Politics of Sanskrit

HemantHemant GoswamiGoswami
hemant@sanskrit.asiahemant@sanskrit.asia
+91+91--94178680449417868044
Law, Litigation,Law, Litigation,
Constitution, PoliticsConstitution, Politics
&&

From Annie Besant: Case for IndiaFrom Annie Besant: Case for India
►► The position of women in the ancient Aryan civilisation was a veThe position of women in the ancient Aryan civilisation was a veryry
noble one. The great majority married, becoming, as Manu said, tnoble one. The great majority married, becoming, as Manu said, thehe
Light of the Home; some took up the ascetic life, remained unmarLight of the Home; some took up the ascetic life, remained unmarried,ried,
and sought the knowledge of Brahma.......... Only in the last twand sought the knowledge of Brahma.......... Only in the last two oro or
three generations have Indian women slipped away from their placthree generations have Indian women slipped away from their place ate at
their husbands' side, and left themtheir husbands' side, and left them unhelpedunhelped in their public life. Butin their public life. But
even now they wield great influence over husband and son.even now they wield great influence over husband and son. CultureCulture
has never forsaken them, but the English education of theirhas never forsaken them, but the English education of their
husbands and sons, with the neglect of Sanskrit and thehusbands and sons, with the neglect of Sanskrit and the
Vernacular, have made a barrier between the culture of theVernacular, have made a barrier between the culture of the
husband and that of the wife,husband and that of the wife, and has shut the woman out fromand has shut the woman out from
her old sympathy with the larger life of men.her old sympathy with the larger life of men.
[The Case For India: Annie Besant: 1917[The Case For India: Annie Besant: 1917

Will Durant:Will Durant: The Case for IndiaThe Case for India
►► India will teach us the tolerance and gentleness of matureIndia will teach us the tolerance and gentleness of mature
mind, understanding spirit and a unifying, pacifying lovemind, understanding spirit and a unifying, pacifying love
for all human beings. India was the motherland of ourfor all human beings. India was the motherland of our
race,race, and Sanskrit the mother of Europe'sand Sanskrit the mother of Europe's
languages: she was the mother of our philosophy;languages: she was the mother of our philosophy;
mother, through the Arabs, of much of our mathematics;mother, through the Arabs, of much of our mathematics;
mother, through the Buddha, of the ideals embodied inmother, through the Buddha, of the ideals embodied in
Christianity; mother, through the village community, ofChristianity; mother, through the village community, of
selfself--government and democracy. Mother India is in manygovernment and democracy. Mother India is in many
ways the mother of us all.ways the mother of us all.
[The Case for India: Will Durant[The Case for India: Will Durant –– 1931]1931]

Mr. President : The question isMr. President : The question is …………………………....
CHAPTER IVCHAPTER IV--SPECIAL DIRECTIVES 301SPECIAL DIRECTIVES 301--H. Language to be used for representationH. Language to be used for representation
for redress of grievances. Every person shall be entitled to subfor redress of grievances. Every person shall be entitled to submit a representationmit a representation
for the redress of any grievance to any officer or authority offor the redress of any grievance to any officer or authority of the Union or a Statethe Union or a State
in any of the languages used in the Union or in the State, as thin any of the languages used in the Union or in the State, as the case may be.e case may be.
301301--I. Directive for development of Hindi. It shall be the duty of tI. Directive for development of Hindi. It shall be the duty of the Union tohe Union to
promote the spread of Hindi and to develop the language so as topromote the spread of Hindi and to develop the language so as to serve as aserve as a
medium of expression for all, the elements of the composite cultmedium of expression for all, the elements of the composite culture of India and toure of India and to
secure its enrichment by assimilating without interfering with isecure its enrichment by assimilating without interfering with its genius, the forms,ts genius, the forms,
style and expressions used in Hindustani and in the other languastyle and expressions used in Hindustani and in the other languages of India,ges of India, andand
drawing, wherever necessary or desirable, for its vocabulary, prdrawing, wherever necessary or desirable, for its vocabulary, primarily onimarily on
Sanskrit and secondarily on other languages.Sanskrit and secondarily on other languages.
SCHEDULE VIISCHEDULE VII--AA
11…………………………..
10A. Sanskrit10A. Sanskrit
11.11. ……………………....
The motion was adopted.The motion was adopted.

ShriShri R. V.R. V. DhulekarDhulekar :: I say it is the official language and it is theI say it is the official language and it is the
national language. You may demur to it. You may belongnational language. You may demur to it. You may belong-- toto
another nation but I belong to Indian nation, the Hindi Nation,another nation but I belong to Indian nation, the Hindi Nation, thethe
Hindu Nation, the Hindustani Nation. I do not know why you say iHindu Nation, the Hindustani Nation. I do not know why you say itt
is not the National Language. Some of you want that Sanskrit beis not the National Language. Some of you want that Sanskrit be
the national languagethe national language--I may sayI may say Sanskrit is the internationalSanskrit is the international
language. it is the language of the world.language. it is the language of the world. There areThere are fourfour
thousand roots in Sanskrit language. Sanskrit is the root ofthousand roots in Sanskrit language. Sanskrit is the root of
all roots. Sanskrit is the language of the whole world.all roots. Sanskrit is the language of the whole world. AndAnd
you will see that some day when Hindi becomes the official andyou will see that some day when Hindi becomes the official and
national language,national language, Sanskrit will become the language of theSanskrit will become the language of the
world.world.
Now, today because we are nationally minded, therefore I say thaNow, today because we are nationally minded, therefore I say thatt
Hindi is the national language. You say, Hindi is the officialHindi is the national language. You say, Hindi is the official
language. but I say it is the national language.language. but I say it is the national language.

