Pakistan is taking a historic step to re‑introduce Sanskrit into its academic framework, signalling a broader cultural outreach that includes planned courses on the Bhagavad Gita and the Mahabharata. The move, announced by senior officials in Islamabad, aims to preserve a shared heritage that predates modern borders and to foster scholarly exchange across the subcontinent. While critics question the political motivations, proponents argue that language and literature belong to all peoples of the region. This article explores the historical backdrop, the policy shift, the academic collaborations in the pipeline, and the potential ripple effects on regional diplomacy and cultural identity.
Historical roots of Sanskrit in the subcontinent
Sanskrit, the ancient lingua franca of South Asia, has long been a cornerstone of religious, philosophical, and literary traditions. Texts such as the Bhagavad Gita and the Mahabharata were composed centuries before the modern nation‑states emerged, influencing art, law, and education across the region. In Pakistan, remnants of this legacy survive in archaeological sites, inscriptions, and the curricula of a few private institutions. The renewed interest reflects a desire to reconnect with this shared past.
Policy shift: reinstating Sanskrit in curricula
Earlier this year the Ministry of Education issued a directive to re‑introduce Sanskrit as an optional subject in higher‑secondary schools and universities. The policy outlines three main objectives:
- Academic enrichment: broaden students’ linguistic repertoire and analytical skills.
- Cultural preservation: safeguard ancient texts that are part of the region’s collective memory.
- International cooperation: open channels for joint research with Indian and global scholars.
Implementation will begin in a pilot group of ten universities, including the University of Punjab and the newly established Sanskrit Studies Institute. Faculty recruitment, textbook development, and scholarship schemes are slated for the 2025‑26 academic year.
Academic collaborations and planned studies of the Gita and Mahabharata
Beyond language instruction, the government has earmarked funds for dedicated research centers focusing on the Gita and the Mahabharata. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Sanskriti Institute of India will facilitate faculty exchanges, joint conferences, and digital archiving projects. The first symposium, scheduled for March 2025, will feature scholars from Pakistan, India, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Proposal submitted to parliament for Sanskrit revival |
| 2023 | Approval of pilot curriculum in four public universities |
| 2024 | Signing of MoU with Indian research institutes |
| 2025 | Launch of Gita and Mahabharata research centers |
These initiatives aim to produce peer‑reviewed publications, translation projects, and digital repositories accessible to scholars worldwide.
Cultural and diplomatic implications
The decision has sparked a mixed response domestically and internationally. Cultural historians applaud the move as a step toward acknowledging a pluralistic heritage, while some political analysts caution that it could be leveraged for soft‑power gains. In diplomatic circles, the gesture is being watched closely; India’s Ministry of External Affairs has welcomed the collaboration, describing it as “a positive step toward regional understanding.” If successful, the program could serve as a model for other South Asian nations seeking to bridge historical divides through shared scholarship.
In sum, Pakistan’s Sanskrit revival and its ambitious plans for Gita and Mahabharata studies represent more than an educational reform; they embody a strategic effort to reclaim a common cultural legacy, foster scholarly ties, and potentially ease long‑standing geopolitical tensions.
Image by: Nathan Engel
https://www.pexels.com/@nathan-engel-50858
