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Students who are really interested in learning Samskritam with the 5 Levels of courses, should read the following write-up. This will help you plan your semesters and provide right expectations from the courses. I have also tried to clarify some misunderstandings that previous batches have faced.
Studying Saṁskr̥tam at IITH: A Discussion to set the right expectations
Let me introduce you to the 5-Level Curriculum offered by Saṁskr̥ta Bhāratī in collaboration with our HST department. This curriculum promises not just linguistic proficiency but an immersive exploration of cultural roots and intellectual depth.
A considerable number of students have expressed a keen interest in acquiring proficiency in the Saṁskr̥tam language. This enthusiasm is rooted in their pride for Bhāratīya culture and tradition, recognizing Saṁskr̥tam as the foundational element of our literature and arts throughout history. Moreover, certain students are captivated by specific domains within Saṁskr̥tam, such as Gaṇita Jyotiṣa (astronomical calculations), Kaṇāda's Vaiśeṣika darśana (the concept of aṇuḥ), the philosophical concepts of Ātman and Brahman elucidated in Upaniṣad-s, and the computational linguistics and automata theory found in Pāṇini's Aṣṭādhyayī. This fascination has ignited aspirations among these students to delve into research endeavors within these nuanced subjects.
Saṁskr̥ta Bhāratī's Legacy:
Saṁskr̥ta Bhāratī has been a stalwart in disseminating the Saṁskṛtam language and its literature globally. Its rich contribution resonates not only in Bhāratavarṣa but also across borders. The organization's dedication, coupled with the support of leaders and our collaboration Āchārya-s: Śrī Gopālakṛṣṇa and Śrī Śivarāmakṛṣṇa, along with Telangānā Saṁskr̥ta Bhāratī president Śri Narendra, has been instrumental in bringing these teachings to IIT Hyderabad.
The 5-Level Curriculum: A Holistic Journey of Knowledge:
Structured as creative arts courses - CA1048, CA1070, CA1080, CA1090, and CA1100 - these levels, informally referred to as 1 through 5, offer a comprehensive and progressive approach to Saṁskṛtam education. Each level delves deeper into the study, enhancing both understanding and practical application.
Level-1: Spoken Saṁskṛtam and Beyond:
Commencing with Level-1, the focus on spoken Saṁskṛtam is deliberate. Learners start with simple sentences, daily vocabulary, self-introduction, and essential tenses. While this level emphasizes spoken skills, it is essential to clarify that the entire 5-level curriculum is designed for a holistic development that includes reading and understanding literature.
The Importance of Spoken Skills:
In this level, we give extra attention to speaking in Saṁskr̥tam.
Sometimes, students think that Level-1 mainly focuses on speaking skills and assume the whole 5-level program is just about that. But that's not true at all. The courses are carefully designed to help you read and understand all kinds of literature after completing the 5 levels. You should not judge the system just by the Level-1 course. Trust the system.
So, why do we put so much emphasis on speaking from the first level? We strongly believe that learning Samskrit should happen only in Samskrit. If a teacher uses English to teach Samskrit, it becomes tough to explain everything because each language has its own way of expressing thoughts and usage of words. For more practical examples, you can look up "untranslatables in Saṁskr̥tam" online. That's why we insist that communication for learning Saṁskr̥tam should be in Saṁskr̥tam only.
We know that Level-1 learners might take some time to switch from English to Saṁskr̥tam. But by Level-2, we expect you to understand well and speak with reasonable confidence. As you move into Level-2, regularly listening and trying to speak will naturally improve your speaking skills. You won't need to set aside special time for it; it'll happen on its own.
Levels 2 to 5: A Scholarly Expedition:
Level-2 onwards introduces learners to literature, revisiting school days and delving into noun, pronoun, and verb-forms. Level-3 advances into complex structures, while Level-4 delves into technicalities like vyākaraṇam and sandhiḥ, introducing suffixes known as taddhita. The pinnacle, Level-5, reduces vertical learning, exposing learners to a vast horizon of literature, including Aṣṭādhyāyī, Laghusiddhāntakaumudī, Līlāvatī, and more.
