Narayan Prasad Nautiyal

Teaching Sanskrit has been one of the most enriching and transformative experiences of my life. As a teacher of this ancient and profound language, I have not only imparted knowledge to my students but have also deepened my own understanding of India’s cultural and intellectual heritage.

My journey began with a deep fascination for Sanskrit scriptures, especially the Bhagavad Gītā, Upaniṣads, and the poetic beauty of Kālidāsa. While pursuing my formal education in Sanskrit literature, I realized that teaching this language was not merely about grammar and vocabulary, but about opening the doorway to a vast ocean of wisdom that shaped Indian civilization.

In my early teaching days, I noticed that students often approached Sanskrit with hesitation, assuming it was a difficult or “dead” language. My first challenge was to dispel this myth. I made it a point to create a lively and engaging classroom environment where Sanskrit was not just taught, but lived. I used storytelling, chants, Sanskrit conversation, and even Sanskrit drama to make the learning process immersive. I ensured that my students could speak, understand, and feel the language, rather than just translating it.

As a Sanskrit teacher, one must be rooted in tradition but also open to innovation. I integrated modern pedagogical methods, such as audio-visual aids, online tools, and digital platforms, to help students engage with the language beyond the textbook. I encouraged students to compose verses, recite ślokas with proper meter, and understand the cultural context behind texts. When students begin to see how Sanskrit is not just a language but a window into India’s philosophical, scientific, and literary thought, their perspective changes.

Another remarkable part of my journey has been watching the emotional transformation in students. The study of Sanskrit often brings about discipline, clarity of thought, and a sense of inner peace. Students have shared how chanting mantras or understanding moral lessons from epics like the Rāmāyaṇa or Mahābhārata positively affected their lives.

Of course, there have been challenges. The declining interest in classical languages in modern times sometimes poses institutional and societal hurdles. However, the global resurgence of interest in yoga, Ayurveda, and ancient Indian knowledge systems has helped revive Sanskrit studies. I have also taught foreign students, who bring great enthusiasm