A MODERN TOUCH

Sanskrit universities are launching modern courses, and offering programmes in different disciplines after becoming central universities.

- Sanjay

Modern skill-based courses, improved infrastructure, autonomy in administration and recognition of degrees a change of status into central universities has brought these and more to institutions of Sanskrit studies. Three such institutions were converted into full-fledged universities through the Central Sanskrit University Act, 2020. Until then, they were deemed-tobe universities.

The change of status was intended to strengthen the status of Sanskrit language and provide good opportunities to students, said vice-chancellors. With government's promotion of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), Sanskrit universities are carving a more prominent spot for themselves in India's higher education system.

"As a deemed university we had to get permission from the education ministry for each resolution. Now we have more autonomy and can make decisions on our own. We are also witnessing huge interest of students towards courses in Sanskrit," said Shrinivasa Varakhedi, vice chancellor, Central Sanskrit University, New Delhi.

New central universities

With the implementation of the 2020 Act, Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, New Delhi, became Central Sanskrit University (CSU); Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth, New Delhi became Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University (SLBSNSU), New Delhi; and Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth, Tirupati became National Sanskrit University (NSU), Tirupati.

While CSU and NSU have seen increase in funding for infrastructure, SLBSNSU is still struggling to acquire land for expansion. Vice chancellors of all the three universities said that they are making changes, both academic and administrative, to bring the institutions in line with the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020.

More recognition