PanditPandit LakshmiLakshmi KantaKanta MaitraMaitra (West Bengal:(West Bengal:
General):General): …………………….. I am sincerely convinced that if.. I am sincerely convinced that if
on the attainment of freedom, this country is to haveon the attainment of freedom, this country is to have
at all anything like an official language which is alsoat all anything like an official language which is also
to be the national language of the country, it isto be the national language of the country, it is
undoubtedly Sanskrit.undoubtedly Sanskrit. ………………………….. Mr. President,.. Mr. President,
press on my friends for acceptance of mypress on my friends for acceptance of my
amendment,amendment, that is, my proposal for adoptionthat is, my proposal for adoption
of Sanskrit as the national and officialof Sanskrit as the national and official
language of Indialanguage of India

PanditPandit LakshmiLakshmi KantaKanta MaitraMaitra :: Sir, Sanskrit has the oldest and the most respectable pedigreeSir, Sanskrit has the oldest and the most respectable pedigree
of all the language in the world. I have got here a collection oof all the language in the world. I have got here a collection of opinions of some of the biggestf opinions of some of the biggest
orientalistsorientalists that the world has ever produced; thethat the world has ever produced; the concensusconcensus of opinion of men like Professorof opinion of men like Professor
MaxmullerMaxmuller, Keith, Taylor, Sir William Hunter, Sir William, Keith, Taylor, Sir William Hunter, Sir William GolebukGolebuk,, SeleigmanSeleigman, Schopenhauer,, Schopenhauer,
GoetherGoether, not to speak of numerous other people like, not to speak of numerous other people like MacdonellMacdonell and Dubois. All have accorded toand Dubois. All have accorded to
Sanskrit the highest place, not to please us, because when theseSanskrit the highest place, not to please us, because when these opinions were expressed weopinions were expressed we
were a subject race under a foreign power on whose behalf adverswere a subject race under a foreign power on whose behalf adverse propaganda was conductede propaganda was conducted
against us by personages like Miss Mayo whose 'Mother India' wasagainst us by personages like Miss Mayo whose 'Mother India' was characterised by Mahatmacharacterised by Mahatma
Gandhi of hallowed memory as a "drain inspector's report". NotwiGandhi of hallowed memory as a "drain inspector's report". Notwithstanding all such adversethstanding all such adverse
propaganda carried on against India by the interested agencies ipropaganda carried on against India by the interested agencies in foreign countries, the worldn foreign countries, the world
came to know the real India, gradually through these greatcame to know the real India, gradually through these great oricntalistsoricntalists who had devoted their liveswho had devoted their lives
to the study of the Sanskrit language and literature and an thatto the study of the Sanskrit language and literature and an that is contained in it. These greatis contained in it. These great
servants unhesitatingly declared that Sanskrit was "the oldest aservants unhesitatingly declared that Sanskrit was "the oldest and the richest language of thend the richest language of the
world," "the one language of the world," "the mother of all langworld," "the one language of the world," "the mother of all languages of the world."uages of the world."
If today India has got an opportunity after thousand years to shIf today India has got an opportunity after thousand years to shape her own destiny, I ask in allape her own destiny, I ask in all
seriousness if she is going to feel ashamed to recognise the Sanseriousness if she is going to feel ashamed to recognise the Sanskrit languageskrit language--the reveredthe revered
grandmother of languages of the world, still alive with full viggrandmother of languages of the world, still alive with full vigour, full vitality? Are we going toour, full vitality? Are we going to
deny here her rightful place in Free India ? That is a questiondeny here her rightful place in Free India ? That is a question which I solemnly ask. I know it willwhich I solemnly ask. I know it will
be said that it is a dead language. Yes. Dead to whom ? Dead tobe said that it is a dead language. Yes. Dead to whom ? Dead to you, because you have becomeyou, because you have become
dead to all sense of grandeur, you have become dead to all whichdead to all sense of grandeur, you have become dead to all which is great and noble in your ownis great and noble in your own
culture and civilisation. You have been chasing the shadow and hculture and civilisation. You have been chasing the shadow and have never tried to grasp theave never tried to grasp the
substance which is contained in your great literature. If Sanskrsubstance which is contained in your great literature. If Sanskrit is dead, may I say that Sanskrit isit is dead, may I say that Sanskrit is
ruling us from her graveruling us from her grave? Nobody can get away from Sanskrit in India, Even hi your? Nobody can get away from Sanskrit in India, Even hi your
proposal to make Hindi the State language of this country, you yproposal to make Hindi the State language of this country, you yourself provide in theourself provide in the
very article that that language will have to draw its vocabularyvery article that that language will have to draw its vocabulary freely from thefreely from the
Sanskrit language. You have given that indirect recognition to SSanskrit language. You have given that indirect recognition to Sanskrit because youanskrit because you
are otherwise helpless and powerless.are otherwise helpless and powerless. ……

I Want to know whether my appeal evokes any response inI Want to know whether my appeal evokes any response in
the hearts of my friends from the north or the south. Youthe hearts of my friends from the north or the south. You
should have the highest respect for Sanskrit, the language ofshould have the highest respect for Sanskrit, the language of
your forefathers. Is it not the proper thing for you to do inyour forefathers. Is it not the proper thing for you to do in
difference to them, when you have got today the chance ofdifference to them, when you have got today the chance of
shaping the future generations ?shaping the future generations ? Let us bury our hatchetsLet us bury our hatchets
and cheerfully accept Sanskrit as the National andand cheerfully accept Sanskrit as the National and
official language of free India.official language of free India. I honestly believe that ifI honestly believe that if
we accept Sanskrit, all these troubles, all these jealousies, alwe accept Sanskrit, all these troubles, all these jealousies, alll
thisthis bitternesswillbitternesswill vanish with all the psychological complexvanish with all the psychological complex
that has been created.that has been created.

