Jaipur: In a move that has stirred both applause and outrage across India, the Rajasthan Education Department has reportedly proposed replacing Urdu with Sanskrit as the third language in government schools. Schools that previously offered Urdu as an optional subject have now been advised to transition towards teaching Sanskrit instead. This seemingly innocuous policy tweak has triggered a nationwide debate on language, culture, and identity.
While some hail it as a revival of India’s ancient linguistic heritage, others describe it as nothing less than a “surgical strike on the Urdu language.” Is this merely an educational reform or a larger cultural reset? We dig deep to separate sentiment from substance.
The Policy Shift: What Exactly Happened?
According to sources within the Rajasthan Education Department, the directive to promote Sanskrit over Urdu aligns with the state’s broader vision to rejuvenate the ancient Indian language. Sanskrit, often celebrated as the “mother of all languages,” is revered for its historical and cultural significance.
However, this decision also involves phasing out Urdu as an elective in many government schools. Notably, Urdu has long been an essential medium for sections of Rajasthan’s Muslim population and has deep cultural roots in the region.
The Official Justification
Education authorities maintain that this decision is driven by pragmatic concerns and cultural pride. “Sanskrit is deeply embedded in India’s ethos. Introducing it more widely will benefit students,” said an official from the education ministry, requesting anonymity.
The official added that demand for Urdu had been declining over the years. “We’re responding to ground realities. Very few students opt for Urdu now. Sanskrit, on the other hand, is gaining traction.”
The Backlash: A Linguistic Surgical Strike?
Not everyone is buying that rationale. Several Urdu scholars and community leaders have denounced the move as culturally insensitive. Prominent Islamic clerics in Rajasthan expressed their concerns, with one Maulana calling it a “surgical strike on Urdu” — a loaded term that reflects the underlying tensions.
“Language is not just a means of communication; it’s an identity. This decision sidelines a language that represents the heritage of millions,” said Maulana Imran Qasmi, a scholar based in Jaipur.
The Political Undertone
Observers suggest that the policy shift is not merely an educational decision but a political statement, especially given the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) focus on promoting Hindu cultural symbols. Rajasthan’s political landscape has always been sensitive to religious dynamics, and this move is viewed by some as a consolidation of the saffron agenda.
That said, proponents argue that politics should not overshadow the inherent value of Sanskrit. “Why is promoting our heritage seen as communal? Sanskrit is part of India’s soul,” said Ramesh Sharma, a teacher from Udaipur.
Sanskrit vs. Urdu: A Tale of Two Languages
Sanskrit:
- Regarded as one of the oldest languages globally, with texts dating back over 3,500 years.
- Integral to Hindu rituals, yoga, Ayurveda, and Indian classical literature.
- Perceived as elitist due to its association with Brahmanical traditions.
Urdu:
- Originated in the Mughal era as a blend of Persian, Arabic, and local Indian dialects.
- Known as the language of poets like Mirza Ghalib and Faiz Ahmed Faiz.
- Associated with the cultural fabric of Indian Muslims, but enjoyed by people across communities.
The National Trend: Rajasthan Not Alone
Rajasthan’s language policy is not an isolated incident. Several BJP-ruled states have actively promoted Sanskrit in recent years. Uttar Pradesh made Sanskrit compulsory in many schools, while Madhya Pradesh introduced Sanskrit signboards on highways.
These efforts reflect a broader national trend towards reviving traditional Indian languages, albeit often interpreted as a pushback against perceived Islamic influences in India’s cultural history.
What Does It Mean for Students?
Parents and students find themselves caught in this linguistic crossfire. For some, Sanskrit opens doors to ancient texts, yoga, and even better scores in academics. “Sanskrit is scoring-friendly. It will help in competitive exams,” said Preeti Agarwal, a parent in Jaipur.
However, students from Urdu-speaking backgrounds fear losing touch with their linguistic roots. “I wanted my daughter to learn Urdu because it connects her to our culture. Now, we might need private tutors,” said Abdul Rehman, a shopkeeper in Kota.
The Economic Angle: Does Sanskrit Pay?
Skeptics argue that Sanskrit, while culturally enriching, lacks practical application. “How many jobs require Sanskrit? Technology and business favor English and Hindi,” said education analyst Ravi Verma. Urdu, on the other hand, holds commercial value in Bollywood, journalism, and literature.
Top 10 States Leading the Language Push
While Rajasthan’s latest move has made headlines, here are other states actively promoting Sanskrit or revamping their language policies:
- Uttar Pradesh: Made Sanskrit compulsory in primary schools.
- Madhya Pradesh: Installed Sanskrit signboards on highways.
- Uttarakhand: Declared Sanskrit as the second official language.
- Himachal Pradesh: Regularly hosts Sanskrit Mahotsav events.
- Delhi: Offers scholarships for Sanskrit learners.
- Karnataka: Integrated Sanskrit learning in state-run universities.
- Maharashtra: Supports Sanskrit publications and conferences.
- Rajasthan: Now replacing Urdu with Sanskrit in government schools.
- Gujarat: Promotes Sanskrit via cultural exchange programs.
- Bihar: Introduced Sanskrit in village schools as a heritage revival program.
The Final Word: Language as Power
Language in India has always been more than words. It’s power. It’s politics. It’s identity. Rajasthan’s decision to swap Urdu for Sanskrit is unlikely to remain a mere curriculum update. It will shape cultural perceptions and political alignments in the years to come.
As the echoes of “Shlokas vs. Shayaris” grow louder, perhaps the real challenge lies not in choosing between Sanskrit and Urdu but in ensuring that education serves to unite rather than divide. Because, at the end of the day, language is meant to bridge gaps — not create them.