Upholding age-old tradition

A Vidyapeeta's yeomen contribution towards Sanskrit recreates a bygone world.
Upholding age-old tradition

With western education having a profound influence on the Indian society, knowledge of Sanskrit, its scholarly pursuits as well as learning the Vedic mantras to conduct religious rituals, is gradually fading away. But here is a residential school, the Poornaprajna Vidyapeeta, which promotes Indian culture and tradition by training students in Sanskrit and passing on knowledge of the mantras while also allowing them to pursue their career in other fields.

The school, which is located in the scenic surroundings of the locality also known as Vidyapeeta on the Katriguppe Main Road, is far, far away from western influence. However, gradual changes in society have influenced students who are studying in this school. Children aged 9-13 years are admitted here.

Speaking about the school, Haridas Bhat, principal of Poornaprajna Vidyapeeta said, “Here, we have restrictions on the kind of food students can have. Items available in restaurants and bakeries are forbidden. But due to peer pressure and influence from the outside world,  students today consume these food items indiscriminately.”

“Students here are taught Vedanta, Alankara and logic. Since this institution is affiliated to Sanskrit University, students can also take up graduate and post-graduate examinations in Sanskrit. Every year, in the school, Vishvesha Tirtha Swami himself conducts oral examinations for over 300 students,” added Haridas.

An interesting fact is that students and teachers in this organisation converse in Sanskrit which in turn creates an ambience of a model, traditional village. Sanskrit skits and plays are staged during the annual day functions. Besides learning Sanskrit, students can also pursue other academic interests as it is mandatory to attend English and

computer classes here.

Many students, besides being Sanskrit scholars, have pursued careers as lawyers, bankers and a host of other professions. Students from South Kendra, Gulbarga, Dharwad and Hubli come here to seek education and gain overall development as also those  from neighbouring states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

“I came here due to my passion for Sanskrit language. Initially, for the first three months, I missed my family. If I heard a phone ring in the school's office, I always imagined it was from home. But, now, I have friends, and this place is more like home away from home,” said Pradyumna U R, a student pursuing M.Com along with studies in Sanskrit.

An opportunity is also provided by the organisation for children to imbibe classical music.

Besides admitting students, other people including techies and retired professionals also avail the opportunity to learn Sanskrit at the Vidyapeeta.

“At the end of a hard day’s work, it is very refreshing to recite Sanskrit verses along with people of the same age group,” said Chaitanya (name changed), an IT professional.

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