ShriShri LakshminarayanLakshminarayan SahuSahu (Orissa: General)(Orissa: General) :: ………………So every manSo every man
cannot learn all the words that 'any dictionary may contain. Natcannot learn all the words that 'any dictionary may contain. Naturally weurally we
have to select some words and reject others. This happens in thehave to select some words and reject others. This happens in the case ofcase of
all the languages. You should just see thatall the languages. You should just see that Sanskrit is the mother ofSanskrit is the mother of
all the provincial languages,all the provincial languages, and it contains so many words that, weand it contains so many words that, we
can derive from it every word that we may need. But we do not alcan derive from it every word that we may need. But we do not alwaysways
use that. I take the instance of a particular word 'use that. I take the instance of a particular word 'PavanPavan' which is used in' which is used in
Orissa. This word is also in vogue in Sanskrit. It means 'air' bOrissa. This word is also in vogue in Sanskrit. It means 'air' but it does notut it does not
get much currency, and in Bengali language no one understands thget much currency, and in Bengali language no one understands thisis
word. So I say that when we accept Hindi as national language, wword. So I say that when we accept Hindi as national language, wee
should have to reject a few wordsshould have to reject a few words……………………. Then there is the question of. Then there is the question of
accepting Sanskrit as the national language. If all the South Inaccepting Sanskrit as the national language. If all the South Indian friendsdian friends
and others accept Sanskrit, I would have no objection and wouldand others accept Sanskrit, I would have no objection and would acceptaccept
it.it. ………………....

ShriShri AlguAlgu RaiRai ShastriShastri (United Provinces : General) : The(United Provinces : General) : The
question may be asked as to what is our national language.question may be asked as to what is our national language.
There is no doubt that Sanskrit is the mother of all theThere is no doubt that Sanskrit is the mother of all the
languages spoken in India. An of them are derived fromlanguages spoken in India. An of them are derived from
Sanskrit; for their vocabulary they have drawn upon SanskritSanskrit; for their vocabulary they have drawn upon Sanskrit
which is an inexhaustible source of words.which is an inexhaustible source of words. But Sanskrit, theBut Sanskrit, the
mother of the current Indian languages, cannot bemother of the current Indian languages, cannot be
enthroned today on the pedestal of the nationalenthroned today on the pedestal of the national
language. Its eldest and thelanguage. Its eldest and the seniormostseniormost daughterdaughter
alone can today be the national language.alone can today be the national language.

ShriShri KuladharKuladhar ChalihaChaliha (Assam : General) :(Assam : General) : ………………Mr. President,Mr. President,
Sir, after the speech of Dr.Sir, after the speech of Dr. SubbarayanSubbarayan which was one of the mostwhich was one of the most
rational speechesrational speeches evermadeevermade here in this House, if I come forward tohere in this House, if I come forward to
support Sanskrit, I shall be taken as archaic or as an archaeolosupport Sanskrit, I shall be taken as archaic or as an archaeologicalgical
curiosity. I personally feel that we should have Sanskrit as ourcuriosity. I personally feel that we should have Sanskrit as our
national language. Sanskrit and India are conational language. Sanskrit and India are co--extensive. Howeverextensive. However
much you can try, you cannot get away from Sanskrit. Ourmuch you can try, you cannot get away from Sanskrit. Our
institutions are interwoven with it and values of our lives haveinstitutions are interwoven with it and values of our lives have beenbeen
created out of its philosophy. All that is good and all that iscreated out of its philosophy. All that is good and all that is valuablevaluable
and all that we fight for and all that we hold precious have comand all that we fight for and all that we hold precious have comee
from Sanskrit literaturefrom Sanskrit literature…………………………....
Now coming again toNow coming again to Sanskrit, it is the mother of all ourSanskrit, it is the mother of all our
provincial languages. We will become better Indians byprovincial languages. We will become better Indians by
adopting Sanskrit,adopting Sanskrit, because Sanskrit and India are cobecause Sanskrit and India are co--extensive.extensive.
Even if we adopt Hindi or Hindustani, we shall not be able to geEven if we adopt Hindi or Hindustani, we shall not be able to gett
away from Sanskrit, which has given us our philosophy and, all taway from Sanskrit, which has given us our philosophy and, all thehe
beautiful things of the world.beautiful things of the world. ………………..

SardarSardar HukamHukam SinghSingh :: My amendment No. 323 isMy amendment No. 323 is that instead of Hindi inthat instead of Hindi in DevanagariDevanagari scriptscript
it should be Hindustani in the Roman script.it should be Hindustani in the Roman script. That has already been moved by a veryThat has already been moved by a very
distinguished scholar and an eminent Member like Dr.distinguished scholar and an eminent Member like Dr. SubbaroyanSubbaroyan. I would not go over the ground. I would not go over the ground
again that has been covered already but I must say something aboagain that has been covered already but I must say something about it.ut it.
I may make it clear in the beginning that when I passed my primaI may make it clear in the beginning that when I passed my primary standard and had the optionry standard and had the option
to elect Sanskrit or Persian as one of my elective subjects I chto elect Sanskrit or Persian as one of my elective subjects I chose Sanskrit and I developed a likingose Sanskrit and I developed a liking
for it. I read it up to the matriculation. Even after I was elecfor it. I read it up to the matriculation. Even after I was elected a Member of this House and whented a Member of this House and when
this question arose here for the first time I was consulted by sthis question arose here for the first time I was consulted by several Members and I gave myeveral Members and I gave my
unreserved support for Hindi in theunreserved support for Hindi in the DevanagariDevanagari script. I might emphasise here that I took it forscript. I might emphasise here that I took it for
granted that there could be no other language which could be accgranted that there could be no other language which could be accepted as the lingua franca orepted as the lingua franca or
RashtraRashtra BhashaBhasha of our country.of our country.
As the days have passed I have changed my mind. The most enthusiAs the days have passed I have changed my mind. The most enthusiastic Protagonists of this Hindiastic Protagonists of this Hindi
have alienated my sympathy and I must say that I agree with Mr.have alienated my sympathy and I must say that I agree with Mr. Anthony. I am one of those whoAnthony. I am one of those who
have withdrawn their support from Hindi inhave withdrawn their support from Hindi in DevanagariDevanagari script simply because of thescript simply because of the
fanaticism and intolerance of those who support it.fanaticism and intolerance of those who support it. When I supported Hindi I understoodWhen I supported Hindi I understood
that it was the language of the common people that could be spokthat it was the language of the common people that could be spoken and understood by theen and understood by the
ordinary man and that might sing sweet to his ears. Certainly Iordinary man and that might sing sweet to his ears. Certainly I am for that language even now.am for that language even now.
But when I have heard the ardent supporters of Hindi deliveringBut when I have heard the ardent supporters of Hindi delivering their speeches on public platformstheir speeches on public platforms
and in this house I am afraid that they axe, trying not to leaveand in this house I am afraid that they axe, trying not to leave the language open to enrich itselfthe language open to enrich itself
from all other languages and let it grow as our common language,from all other languages and let it grow as our common language, butbut they are trying tothey are trying to
SanskritiseSanskritise itit and make it a close preserve. I do again make it clear thatand make it a close preserve. I do again make it clear that I am not againstI am not against
Sanskrit, and it' that is taken up straightaway I would supportSanskrit, and it' that is taken up straightaway I would support it.it. But as I find that it is notBut as I find that it is not
the intention of the House to take that up, therefore I say thatthe intention of the House to take that up, therefore I say that we should be honest and saywe should be honest and say
whether we are going to have a classical language and call it Hiwhether we are going to have a classical language and call it Hindi or whether we are going tondi or whether we are going to
adopt that language which is commonly understood and spoken by aadopt that language which is commonly understood and spoken by a majority of the population.majority of the population.

