This article appeared in Lokavani.

In a woody, scenic campsite overlooking a lake in East Otis, MA, nearly eighty people from all over the country came for the second national-level Samskritam camp held in America by the non-profit organization Samskrita Bharati. The five day camp, named Paavinii, and carried out in the traditional style of a gurukulam, was dedicated to teaching all participants of all ages and backgrounds how to speak Samskritam, and from arrival Samskritam was the means of communication. The entire camp was conducted in Samskritam, and still the dedicated staff of Samskrita Bharati made sure no one was left out. In fact, it was this immersive strategy that had everyone speaking Samskritam right from the start, and the camp’s presiding motto of “Speak Samskrit, not About Samskrit” was realized throughout the five days.

The day started at 5:45 with morning meditation, and was followed by traditional Indian Yoga. By eight o’clock breakfast was served (all meals were Indian vegetarian dishes), and the first hour-long Samskritam class started by nine o’clock. Classes were divided according to prior knowledge of Samskritam; those who did not know any Indian languages and had no prior knowledge in Samskritam were placed in the beginner class. One of the two intermediate classes were for those who had the knowledge of some Indian language and therefore some background in Samskritam, and the second one was for those who had attended Samskritam camps or classes before. There was, in addition, an advanced class for those who were already proficient in Samskritam.

Kids were placed in a class of their own, and all classes were taught by excellent teachers who were trained in the communicative teaching method employed by Samskrita Bharati, a most effective way of teaching language. In this method, speaking and listening take precedence over grammar and semantics, and it is because of this that even novices begin speaking full, correct sentences in Samskritam by the end of the first class! Three classes were held in the morning before lunch, with 15-30 minute breaks between classes. After lunch another two afternoon classes were held before a tea break, after which evening activities were conducted. Throughout the day the teachers and staff of Samskrita Bharati interacted and mingled with the participants creating a family-like environment.

All the participants from all class levels got together in the evening and participated in such activities as Kriidaa (games), Bhajans, and discourses. Entertainment, also in Samskritam, was after dinner and consisted of plays and other performances by the participants and the staff. The games played were traditional Indian games, many of which involved developing memory and cognitive skills. Bhajans were held before the discourse, and was a spontaneous occasion where people came forward and sang devotional songs, accompanied by those who had brought their mridungam and tabala (classical Indian drums), and other instruments. The discourses were given by Sri Krishna Shastry, one of the founders of Samskrita Bharati movement, and discussed various aspects of Indian culture, history, Samskritam, and philosophy in general. Sri Krishna Shastry’s immense energy and dedication, which fueled the founding and growth of Samskrita Bharati, diffuses into all those around him, and in listening to him speak, it becomes clear that he inspires his staff and the participants. He had a genuine concern for all those present, and his passion for Samskritam and the Indian traditions charged the entire camp and contributed significantly to the positive atmosphere.

Throughout the five days there was immense energy and enthusiasm instilled in all those present through all the activities, from the classes to the discourses to the games. During all of these activities, all presided over in Samskritam, a bond developed among the participants. The skits, songs, and other performances, all in Samskritam of course, often ran longer than planned, since all participants, especially the kids, were eager and willing to contribute. It was not a surprise that by bedtime at 10:00, Samskritam could still be heard being spoken, as everyone was unwilling to end the day. By the end of the camp, despite cold nights in the cabins and inclement weather, everyone was sad to go. As one person from the beginner class expressed, it was as if another family was gained, and many echoed similar sentiments during the concluding ceremonies, where people were given the chance to share their feelings regarding the camp. It was a positive experience all round, made possible by Samskrita Bharati’s efficiency and dedication to the Samskritam language and culture.

Anyone, regardless of nationality or belief, who is remotely interested in Samskritam as a language or Indian culture in general, would do well to attend these residential camps. It is an opportunity to live the traditional vedantic lifestyle, and to immerse oneself in the Samskritam language that is the cornerstone of the vast Indian tradition. And certainly the greatest testament to Samskrita Bharati’s success with this camp is that every single person came away being able to understand and speak Samskritam like they had never been able to before, and for all it was a rejuvenating cultural and spiritual experience. For more information on Samskrita Bharati and its activities, contact Govinda Yelagalawadi at 408-871-0351 or Giridharan Bharathan at 978-362-1715 or visit http://www.samskritabharatiusa.org.

Press report by Phalgun S. Prativadi, Gaithersburg, MD