part of Indian culture and religion, and learning the language can help students develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indian traditions and values. By learning Sanskrit, students can also explore the rich history and literature of India, which can broaden their cultural horizons and help them become more globally aware and empathetic.

Linguistic Diversity

Australia is a multicultural society, and learning Sanskrit can help students develop a greater appreciation for linguistic diversity. Sanskrit is one of the oldest languages in the world and has influenced many modern languages, including English. By learning Sanskrit, students can gain a deeper understanding of the origins of language and how it has evolved over time.

Professional Opportunities

Sanskrit is a language that is in demand in fields such as academia, theology, and law. Learning Sanskrit can open up professional opportunities for students who are interested in pursuing careers in these fields. Sanskrit is also useful for those who are interested in pursuing careers in fields such as technology and artificial intelligence, as Sanskrit has a unique syntax and structure that can help students understand programming languages better.

Philosophical Enrichment

Sanskrit is not just a language, but it is also the language of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Learning Sanskrit can help students explore the rich philosophical traditions of these religions and gain a deeper understanding of their teachings. Sanskrit texts such as the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads, and the Yoga Sutras contain timeless wisdom and can provide students with a valuable philosophical grounding.

Interdisciplinary Learning

Sanskrit is not just a language, but it is also an interdisciplinary subject that can be used to teach a wide range of subjects such as history, literature, philosophy, and linguistics. By incorporating Sanskrit into the curriculum, schools can provide students with a more holistic and interdisciplinary approach to learning.

Global Connection

Sanskrit is a language that is spoken in many countries around the world, including India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Learning Sanskrit can help students connect with people from different cultures and countries and develop a greater appreciation for diversity. Sanskrit is also a language that is used in many religious and spiritual contexts around the world, and learning Sanskrit can help students understand these traditions better.

Improved language skills

Learning Sanskrit can improve students' overall language skills, as it is a highly structured language with a complex grammar and vocabulary.

Preparation for future technologies

Sanskrit has a unique syntax and structure that can help students understand programming languages better, making it useful for those interested in pursuing careers in technology and artificial intelligence.

Personal growth

Learning Sanskrit can provide students with a sense of personal growth and achievement, as they are mastering a language that is both ancient and complex.

In conclusion, Sanskrit is a unique and valuable language that can provide students with a range of benefits such as cognitive development, cultural connection, linguistic diversity, professional opportunities, philosophical enrichment, interdisciplinary learning, and global connection. Australian schools are recognizing the value of teaching Sanskrit and are incorporating it into their curriculums, providing students with a unique and enriching educational experience.