ShriShri PurushottamPurushottam DasDas TandonTandon:: …….. Mr... Mr. AyyangarAyyangar said that thatsaid that that
language is entirely lacking in the terminology which will be nelanguage is entirely lacking in the terminology which will be necessary.cessary.
What shall I say to that proposition He himself says that he isWhat shall I say to that proposition He himself says that he is notnot
conversant with that language and yet he pronounces judgment upoconversant with that language and yet he pronounces judgment upon it. In it. I
submit that that is not fair. I for my own part, submit thatsubmit that that is not fair. I for my own part, submit that Hindi, withHindi, with
the resources of Sanskrit, about which so much has been said inthe resources of Sanskrit, about which so much has been said in
this House and which I endorse fullythis House and which I endorse fully--Hindi with the backing ofHindi with the backing of
Sanskrit, can face all the difficulties of vocabulary with ease.Sanskrit, can face all the difficulties of vocabulary with ease. EvenEven
before the expiry of five years. it seems to me,before the expiry of five years. it seems to me, we can conduct thewe can conduct the
work of the High Court in Hindi. But I say that in any case fivework of the High Court in Hindi. But I say that in any case five
years is a sufficient period.years is a sufficient period. We do not require that for fifteen yearsWe do not require that for fifteen years
ours work should be carried on in English.ours work should be carried on in English. So why make it compulsorySo why make it compulsory
for us to continue to work in English for that long period ?for us to continue to work in English for that long period ? Give usGive us
room enough to expand and then after fifteen years all the workroom enough to expand and then after fifteen years all the work thatthat
matters, for example the work of the Union, will become easier omatters, for example the work of the Union, will become easier off
accomplishment because Hindi provinces by that time will have craccomplishment because Hindi provinces by that time will have createdeated
that atmosphere and built up that terminology which will be helpthat atmosphere and built up that terminology which will be helpful to theful to the
whole countrywhole country………………..

ShriShri PurushottamPurushottam DasDas TandonTandon:: "........ is on the whole, the most"........ is on the whole, the most
perfect and symmetrical of fall known alphabets. The Hindus holdperfect and symmetrical of fall known alphabets. The Hindus hold that itthat it
came directly from the Godscame directly from the Gods--whence its name (i.e.whence its name (i.e. DevanagariDevanagari) and truly) and truly
its wonderful adaptation to the symmetry of the sacred Sanskritits wonderful adaptation to the symmetry of the sacred Sanskrit--seemsseems
almost to raise it above the level of human inventions.almost to raise it above the level of human inventions.““ The late Sir IsaacThe late Sir Isaac
Pitman, the great English inventor ofPitman, the great English inventor of phonographyphonography said: "If in the worldsaid: "If in the world
we have any alphabets the most perfect. it is those Hindi ones."we have any alphabets the most perfect. it is those Hindi ones." ……………………....
…………………… Then,. Sir, something was said about the adoption of Sanskrit. IThen,. Sir, something was said about the adoption of Sanskrit. I
bow to. those who love Sanskrit. I am one of them. I love Sanskrbow to. those who love Sanskrit. I am one of them. I love Sanskrit.it. II
think every Indian born in this country should learn Sanskrit.think every Indian born in this country should learn Sanskrit.
Sanskrit preserves our ancient heritage for us. But today it seeSanskrit preserves our ancient heritage for us. But today it seems to mems to me--ifif
it could be adopted I would be happy and I would vote for itit could be adopted I would be happy and I would vote for it----but it seemsbut it seems
to me that it is not a practicable proposition that Sanskrit shoto me that it is not a practicable proposition that Sanskrit should beuld be
adopted as the official language.adopted as the official language.

