Mobile App and Reviving Sanskrit: SCERT Uttarakhand's Innovative Initiative for School Education
In a pioneering
move, the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT)
Uttarakhand has embarked on a transformative journey to develop a mobile
application for Sanskrit, targeting school children from classes 6 to 12. The
primary objective of this initiative is to foster interest among teachers,
students, and parents, promoting Sanskrit as a second language in the state.
The inaugural meeting for content development, held at the seminar hall of
Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan in Dehradun, witnessed the visionary leadership of
Bandana Garbyal, the Director of Academic Research and Training.
Visionary Direction:
Bandana
Garbyal, in her address to subject matter experts, articulated her vision for
the mobile application. She emphasized the need for more interactive content,
engaging explanations, translations, vocabulary enrichment, and quizzes to make
learning Sanskrit an enjoyable experience for students. Garbyal urged the
content developers to integrate the rich heritage of Uttarakhand into the
Sanskrit curriculum, envisioning it as a means to convey the ethical values
intrinsic to the state. Citing Uttarakhand as "Dev Bhoomi," she
highlighted its historical significance, with Sage Ved Vyas having penned the
epic Mahabharata in the region. Additionally, she underscored the importance of
incorporating elements from renowned places such as Rishikesh, Haridwar, and
the Char Dham pilgrimage sites.
Innovative
Approach:
The Director's
directive encourages content developers to infuse Sanskrit with elements
specific to Uttarakhand's heritage, thereby making the language more relatable
and appealing to students. The proposed content will not only cover traditional
linguistic aspects but also integrate the cultural fabric of the state,
showcasing the deep-rooted connection between Sanskrit and Uttarakhand's
history.
Asha Rani
Painuily, the Joint Director, complemented Garbyal's vision by suggesting that
the content aligns with the state board curriculum. This strategic alignment
ensures that the mobile application becomes an integral part of the formal
education system, facilitating seamless integration into classrooms across
Uttarakhand.
Empowering the
Future:
The SCERT
Uttarakhand's initiative to develop a Sanskrit mobile application underscores a
commitment to revitalizing the importance of Sanskrit as a language of
heritage, wisdom, and ethical values. By fostering interest among students,
teachers, and parents, this innovative approach aims to rejuvenate Sanskrit
education in the state, promoting a holistic understanding of the language and
its deep connection with Uttarakhand's cultural tapestry.
Conclusion:
As SCERT
Uttarakhand forges ahead with its ambitious plan, the envisioned mobile
application for Sanskrit holds the promise of transforming language education
in the state. By blending modern technology with the ancient wisdom of Sanskrit
and incorporating Uttarakhand's rich heritage, the initiative strives to make
Sanskrit an engaging and accessible language for the younger generation. In
doing so, it not only preserves the cultural identity of the state but also
equips students with a profound understanding of their linguistic roots and the
timeless ethos encapsulated in the language of the ancients.
