Sanskrit College and University to introduce revised syllabus

Kolkata: The Sanskrit College and University (SCU) is taking a giant stride to inculcate the idea among common people and particularly in the student community that Sanskrit is a language of modernisation with a blend of philosophy and science. And with this in mind, the SCU is introducing a revised syllabus in Sanskrit right from the 2018-19 academic year.

"We want to break the notion among common people that Sanskrit is merely a traditional language. It is a classical language and the language of modernization. We are making computer application mandatory and introducing Vedic Mathematics, Physics as well as Vedic Astronomy in our curriculum. We are digitising our manuscripts in the most modernised manner in our efforts to change the mindset of the people about Sanskrit language," said Paula Banerjee, the Vice-Chancellor of SC.

Elaborating on his standpoint about Sanskrit's links with science, Banerjee said it was professor Madhusudan Gupta of Sanskrit College who was the first man in the country to dissect a human corpse at Calcutta Medical College Hospital in 1836. "Gupta who had joined as a professor in the college in 1830 was the first person who was roped in by the Medical College for working in the field of forensic science," Banerjee maintained. Computer application will also be made mandatory in the 300 'Tols' across the state.

The SCU is also making the study of one language must in its MA curriculum. "We will have two categories of language – Oriental and European among which a student will have to opt for one. The subjects in the oriental section will have Pali, Prakit, Tamil etc while that in the European section will have German and French. We are also looking for faculty in Russian and Polish so that these two can also be an option," registrar of SCU Dr Arundhati Mukhopadhyay said.

It may be mentioned that the transformation of Sanskrit College as The Sanskrit College and University was done by the Mamata Banerjee government through a legislative act of 2015 and it was only on June 2016 when it started its journey as a university. The university has a student ratio of 70:30 in terms of girls and boys.