KATHMANDU, July 1: 'English speaking zone'. Very few may wonder over this decal found generally on the walls of the private schools buildings. The essential of private schools in Nepal is- they are English medium schools, that is to say, speaking other languages except English is highly discouraged.
But, with the passage of time, the private schools have realized the need of very old- older than the Nepali language- Sanskrit language. It is indeed the progenitor of the Nepali language.
Sanskrit is regarded as the sacred language. Despite having a long history, education on Sanskrit language has been limited to few schools and colleges for some decades in Nepal especially with the adoption of modern education and growing craze for English. Moreover, some take the Sanskrit derogatively, with shaky view that it is the language to be practiced by Hindus priests.
Amid this, some private schools in Nepal have included Sanskrit in the school curriculum.
The Bagmati Boarding School, Sukedhara, in the capital city, is one among the schools launching the Sanskrit classes.
In this connection, the school organized an interaction on 'relevance of Sanskrit education in school' on Friday. The participants of the program said the Sanskrit is the origin of other languages and is a source of Vedic knowledge as well.
Former secretary of the government Baman Prasad Neupane said developed countries have started classes in Sanskrit for mental peace and social goodwill and harmony.
Sanskrit teacher Janardan Ghimire said most of the English words are originated from the Sanskrit language and it should always be put in the center and promoted accordingly.
On the occasion, 'Gyan Sagar', a Sanskrit book published by the school was released. RSS
Breaking barriers: A public school setting an example
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