Manipur's Sanskrit college celebrates golden jubilee
5 Oct 2008, 1947 Hrs

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Imphal, Oct.5 Not many of us may know Manipur, the state popularly known for its regional languages, also has a Sanskrit college for the last six decades.

Dwijamani Dev Sharma Sanskrit Mahaviyalaya at Sangaipat has been in existence since 1947 in Imphal. Students can pursue graduate and post graduate degrees from this institute. Recently, it celebrated its diamond jubilee here.

Students irrespective of age can enroll at this college for studies in Sanskrit, a language described to be mother of all languages.

The association of Manipur with Sanskrit shows the similarity of cultural and historical past, which the state shares with rest of the country.

Rajshree Devi, one Sanskrit student, said: "Every person in this world knows that Sanskrit is mother of all the languages. We know that all the languages- whether it's Manipuri or Hindi or any other finds its origin from there only. This fact inspired me to learn this language."

Sishiliya Mangang, another student, said: "Though we are basically Manipuri but we are also an Indian, whose national language is Hindi. That's why we read Hindi. When I started learning Hindi, I realised that Sanskrit is very near to Hindi. I mean very similar to Hindi. A feeling, a desire originated in my heart to learn Sanskrit. I felt that if I studied Sanskrit, my study of Hindi would be completed in actual sense."

This educational institute showcases the desire among Manipuris towards learning ancient languages and relate themselves to the culture.

Till date, the institute has produced 130 graduates and 100 masters. Although, the numbers are not great but they are significant as most youngsters today prefer learning modern languages.

Besides, Manipur Sanskrit Parishad (council), one of the oldest organizations in Manipur, is also contributing to the propagation of Sanskrit, also celebrated its diamond jubilee.

Jhalajit Singh, President, Manipur Sanskrit Parishad, said: "Primary purpose is to propagate Sanskrit throughout the India, particularly in Manipur. Sanskrit is one of the most important languages of the world, in classical time. The Latin, Greek and Sanskrit all three are the classical language and Sanskrit is most important among them."

The body was established long back in year 1948, to propagate the language among the locals as well as in rest of the country. By L.C.K Singh (ANI)