Sanskrit is a great language in which the literary, cultural, religious and scientific treasure of ancient India is preserved. But using Sanskrit as a National or official language today is not possible. Sanskrit has never been the language of people but had remained the language of pundits and the elite even in the past. A language that is not spoken by people is considered a ‘dead language’ by linguists. Trying to revive it is an attempt to make the wheel of time turn backwards.
We do not have a common language like other countries.
Language, a part of one’s culture, is also an emotive issue. An attempt to make Hindi the national language failed. English is the only link language between different states. Further Indian English is accepted as a respectable variety all over the world. So let it be.
The problem with English in India is it also remained the language of the elite. We learnt English well in our vernacular medium schools. But today, in spite of studying in English medium from KG to PG, 85% of the students are very poor in English and are on the streets without jobs though there are jobs for all capable people. The reason is neglecting studies in general and particularly study of languages in the corporate schools and colleges when the globalized world needs better skills in English. No focus on the use of words (spelling, meaning, form, contextual use) and memorizing content are the causes of poor English.
Rectification in teaching of English would create a vast majority of English knowing people to live in comfort and peace. Until we are capable of providing all knowledge translated into regional languages and till auto translating machines/ apps are widely used we need to continue English.
It is said that Sanskrit is the most suitable language for computers in future. If so, then all the people in the world will have to revive and learn Sanskrit!!
Also read: “Voter Mela”
