Stating that Sanskrit is the language, which can bind the country together with no opposition to it from any of the States, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Sunday called for concerted but slow and steady efforts to promote it as the second language from third in the curriculum.
He said this could invite some criticism initially, but that should not deter such efforts.
Addressing a convention of Sanskrit language held in the city by Sanskrit Bharati in association with Goa Official Language Department, Mr. Parrikar criticised the efforts of some people to pit Sanskrit against German or any other foreign language when no such conflict is intended in government’s decision to introduce it as the third language in Kendriya Vidalyas in place of German.
Delinking the issue of learning of foreign lanaguages from Sanskrit promotion, Mr. Parrikar said that nobody has opposed study of foreign languages and called such a twist given to the issue as "unwarranted and mischievous."
Stating that learning as many languages, including foreign languages as part of proefessional opportunities in today’s globalised world needs to be definitely encouraged, Mr. Parrikar said the government, in fact, needs experts who have knowledge of various foreign languages, in Defence, Commerce and Security.
He said the perception that Sanskrit is difficult language to study was a misconception emerging out of ignorance and instead called it most scientific language with growth potential and possessing algorithmic logical base which was a trait for being a computer-friendly language.
He said that Sanskrit is rooted to the country’s ethos and pride and called for efforts from States and the Centre for its continued promotion.
