Sanskrit is going to be formally taught in the academic spaces of Pakistan for the first time since 1947. The Lahore University of Management Studies (LUMS) has launched a four-credit course on Sanskrit. This event followed a weekend workshop, which received the love and interest of the scholars and students alike.
Historic academic revival: Sanskrit comes back to the classrooms
According to HT, the move to bring back Sanskrit to the academic spaces of Pakistan reflects a broader effort to reclaim and study the South Asian classical language’s heritage from within the region itself, rather than leaving it to foreign academics. The Punjab University library in Pakistan holds one of the richest yet least explored collections of Sanskrit. It is a resource that has been untouched for ages. Professor Shahid Rasheed played a key role in the introduction of this course in the Pakistani academic space. He says that classical languages like Sanskrit are a shared civilisational thread. It is not an exclusive domain for a single religion or region. This language shall be a way to improve understanding, which would enrich insight into the region’s collective past.
Also Read | Donald Trump’s 50% India tariffs face pushback as 3 US lawmakers introduce resolution
Epic ambitions: Gita and Mahabharata on the horizon
The LUMS officials have outlined plans to introduce structured courses on the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita. A sense of warmth and familiarity was felt when the academic arenas of Pakistan underlined Sanskrit as something that is theirs too. Dr. Ali Usman Qasmi, the director of the Gurmani Centre at LUMS, added that building local expertise will open doors for the researchers in Pakistan to engage directly with their own ancient textual heritage.
Also Read | Royal expert says Prince Harry believes Donald Trump won’t act against him: Here's why
The shared cultural roots may pave the way for new scholarly bridges across old boundaries by bringing back the study of a language that last stepped into the academic spaces nearly eight decades ago. Pakistan is trying to blossom into a full-fledged academic program on Sanskrit after the masterclass was celebrated by mass popularity.
