E-Kantipur

KATHMANDU, JUL 03 -

The government’s plan to preserve Sanskrit by providing stipend has encouraged students to take up the oldest language as a course of study. The special allowances given to Dalits, Janajatis, women and other indigenous communities has also seen a marked rise in the number of students from these communities pursuing their study in Sanskrit.

Balmiki Campus chief Lekh Prasad Nirola says that the number of women and indigenous students has greatly increased in the past six years after the government decided to double the allowance and declared that Dalit-Janajati and other indigenous communities could also avail of the hostel at the Tindhara Sanskrit Pathshala in Kathmandu.

“The government decided to double the allowances for students besides announcing special incentives for students from indigenous communities.

The hostel that accommodated only Bahun students was opened for indigenous people. The number of indigenous students has reached 30 from four earlier while that of female students has also increased to 60 from 20,” said Nirola.

“We have the Sanskrit Language Training Programme, a six-month intensive course for students. This programme has helped us gain the number of women and pupils from indigenous communities,” he added.

A total of 276 students—60 females and 30 Dalit-Janajatis—have been given stipends. Intermediate and bachelor level students receive Rs 800 while girls get Rs 900 per month. Masters level students are given Rs 1,000 while females studying in the level secure Rs 1,100. Dalit-Janajati students of the same level receive Rs 1,800 while Dalit-Janajati women are provided Rs 2,100 in monthly allowances. Students not getting scholarships need to pay Rs 600 to enroll for a year.

In the past, Sanskrit education was considered only for male Bahuns. Things have changed and women and students from indigenous groups are doing equally well. “These are the people who will preserve Sanskrit as they have claimed the right to study this literature,” says Nirola. The Balmiki Campus has been a major attraction for students with 80 percent from districts outside Kath-mandu. It is the only college in Nepal which teaches all the four Vedas. The college boasts of 21 subjects with a total of 14 independent faculties.

Posted on: 2012-07-03 08:34

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