PanditPandit LakshmiLakshmi KantaKanta MaitraMaitra:: After fifteen years it will be all right,After fifteen years it will be all right, (To Make Sanskrit(To Make Sanskrit
Official Language)Official Language) though it is not today.though it is not today.
ShriShri PurushottamPurushottam DasDas TandonTandon:: I do not think that today in our Constitution it will beI do not think that today in our Constitution it will be
Possible for us to say that Sanskrit should take the place of HiPossible for us to say that Sanskrit should take the place of Hindi. I think the most practicalndi. I think the most practical
view is to adopt Hindi as the language for official purposesview is to adopt Hindi as the language for official purposes………………………………. perfect. perfect DevanagariDevanagari
script which has come down to us from time immemorial we shouldscript which has come down to us from time immemorial we should have Hindi as the officialhave Hindi as the official
language. It is not right that all of a sudden, when the publiclanguage. It is not right that all of a sudden, when the public have not been educated abouthave not been educated about
it, when the subject has not been before them for a sufficientlyit, when the subject has not been before them for a sufficiently long time, the Constituentlong time, the Constituent
Assembly should decide thatAssembly should decide that NagariNagari numerals should be taken out of that script and the sonumerals should be taken out of that script and the so--
called international numerals or English numerals should take thcalled international numerals or English numerals should take their place. There is someeir place. There is some
feeling among Members from South India about using the English nfeeling among Members from South India about using the English numerals since they areumerals since they are
using them in their languagesusing them in their languages ……………….. My Friend.. My Friend Dr. S. P.Dr. S. P. MookerjeeMookerjee made a kind ofmade a kind of
personal appeal to mepersonal appeal to me I am grateful to him for it. I also wish that our language resoI am grateful to him for it. I also wish that our language resolutionlution
could be passed. unanimously. With that object, although I feelcould be passed. unanimously. With that object, although I feel strongly thatstrongly that DevanagariDevanagari
numerals should not be, internumerals should not be, inter--fared with in any manner, in order to meet the wishes of ourfared with in any manner, in order to meet the wishes of our
friends from the South I have come forward with a formula. I hopfriends from the South I have come forward with a formula. I hope that it will be possible fore that it will be possible for
you to accept it. I say : let both Indian and international numeyou to accept it. I say : let both Indian and international numerals be recognised for therals be recognised for the
purpose of thepurpose of the DevanagariDevanagari script for fifteen years and let the President, that is thescript for fifteen years and let the President, that is the
Government, decide from time to time as to where one set of numeGovernment, decide from time to time as to where one set of numerals is to be used andrals is to be used and
where the other set is to be usedwhere the other set is to be used……………………....

N.N. GopalaswamiGopalaswami AyyangarAyyangar:: …………....We have an article in thatWe have an article in that
particular Part which directs the State to take steps for promotparticular Part which directs the State to take steps for promotinging
the development of the Hindi language, to take all steps that mathe development of the Hindi language, to take all steps that mayy
be necessary for enriching it, for enabling it to draw uponbe necessary for enriching it, for enabling it to draw upon
Hindustani and other languages in the country for styles,Hindustani and other languages in the country for styles, forms offorms of
expression and so on and for enriching its vocabulary byexpression and so on and for enriching its vocabulary by
borrowing in the first instance from Sanskrit andborrowing in the first instance from Sanskrit and
secondarily from all other languages in the world.secondarily from all other languages in the world. That is aThat is a
comprehensive directive which we have put into this Part XIVcomprehensive directive which we have put into this Part XIV--AA
and I am sure that whatever Government may be in power afterand I am sure that whatever Government may be in power after
this Constitution comes into force, will take steps necessary fothis Constitution comes into force, will take steps necessary forr
promoting this particular object and in doing so the suggestionpromoting this particular object and in doing so the suggestion ofof
Mr.Mr. KrishnamoorthyKrishnamoorthy RaoRao will, I have no doubt, bewill, I have no doubt, be
implementedimplemented…………………………

MaulanaMaulana HasratHasrat MohaniMohani:: I demand a referendum in U.P. on whether it is to be a Hindi orI demand a referendum in U.P. on whether it is to be a Hindi or
Hindustani province. Not a single person speaks Hindi in theHindustani province. Not a single person speaks Hindi in the SanskritisedSanskritised form there.form there.
Mr. Mohamed Ismail :Mr. Mohamed Ismail : It is agreed that the official language of the Union shall be anIt is agreed that the official language of the Union shall be an
Indian language. It is also agreed that that language must be onIndian language. It is also agreed that that language must be one that is spoken by thee that is spoken by the
largest number of the people of the Union. It is further agreedlargest number of the people of the Union. It is further agreed that that language must bethat that language must be
such in nature as to be able to assimilate the modem tendenciessuch in nature as to be able to assimilate the modem tendencies and modern conditions inand modern conditions in
our national life. With regard to these points I do not think thour national life. With regard to these points I do not think there is any disagreement. Butere is any disagreement. But
what exactly is the language which satisfies all these conditionwhat exactly is the language which satisfies all these conditions is a matter of discussion ands is a matter of discussion and
controversy. On this matter I cannot do better than quote the aucontroversy. On this matter I cannot do better than quote the authority of Mahatma Gandhi.thority of Mahatma Gandhi.
In an article which was published on August 10, 1947, Mahatma GaIn an article which was published on August 10, 1947, Mahatma Gandhi says : "In Delhi Indhi says : "In Delhi I
daily come in contact with Hindus and Muslims, The number of Hindaily come in contact with Hindus and Muslims, The number of Hindus is larger.dus is larger. Most ofMost of
them speak a language which has very few Sanskrit words and notthem speak a language which has very few Sanskrit words and not many moremany more
Persian or Arabic. They or the vast majority do not know thePersian or Arabic. They or the vast majority do not know the DevanagariDevanagari script.script.
They write to me in indifferent English and when I take them toThey write to me in indifferent English and when I take them to task for writingtask for writing
in a foreign languagein a foreign language, they write in Urdu script. If the lingua franca is to, they write in Urdu script. If the lingua franca is to be'Hindibe'Hindi and theand the
script onlyscript only DevanagariDevanagari, what will be the plight of these Hindus ?" That is the questi, what will be the plight of these Hindus ?" That is the questionon
Mahatma Gandhi asked, not very many years ago but as late as AugMahatma Gandhi asked, not very many years ago but as late as August 1947. It may be saidust 1947. It may be said
that he refers here only to Delhi and the surrounding parts.that he refers here only to Delhi and the surrounding parts.
MaulanaMaulana HasratHasrat MohaniMohani:: I want to have my adverse vote recorded with the remark.........I want to have my adverse vote recorded with the remark...........

