NEW DELHI: If the BJP’s move to popularise the study of Sanskrit in IITs and institutions of higher learning does not take off due to resistance, then it could settle for less and may pitch for Vedic Mathematics.
An official of the Union Ministry of Human Resource and Development (MHRD) said it would simultaneously pitch for Vedic Mathematics along with the move to introduce Sanskrit as an optional subject in all educational institutions.
The idea has been in discussion for some time with the government and is being worked out, said official sources. “Introducing Vedic Mathematics is a good idea as it would sharpen and fasten skills compared to the conventional system. More importantly, Vedic Mathematics enables you to calculate much faster compared to the conventional system,” said a government official on condition of anonymity.
Vedic Mathematics is the ancient system of Indian Mathematics which was rediscovered from the Vedas between 1911 and 1918 by Sri Bharati Krishna Tirthaji (1884-1960). According to his research, all of mathematics is based on 16 Sutras or word-formulae.
Talking about the move to popularise Sanskirt, official sources said the government will look for feedback from students and teachers by visiting a few IITs and higher education institutions. This, according to officials, would give them clarity on how Sanskrit is being perceived by students and teachers.
“Even if it works to some extent, and if students and teachers at some of these institutions agree to it, the government is more than willing to introduce Sanskrit to those students. But the decision would not be taken in oblivion,” an official said.
The bid to propagate the benefits of Vedic Mathematics “would be simultaneously pushed,” said the official.
The government is currently evaluating and working on the proposal to introduce Sanskrit as an optional subject in all undergraduate courses.
The aim is to introduce Sanskrit as a subject at premier educational institutions like Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institute of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Science Education & Research (IISER) and other higher institutions of learning. Its decision to replace German with Sanskrit as a third language in central schools had faced resistance.
The government has also planned for revival of old Sanskrit schools and opening up of pathshalas where Vedas will be taught along with other subjects. There is also a plan to constitute a board, like CBSE, affiliating Sanskrit-medium schools, colleges, universities and research institutions.