'Sanskrit is not only about religion, philosophy'

New Delhi, Feb 25: Contrary to popular perception that Sanskrit has relevance only with religion and philosophy, the ancient language has many other dimensions to it, asserts well-known diplomat-turned-Sanskrit scholar A N D Haksar.

''Sanskrit's profound and solemn works have largely overshadowed its secular, lighter, down-to-earth dimension,'' the scholar said elucidating the various dimensions of the language.

''When it comes to Sanskrit language, people's perception is that it has relevance only with religion and philosophy, which is not true. Sanskrit has many other dimensions apart from religion and philosophy,'' added the 73-year-old Sanskrit scholar.

Sanskrit, primarily a language of poetry and literature, is also an extremely scientific language and considered to be the only one which has the capability to revive the lost glory of the country.

The renowned scholar and translator has been trying to imbibe a new life into the neglected language, still regarded to be the legacy of our ancestors, by translating the Sanskrit classics into English and feels that his efforts could help in reigniting people's lost passion for the language.

''English today occupies the position of a language which is of higher thoughts, higher learning and international recourse. This is what Sanskrit possessed during its days and it was the only pan-Indian language besides English.'' Mr Haksar, who also has had a distinguished career as a diplomat, serving as Indian High Commissioner to Kenya and the Seychelles, minister to the United States, and Ambassador to Portugal and Yugoslavia, further elaborated his love for the language by saying, ''Though I have spent my entire life working as a diplomat and writing about diplomatic relations, Sanskrit has always been my passion. It is submerged within my heart and soul,'' adding, ''It is real fun to play with Sanskrit classics.'' The former diplomat turned scholar has till date translated five Sanskrit classics, which include 'Hitopadesa' and 'Simhasana Dvatrimsika', 'Jatakamala' (with a foreword by the Dalai Lama), the first-ever rendition of 'Madhavanala Katha', published as 'Madhav and Kama' and most recently 'Subhashitavali', a compilation of anthology by Kashmiri poet-scholar Vallabhadeva in the 15th century AD.

Apart from them, he has also compiled 'A Treasury of Sanskrit Poetry', which was commissioned by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.

As a matter of fact, the recent decision of the University of Cambridge to cut down the teaching of Sanskrit has met with dismay among students, with John Smith, one of two Sanskritists at the university, no longer wishing to be associated with Cambridge.

UNI