ShriShri ShankarraoShankarrao DeoDeo :: So when you say that Hindi is spoken by theSo when you say that Hindi is spoken by the
majority of the country I doubt it. I can only concede that it imajority of the country I doubt it. I can only concede that it is perhapss perhaps
understood by the majority, and that too, not the present highunderstood by the majority, and that too, not the present high--flownflown
SanskritisedSanskritised Hindi which is understood byHindi which is understood by PanditsPandits only. Asonly. As GandhijiGandhiji said itsaid it
should be a simple language which could be understood by the peoshould be a simple language which could be understood by the people inple in
the villages of the North. Just as we speak Marathi, others speathe villages of the North. Just as we speak Marathi, others speakk tamiltamil oror
Telugu. Hindi is not spoken by 14Telugu. Hindi is not spoken by 14 crorescrores. If to. If to--morrow it so happens thatmorrow it so happens that
the capital is transferred from here, to Madura or to Trivandrumthe capital is transferred from here, to Madura or to Trivandrum, I am not, I am not
sure after fifty years the language spoken by the majority in thsure after fifty years the language spoken by the majority in this countryis country
will not be Tamil or Telugu. After all, people from the South cowill not be Tamil or Telugu. After all, people from the South come to theme to the
North, not for the language, not for the culture that Hindi giveNorth, not for the language, not for the culture that Hindi gives but tos but to
earn their livelihood. I do not want to belittle the culture orearn their livelihood. I do not want to belittle the culture or the richnessthe richness
of Hindi,of Hindi, but as far as culture goes, I can receive it from my ownbut as far as culture goes, I can receive it from my own
language, Marathi and Sanskrit, the grandmother of alllanguage, Marathi and Sanskrit, the grandmother of all
languages.languages. They are rich enough to do that.They are rich enough to do that.

ShriShri K. M.K. M. MunshiMunshi:: ………………..I cannot understand how there can be any version of..I cannot understand how there can be any version of
our Constitution in any Indian language without our having to coour Constitution in any Indian language without our having to coin new words toin new words to
express the legal and constitutional concepts which we have exprexpress the legal and constitutional concepts which we have expressed in English inessed in English in
this Constitution.this Constitution. In all our languages, except Sanskrit, there is no completeIn all our languages, except Sanskrit, there is no complete
vocabulary of legal and constitutional terms.vocabulary of legal and constitutional terms. Even the Sanskrit Vocabulary isEven the Sanskrit Vocabulary is
inadequate and we may have to coin new words in order to expressinadequate and we may have to coin new words in order to express certain modemcertain modem
concepts of constitutional law. Therefore, it is inevitable, I sconcepts of constitutional law. Therefore, it is inevitable, I submit, that whicheverubmit, that whichever
the translation, it will have to be largely drawn from Sanskrit.the translation, it will have to be largely drawn from Sanskrit. …………………………. I think it is. I think it is
necessary thatnecessary that our new terminology should be largely drawn from Sanskritour new terminology should be largely drawn from Sanskrit
introduced in words or words which are framed on the basis of Saintroduced in words or words which are framed on the basis of Sanskritnskrit
roots.roots. As soon as that is done, I am sure it will provide a nucleus forAs soon as that is done, I am sure it will provide a nucleus for not onlynot only
consolidating the phraseology of all our Indian languages, but lconsolidating the phraseology of all our Indian languages, but lay the foundation ofay the foundation of
the new Hindi, the lines of development of which this House decithe new Hindi, the lines of development of which this House decided upon threeded upon three
days ago. With these words, I commend this resolution for the acdays ago. With these words, I commend this resolution for the acceptance of theceptance of the
House. .House. .
Mr. President :Mr. President : Now that the Assembly has adopted this resolutionNow that the Assembly has adopted this resolution …………. It would. It would
be in the interests of the development of the country as a wholebe in the interests of the development of the country as a whole if we could haveif we could have
one uniform vocabulary for such expressions, at any, rate for thone uniform vocabulary for such expressions, at any, rate for those parts of theose parts of the
country where the languages spoken are ofcountry where the languages spoken are of SanskriticSanskritic origin.origin. …………………………

Article 351:Article 351: Directive for development of the HindiDirective for development of the Hindi
language:language:-- It shall be the duty of the Union to promote theIt shall be the duty of the Union to promote the
spread of the Hindi language, to develop it so that it mayspread of the Hindi language, to develop it so that it may
serve as a medium of expression for all the elements of theserve as a medium of expression for all the elements of the
composite culture of India and to secure its enrichment bycomposite culture of India and to secure its enrichment by
assimilating without interfering with its genius, the forms,assimilating without interfering with its genius, the forms,
style and expressions used in Hindustani and in the otherstyle and expressions used in Hindustani and in the other
languages of India specified in the Eighth Schedule, and bylanguages of India specified in the Eighth Schedule, and by
drawing,drawing, wherever necessary or desirable, for itswherever necessary or desirable, for its
vocabulary, primarily on Sanskritvocabulary, primarily on Sanskrit and secondarily onand secondarily on
other languages.other languages.

Article 350 in The Constitution OfArticle 350 in The Constitution Of
IndiaIndia
►►350. Every person shall be entitled to350. Every person shall be entitled to
submit a representation for the redress ofsubmit a representation for the redress of
any grievance to any officer or authority ofany grievance to any officer or authority of
the Union or a Statethe Union or a State in any of thein any of the
languages used in the Union or in thelanguages used in the Union or in the
StateState, as the case may be, as the case may be

Article 343 :Article 343 : Official language ofOfficial language of
the Unionthe Union
(1) The official language of the Union(1) The official language of the Union shall be Hindi inshall be Hindi in DevanagariDevanagari
scriptscript The form of numerals to be used for the official purposes of thThe form of numerals to be used for the official purposes of thee
Union shall be the internationalUnion shall be the international formform of Indian numeralsof Indian numerals
►► (2) Notwithstanding anything in clause ( 1 ), for a period of fi(2) Notwithstanding anything in clause ( 1 ), for a period of fifteenfteen
years from the commencement of this Constitution, the Englishyears from the commencement of this Constitution, the English
language shall continue to be used for all the official purposeslanguage shall continue to be used for all the official purposes of theof the
Union for which it was being used immediately before suchUnion for which it was being used immediately before such
commencement: Provided that the president may, during the saidcommencement: Provided that the president may, during the said
period, by order authorise the use of the Hindi language in addiperiod, by order authorise the use of the Hindi language in addition totion to
the English language and of thethe English language and of the DevanagariDevanagari form of numerals inform of numerals in
addition to the international form of Indian numerals for any ofaddition to the international form of Indian numerals for any of thethe
official purposes of the Unionofficial purposes of the Union
►► (3) Notwithstanding anything in this article, Parliament may by(3) Notwithstanding anything in this article, Parliament may by lawlaw
provide for the use, after the said period of fifteen years, ofprovide for the use, after the said period of fifteen years, of
►► (a) the English language, or(a) the English language, or
►► (b) the(b) the DevanagariDevanagari form of numerals, for such purposes as may beform of numerals, for such purposes as may be
specified in the lawspecified in the law

