Sanskrit to be taught in 13 villages of Uttarakhand: What the scheme is and why it’s being implemented

In a unique cultural and educational initiative, the Uttarakhand government has announced that Sanskrit will be formally introduced in 13 selected villages across the state. This move is part of a broader plan to preserve and promote the ancient language, which holds deep historical and spiritual significance in Indian culture.

The scheme, spearheaded by the Uttarakhand Sanskrit Academy under the state’s education department, seeks to revive Sanskrit as a living language and make it part of everyday life in rural communities. These villages, identified as ‘Adarsh Sanskrit Grams’ or Ideal Sanskrit Villages, will receive government support to incorporate Sanskrit into local communication, education, and community life.

The Scheme at a Glance

Under the initiative, Sanskrit will be taught through structured courses to children, youth, and adults alike. Trained instructors and scholars will be assigned to each village to provide regular classes. In addition to formal teaching, the scheme encourages residents to use simple Sanskrit phrases in day-to-day conversation—covering greetings, common expressions, and practical communication.

The selected villages will also host cultural programs, storytelling sessions, debates, and Sanskrit theater performances to immerse the community in the language. Furthermore, government funding will help build infrastructure such as learning centers and provide teaching materials.

Each participating village will be provided with a Sanskrit resource center, and schools in the area will incorporate Sanskrit in their curricula at the primary and middle school levels. Incentives will be given to teachers and students showing active participation.

Why Sanskrit?

Sanskrit is often referred to as the mother of many Indian languages and is considered one of the oldest and most refined classical languages in the world. It is the language of the Vedas, Upanishads, and many foundational texts in Indian philosophy, science, mathematics, and literature.

Though Sanskrit is one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and has official status in Uttarakhand, its usage in daily life has diminished significantly over the centuries. This scheme aims to reverse that decline by reconnecting local populations with their linguistic roots.

Uttarakhand, home to several pilgrimage sites and spiritual centers, has long been associated with Sanskrit learning. The state houses numerous traditional Sanskrit schools (gurukuls), but this is the first time a government-led program is aiming to bring Sanskrit into community life on such a scale.

Government’s Vision

Education Minister Dhan Singh Rawat said the initiative is part of a larger cultural revival. “We are not only teaching a language but also reviving our heritage. Sanskrit is a treasure of knowledge and values. Through these villages, we want to show that Sanskrit is not just for scholars—it can be spoken and used in everyday life.”

Officials believe the scheme will instill pride in India’s ancient traditions and help bridge the gap between classical learning and modern society.

Community Reaction

Early responses from villagers have been largely positive. In a few pilot villages where Sanskrit programs were tested last year, families began using Sanskrit greetings like “Namaste” and “Katham asti bhavan?” (How are you?) in place of Hindi phrases. Some youths expressed excitement at learning the language of their ancestors, especially as it is seen as intellectually enriching and spiritually meaningful.

However, challenges remain, including ensuring regular attendance in classes and maintaining interest beyond the initial novelty. Experts emphasize the importance of making the learning process engaging and practical.

Conclusion

The introduction of Sanskrit in 13 villages of Uttarakhand is more than a linguistic experiment—it is a cultural mission. By bringing this ancient language into the daily rhythm of rural life, the government hopes to create a living example of Sanskrit’s relevance in the modern world. If successful, the model may be extended to other villages, states, and even adapted internationally by Indian diaspora communities.