My family has embarked on a path that may be new to Indian-American families but is quite familiar to the American education system - Homeschooling or “gRuha-pAThashAlA” as we would like to call it. Many people homeschool for various reasons including (but not limited to) the pursuit of a religious education, a classical education, or a special education. Simply, it allows a child to pursue certain interests that his/her school may not provide. My two children are currently in elementary school. Since homeschooling affords freedom and flexibility, we have taken the opportunity to delve into Samskritam and embellish the basic curriculum of science, math, and the arts. Samskritam is studied at least 3 times a week, covering the spoken language, grammatical theory, and the unique script. There are enormous benefits of a long term study of a classical language, and we have already experienced some immediate advantages.
Even being in the fourth and second grade, both children can already read the devanagiri script fairly well. This has been enormously useful for them when they chant everyday, helping them to learn the correct intonation and fluctuations of the phrases. Learning, chanting, and eventually memorizing the great works of the Bhagavad Gita, Vishnu Sahasranamam, etc. are slightly easier because of their ability to read the text in its original form. Their study in Sambhashanam (conversational samskritam) has helped to allay the common fear of Samskritam being a difficult and “unapproachable” language. Many carry the wrong notion that it takes tremendous efforts to learn even the basics of Samskritam, a task that is seen as so difficult that some do not even make the attempt. Conversational Samskritam taught by Samskrita Bharati helps one get familiar with the richness of the language without the intimidation. The ease with which my sons speak Samskritam, after barely two years of studying the language, prove testament to the organization’s methods.
Surprisingly, the study of Samskritam grammar has also improved their understanding of English grammar. When studying a new passage, they analyze word and sentence structure, automatically comparing it to the English language to try to find similarities or differences between the two languages; the precision Samskritam teaches has helped to analytically and systematically evaluate literature. These are important skills that are applicable to many other subjects are well.
Currently, my ten year old is studying "Raghuvamsha" and is able to get a glimpse of the genius of Kalidasa. He is subtly exposed to etymology, poetic meter, and the study of compound word structures. He gets to revel in the beauty of the numerous metaphors used by the Mahakavi, thus getting a peek into one of the highest artistic and intellectual minds of all time.
Works in Samskritam have set exceedingly high standards for poetry, philosophy, literature, and drama. They imbue the mind with ideas of beauty, morality, and logic. It is indeed a pity that in India we have lost the tradition of learning Samskritam during the early childhood years, especially given the vast repository of intellectual ideas that are embedded within the language.
Samskritam imparts an intellectual discipline that is unsurpassed and the study of Samskritam will provide a solid base, teaching our children critical thinking and systematic analysis, along with the wisdom and ideals of our forefathers.
( Vijaya Viswanathan lives in Berwyn, PA and homeschools her two sons. )