Article:Article: 344. Commission and344. Commission and
Committee of Parliament on officialCommittee of Parliament on official
languagelanguage
►► (1) The President shall, at the expiration of five years from th(1) The President shall, at the expiration of five years from the commencement of thise commencement of this
Constitution and thereafter at the expiration of ten years fromConstitution and thereafter at the expiration of ten years from such commencement, bysuch commencement, by
order constitute a Commission which shall consist of a Chairmanorder constitute a Commission which shall consist of a Chairman and such otherand such other
members representing the different languages specified in the Enmembers representing the different languages specified in the English Schedule as theglish Schedule as the
President may appoint, and the order shall define the procedurePresident may appoint, and the order shall define the procedure to be followed by theto be followed by the
CommissionCommission
►► (2) It shall be the duty of the Commission to make recommendatio(2) It shall be the duty of the Commission to make recommendations to the President asns to the President as
toto
►► (a) the progressive use of the Hindi language for the official p(a) the progressive use of the Hindi language for the official purposes of the Union;urposes of the Union;
►► (b) restrictions on the use of the English language for all or a(b) restrictions on the use of the English language for all or any of the official purposesny of the official purposes
of the Union;of the Union;
►► (c) the language to be used for all or any of the purposes menti(c) the language to be used for all or any of the purposes mentioned in Article 348;oned in Article 348;
►► (d) the form of numerals to be used for any one or more specifie(d) the form of numerals to be used for any one or more specified purposes of thed purposes of the
Union;Union;
►► (e) any other matter referred to the Commission by the President(e) any other matter referred to the Commission by the President as regards the officialas regards the official
language of the Union and the language for communication betweenlanguage of the Union and the language for communication between the Union and athe Union and a
State or between one State and another and their useState or between one State and another and their use

346. Official language for346. Official language for
communication between one Statecommunication between one State
and another or between a Stateand another or between a State
and the Unionand the Union
►► The language for the time being authorised forThe language for the time being authorised for
use in the Union for official purposes shall be theuse in the Union for official purposes shall be the
official language for communication betweenofficial language for communication between
one State and another State and between aone State and another State and between a
State and the Union: Provided that if two orState and the Union: Provided that if two or
more States agree that the Hindi languagemore States agree that the Hindi language
should be the official language forshould be the official language for
communication between such States, thatcommunication between such States, that
language may be used for such communicationlanguage may be used for such communication

ArticleArticle 350. A Facilities for350. A Facilities for
instruction in mother tongue atinstruction in mother tongue at
primary stageprimary stage
►► It shall be the endeavour of every State and ofIt shall be the endeavour of every State and of
every local authority within the Stateevery local authority within the State toto
provide adequate facilities for instructionprovide adequate facilities for instruction
in the mother tongue at the primary stagein the mother tongue at the primary stage
of education to children belonging toof education to children belonging to
linguistic minority groups;linguistic minority groups; and the Presidentand the President
may issue such directions to any State as hemay issue such directions to any State as he
considers necessary or proper for securing theconsiders necessary or proper for securing the
provision of such facilitiesprovision of such facilities

ArticleArticle 350 B: Special Officer for350 B: Special Officer for
linguistic minoritieslinguistic minorities
►► (1) There shall be a Special Officer for linguistic(1) There shall be a Special Officer for linguistic
minorities to be appointed by the Presidentminorities to be appointed by the President
►► (2) It shall be the duty of the Special Officer to(2) It shall be the duty of the Special Officer to
investigate all matters relating to the safeguardsinvestigate all matters relating to the safeguards
provided for linguistic minorities under thisprovided for linguistic minorities under this
Constitution and report to the President uponConstitution and report to the President upon
those matters at such intervals as the presidentthose matters at such intervals as the president
may direct, and the President may direct, andmay direct, and the President may direct, and
the President shall cause all such reports to bethe President shall cause all such reports to be
laid before each House of Parliament, and sentlaid before each House of Parliament, and sent
to the Governments of the States concernedto the Governments of the States concerned

ArticleArticle 351: Directive for351: Directive for
development of the Hindi languagedevelopment of the Hindi language
►► It shall be the duty of the Union to promote theIt shall be the duty of the Union to promote the
spread of the Hindi language, to develop it sospread of the Hindi language, to develop it so
that it may serve as a medium of expression forthat it may serve as a medium of expression for
all the elements of the composite culture ofall the elements of the composite culture of
India and to secure its enrichment byIndia and to secure its enrichment by
assimilating without interfering with its genius,assimilating without interfering with its genius,
the forms, style and expressions used inthe forms, style and expressions used in
Hindustani and in the other languages of IndiaHindustani and in the other languages of India
specified in the Eighth Schedule,specified in the Eighth Schedule, and byand by
drawing, wherever necessary or desirable,drawing, wherever necessary or desirable,
for its vocabulary, primarily on Sanskritfor its vocabulary, primarily on Sanskrit
and secondarily on other languagesand secondarily on other languages

