BANGALORE: Love for Sanskrit and enthusiasm to learn the language was evident among both the young and the old at the World Samskrit Book Fair being held at the National High School Grounds.
Dr Mamta Sampat, a dermatologist, was carrying a big bag of purchases with her.
"I am very happy that I could get a lot of Sanskrit books," she said. "I have already brought more than 50 books today."
She said she has also taken some lessons in Sanskrit. She said she always wanted to learn the language. "I know a few Indian languages like Rajasthani, Gujrati, Kannada and Hindi and have also learned Spanish and French," she said. "After learning all these languages, I realised that we need to know Sanskrit."
She said it gave her a lot of pleasure to read Sanskrit instead of just translations of its literature. A number of students accompanied their teachers from schools and were seen visiting stalls.
All the organisers were speaking in Sanskrit to give the Samskrit village that special touch. The village comprised a typical Samskrit house, shop, temple, along with a post office and a school, set up at the venue.
One of the teachers from National High School who was taking a group of students through the fair, said she found the DVDs at one of the stalls very helpful. "It contains 120 Sanskrit lessons," said the teacher. "The students need not attend Sanskrit classes. Those interested in learning the language can use the DVDs."
Godagopal, a member of Samskrita Bharati, said the effort was aimed at taking Sanskrit to common people, especially youngsters. Organising Secretary of Samskrita Bharati, Dinesh Kamat said the intention was to rejuvenate Sanskrit. "Not just speak, people should learn to read and write in Sanskrit."
Apart from Sanskrit scholars, around 100 children from Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Delhi, Assam and West Bengal are also participating at the event. Besides, around 7,000 delegates from all over the country are participating in the Sanskrit Conference being held as part of the fair.