Course Schedule Overview:
The courses are planned with careful consideration to ensure a smooth learning experience. Level-1 is set to start during the 1-2 segment, followed by Level-2 in the 3-4 segment of each semester. The introduction of Level-3 depends on the enthusiasm and participation of Level-2 learners. If Level-2 goes well, we can kick off Level-3 soon.
Levels 4 and 5 are expected to be offered during the 3-4 and 5-6 segments, respectively. However, this depends on having at least 5 students interested in each level. Those who successfully complete the earlier levels will receive emails inviting them to join higher levels when they're ready. If you're keen on starting advanced levels sooner, feel free to email us at iks.volunteer@iith.ac.in. We'll consider and accommodate your request based on the overall interest and readiness of learners.
Concerns Regarding Practical Application of Knowledge:
Some have wondered about how the things they learn will actually be useful in real life.
At the beginning stage, we aim for you to learn basic everyday sentences so you can at least have simple conversations with the Āchārya-s. As you move to higher levels, you'll notice a shift. We use practical examples from well-known literature, chosen carefully to be just challenging enough for each level, neither too easy nor too hard.
If you're keen to explore beyond what's covered in class, we encourage that as long as you meet the class expectations. There's also an option to join the IKS Cell for even more learning adventures.
What Will I Get with These Courses: Beyond Fluency, a Paradigm Shift in Capability:
Completing these 5 courses ensures not just fluency but also the capability to read diverse literature and conduct independent studies. An individual can will be capable of understanding general Saṁskr̥tam and will gain enough understanding of resources to figure out meanings for the complex texts. The curriculum aligns with our cultural and intellectual heritage, creating well-rounded individuals with a profound connection to our roots. It will open avenues for research in ancient texts, literature, linguistics, and philosophy. This can be particularly beneficial for those interested in contributing to academic scholarship or pursuing research positions. An Saṁskr̥tam scholar can play a vital role in preserving and promoting India's cultural heritage. This can involve contributing to the documentation and digitization of ancient texts, participating in cultural initiatives, or engaging in educational outreach programs. Studying Saṁskr̥tam can be personally fulfilling, providing a unique intellectual challenge and contributing to personal growth. It allows individuals to engage with ancient wisdom, literature, and linguistic intricacies, fostering a lifelong love for learning.
Join the IKS Cell for Continued Exploration:
The IKS Cell, run by the HST Department, adds an extra layer of exploration with fun events every semester. Further details can be found on iks.iith.ac.in. As you embark on this transformative journey, Saṁskṛta will be more than just a language; it will be a key to unlocking cultural richness and intellectual enlightenment.
We are confident that this endeavor will not only equip you with linguistic skills but also foster a deep appreciation for our heritage.
IKS Volunteers
As one can see, the higher-level courses are floated based on the number of students ready for the course. This information is never known, and it slows the process of floating courses, doubting if we will get sufficient registrations.
As a step towards cooperation from our side, we have created a WhatsApp group of learners who are greatly interested and would like to finish their entire 5 levels. Every now and then, we will be getting the count of students interested in registering for Level-3/4/5 courses. Once we have at least 5 students ready, we will float the course. This does not apply to Level-1/2 because we have enough students joining there.
Even if you may not target all 5 courses, you can join there to know when your next level is going to be floated.
For students desiring to complete all 5 courses, it is highly recommended to join this group so that you can benefit by frequent floating of courses.
This will help you plan your semesters because you will be knowing if the course will certainly be floated. You can also get us to agree to float the course. Earlier, it was difficult for us to know if sufficient registrations will happen. Now, we will frequently float higher levels, and get students to complete entire 5 levels of courses.
Learners who are in any stage can join this group.
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