At a time when language debates are common in many countries, Pakistan’s move to introduce Sanskrit has surprised many. According to reports, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) has launched a four-credit course focused on the Sanskrit language.
Move aims to revive Sanskrit
The new course is expected to help revive interest in Sanskrit across Pakistan. This effort has been supported by years of work by Dr Shahid Rasheed, Associate Professor of Sociology at Forman Christian College, who has studied the language for a long time.
According to the Tribune, Dr Shahin Rasheed said he first learned Arabic and Persian before turning to Sanskrit. He shared that it took him about one year to learn Sanskrit, and he continues to study it even now.
Sanskrit is a shared cultural heritage
Dr Shahin explained the wider importance of Sanskrit, noting that ancient grammarian Panini’s village was located in the region. He added that significant writing took place there during the Indus Valley Civilisation.
“Sanskrit is like a mountain, a cultural monument. We must accept it as part of our heritage. It does not belong to just one religion,” he said. Dr Shahin also suggested that greater cultural understanding in South Asia could grow if more Hindus and Sikhs learned Arabic, and more Pakistani Muslims studied Sanskrit.
