Dr Anuradha Choudry, with a PhD in Sanskrit from Pondicherry University, is presently the Coordinator for the Indian Knowledge Systems Division of the Ministry of Education, Government of India at AICTE, New Delhi, and a Faculty at the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences as well as a Member of the Rekhi Centre of Excellence for the Science of Happiness and the Centre of Excellence for Indian Knowledge Systems at the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur. A multilingual Sanskritist, she works in the areas of Indian/Yoga Psychology, Philosophy and Culture and is a resource person for national and international organizations. A recipient of the Excellent Young Teacher’s Award at IIT Kharagpur in 2019, she has co-edited and co-authored Perspectives on Indian Psychology and Happiness: Indic Perspectives with Dr. Vinayachandra B.K., Director, Indica Yoga, and together they have also conducted two annual month-long Yogathons for the International Yoga Day for Indica Yoga.

Abstract of the lectures:

Engaging with Sanskrit: Rewards and Challenges

The etymology of Sanskrit is samyak kritam, meaning “well-done”. A closer examination of the linguistic traits reveals how every feature of this language reflects an inherent perfection of expression. Language is a powerful tool of human communication; our general understanding is that it is shaped by the user and his/her nature. The lesser recognised fact is the extent to which language shapes its user. It is in this context that we will explore the nature of the Sanskrit language and understand the impact that it has on its users.

My Journey in teaching Sanskrit as a Spoken Language

My journey with Sanskrit started with it as a living language when I was a student at the Sri Aurobindo International Centre of Education, where Sanskrit was compulsory from kindergarten. My connection with the language was always in its spoken application, which is not the case in schools where it is taught through the regional languages. Teaching Sanskrit in Sanskrit has been a fascinating journey of insights and challenges. This presentation will try to present its different facets for the benefit of the teachers and learners of this wonderful language.