Writ petition (C) No.299 of 1989Writ petition (C) No.299 of 1989 -- ShriShri SantoshSantosh Kumar & OthersKumar & Others Vs.Vs. TheThe
Secretary Ministry of Human Resources Development andSecretary Ministry of Human Resources Development and AnrAnr
…………………………
11. It is well known that Sanskrit is a mother of all Indo11. It is well known that Sanskrit is a mother of all Indo--Aryan languages and itAryan languages and it
is this language in which our Vedas,is this language in which our Vedas, PuranasPuranas and Upanishads have beenand Upanishads have been
written and in whichwritten and in which KalidasaKalidasa,, BhavabhutiBhavabhuti,, BanabhattaBanabhatta andand DandiDandi wrote theirwrote their
classics. Teachings ofclassics. Teachings of ShankaracharyaShankaracharya,, RamanujaRamanuja,, MadhawacharyaMadhawacharya,, NimbarkaNimbarka
andand VallabhacharyaVallabhacharya would not have been woven into the fabric of Indianwould not have been woven into the fabric of Indian
culture if Sanskrit would not have been available to them as a mculture if Sanskrit would not have been available to them as a medium ofedium of
expressing their thoughts.expressing their thoughts.
12. The report of the Sanskrit Commission (set up by the Governm12. The report of the Sanskrit Commission (set up by the Government of India)ent of India)
which was submitted in 1957 speaks eloquently about the importanwhich was submitted in 1957 speaks eloquently about the importance ofce of
Sanskrit.Sanskrit. …………………………..
we entertain no doubt in our mind that teaching of Sanskrit alonwe entertain no doubt in our mind that teaching of Sanskrit alone as ane as an
elective subject can in no way be regarded as against secularismelective subject can in no way be regarded as against secularism. Indeed, our. Indeed, our
constitution requires giving of fillip to Sanskrit because of whconstitution requires giving of fillip to Sanskrit because of what has been statedat has been stated
in Article 351. in which while dealing with the duty of the Unioin Article 351. in which while dealing with the duty of the Union to promote then to promote the
spread of Hindi, it has been provided that, it would draw, whenespread of Hindi, it has been provided that, it would draw, whenever necessaryver necessary
or desirable, for its vocabulary, primarily on Sanskrit. Encouraor desirable, for its vocabulary, primarily on Sanskrit. Encouragement togement to
Sanskrit is also necessary because of it being one of the languaSanskrit is also necessary because of it being one of the languages included inges included in
the Eighth Schedule.the Eighth Schedule.

20.20. We, therefore, concludeWe, therefore, conclude by saying that in view ofby saying that in view of
importance of Sanskrit for nurturing our cultural heritage, becaimportance of Sanskrit for nurturing our cultural heritage, becauseuse
of which even the official education policy has highlighted theof which even the official education policy has highlighted the needneed
of study of Sanskrit, making of Sanskrit alone as an electiveof study of Sanskrit, making of Sanskrit alone as an elective
subject, while not conceding this status to Arabic and or Persiasubject, while not conceding this status to Arabic and or Persian,n,
would not in any way militate against the basic tenet of secularwould not in any way militate against the basic tenet of secularism.ism.
There is thus no merit in the first objection raised by the BoarThere is thus no merit in the first objection raised by the Board.d.
21. In the aforesaid premises, we direct the Board to include21. In the aforesaid premises, we direct the Board to include
Sanskrit as an elective subject in the syllabus under consideratSanskrit as an elective subject in the syllabus under consideration.ion.
Necessary amendment in the syllabus shall be made within aNecessary amendment in the syllabus shall be made within a
period of three months from today.period of three months from today.

Hon'bleHon'ble Supreme Court agreed for according status ofSupreme Court agreed for according status of
““MinorityMinority”” on the basis of language and observed as follows,on the basis of language and observed as follows,
““Differential treatments to linguistic minoritiesDifferential treatments to linguistic minorities
based on language within the state is understandablebased on language within the state is understandable
but if the same concept for minorities on the basis of religionbut if the same concept for minorities on the basis of religion
is encouraged, the whole country, which is already underis encouraged, the whole country, which is already under
class and social conflicts due to various divisive forces, willclass and social conflicts due to various divisive forces, will
further face division on the basis of religious diversities.further face division on the basis of religious diversities.””

ArticleArticle 29: Protection of interests of29: Protection of interests of
minoritiesminorities
►► (1)(1) Any section of the citizens residing inAny section of the citizens residing in
the territory of India or any part thereofthe territory of India or any part thereof
having a distinct language, scripthaving a distinct language, script or cultureor culture
of its own shall have the right to conserve theof its own shall have the right to conserve the
samesame
►► (2) No citizen shall be denied admission into any(2) No citizen shall be denied admission into any
educational institution maintained by the Stateeducational institution maintained by the State
or receiving aid out of State funds on groundsor receiving aid out of State funds on grounds
only of religion, race, caste, language or any ofonly of religion, race, caste, language or any of
themthem

30. Right of minorities to establish30. Right of minorities to establish
and administer educationaland administer educational
institutionsinstitutions►► (1) All minorities,(1) All minorities, whether based on religion or languagewhether based on religion or language, shall, shall
have the right to establish and administer educational institutihave the right to establish and administer educational institutions ofons of
their choicetheir choice
►► (1A) In making any law providing for the compulsory acquisition(1A) In making any law providing for the compulsory acquisition of anyof any
property of an educational institution established and administeproperty of an educational institution established and administered by ared by a
minority, referred to in clause ( 1 ), the State shall ensure thminority, referred to in clause ( 1 ), the State shall ensure that theat the
amount fixed by or determined under such law for the acquisitionamount fixed by or determined under such law for the acquisition ofof
such property is such as would not restrict or abrogate the righsuch property is such as would not restrict or abrogate the rightt
guaranteed under that clauseguaranteed under that clause
►► (2) The state shall not, in granting aid to educational institut(2) The state shall not, in granting aid to educational institutions,ions,
discriminate against any educational institution on the ground tdiscriminate against any educational institution on the ground that it ishat it is
under the management of a minority, whether based on religion orunder the management of a minority, whether based on religion or
languagelanguage

Questions?Questions?
►► Should Sanskrit be considered aShould Sanskrit be considered a
MINORITY Language?MINORITY Language?
►►If Yes; Why?If Yes; Why?
►►If No; Why Not?If No; Why Not?
►►What will we loose and what willWhat will we loose and what will
we gain?we gain?

There is so much more, butThere is so much more, but
So little timeSo little time ………………..

Politics of Sanskrit

More Related Content

Viewers also liked

Similar to Politics of Sanskrit

More from Burning Brain Society

Politics of Sanskrit