Does India Want to Revive Sanskrit and Make it an Official Language?

India has various movements and discussions centered on the revival of Sanskrit, a language deeply rooted in the nation's cultural heritage and education. While there is significant interest in promoting Sanskrit, it is currently not an official language at the national level. Several states, such as Uttarakhand, have introduced measures to promote Sanskrit in schools, but the idea of making it an official language nationwide faces considerable challenges.

Challenges and Barriers

Several factors contribute to the difficulty in elevating Sanskrit to an official status. Chief among these is the dominance and entrenched presence of English in Indian upper-class and upper-middle-class society. English is so deeply integrated into education and administration that it is nearly impossible for regional languages, including Hindi, to displace it. Sanskrit, being a 'dead' language, faces an even greater challenge.

International Comparisons and Contrasts

While some might draw parallels with the revival of Hebrew in Israel, the context and purpose differ significantly. Israelis revived Hebrew with a clear intention to use it for practical, official purposes. In contrast, the revival of Sanskrit in India by right-wing parties seems more politically driven, aimed at scoring points rather than genuine cultural revival. Therefore, comparisons with the success of Hebrew revival in Israel are not entirely applicable to the Indian context.

Ethnic and Religious Considerations

The linguistic and cultural landscape of India is diverse. Even a minority population like Muslims, which makes up 15% of the population, would likely resist such a move. Additionally, Christians, Tamil and Kerala Hindus, and large sections of Dalits, as well as parts of North East India, would not be supportive of the return of Sanskrit as an official language. These diverse groups have their own linguistic and cultural identities that would be threatened by the imposition of Sanskrit.

Practicality and Alternative Solutions

Beyond the philosophical and cultural considerations, there are more practical reasons against making Sanskrit an official language. The Indian education system, while widely teaching French and German, lacks effective instruction that enables students to learn and speak these languages. Furthermore, the demand for foreign languages like Arabic is evident among Indians working and living in the Middle East. These languages offer more utility and relevance than Sanskrit, which is difficult to revitalize as a functional, spoken language.

Conclusion

The revival of Sanskrit as a language and official status in India is an ambitious and complex goal. While there is a genuine interest in preserving Sanskrit's cultural heritage, the practical and political challenges make it a less likely proposition. Considering the dominance of English, the diverse linguistic landscape, and the lack of practical utility, there are better options, such as improving the quality of foreign language teaching in Indian schools.