State ready to teach Sanskrit in schools from next academic year, says Sawant

PANAJI: Chief minister Pramod Sawant on Monday announced that the state government is ready to start teaching Sanskrit in schools from the next academic year.

"The state government is considering the suggestion to provide one teacher for around eight to ten schools to teach Sanskrit. From the next academic year, the state government is ready to teach Sanskrit in schools to those willing to learn the language," Sawant said, who also holds the education portfolio.

He also said that some western forces tried to deface Goa's image in the world.

"The state government and the people are showing Goa's cultured face to the world. Goa is not a land to enjoy, but it is a 'karmabhumi' (workplace) and the 'dakshin Kashi'," he said.

Sawant said that during the past couple of years, the state is promoting cultural and wellness tourism, as well as yoga and ayurveda to highlight that Goa is the 'Kashi of the east' to the world.

Speaking at the inaugural function of the Sanskrit programme 'Geetamrutam' organised by Sanskrit Bharati Goa, Sawant said that the Bhagavad Gita is not only a religious book, but "it is also a sacred scripture of the country that gives guidance to the world".

Sawant said that that the Bhagavad Gita is translated in many languages as compared to any other religious book. Referring to former president of India A P J Kalam, Sawant said that Kalam used to regularly read the Bhagavad Gita.

"Kalam has made the world realise the importance of the Bhagavad Gita, and this makes it clear that the Bhagavad Gita is not restricted to one religion, caste or creed," Sawant said.

Sawant said that till date, the state government used to appoint teachers on contractual basis to teach Sanskrit in higher secondary education.

He has said that it is the duty of parents and students to learn Sanskrit so that they can adopt the preachings of the Bhagavad Gita.

Sawant also said that the education department has not left "any stone unturned to encourage the learning of Sanskrit".