Reddit recently sparked a heated online debate over the teaching of Sanskrit in schools, with many questioning its relevance in modern education.
In a post titled “Why in the world is Sanskrit still taught in schools?”, a user argued that Sanskrit, a language no longer spoken in everyday life, is an unnecessary burden for students. “No one speaks Sanskrit anymore. At this point, it’s essentially a defunct language,” they wrote.
While the poster acknowledged Sanskrit’s historical and cultural significance, they questioned its compulsory status in many schools. “Countless hours are wasted on Sanskrit when even the teachers can’t speak it fluently. Even if they could, what’s the point? What purpose does it serve?”
The user also criticized the learning methodology, describing it as an exercise in rote memorization rather than meaningful education. “I studied Sanskrit for five years, but I can’t recall a single word now,” they said, adding that most students forget what they’ve learned after exams.
The post quickly garnered mixed reactions. Some agreed with the argument, while others defended Sanskrit’s place in the curriculum. One user pointed out that the decision to make Sanskrit mandatory often lies with schools rather than educational boards. “Mandating Sanskrit is more common in North India… it’s cheaper and easier to hire Sanskrit teachers compared to languages like French or Spanish,” they explained.
Another commenter highlighted the academic benefits of studying Sanskrit. “Students choose it because they can score 100/100. People study it to boost their overall grades,” they noted.
Others emphasized the subject’s broader importance, beyond everyday utility. “If you’re a historian, linguist, theologian, or similar, studying Sanskrit is essential,” one user argued.
However, the original poster remained unconvinced. “Why continue forcing this mostly dead language on children who are already stressed enough? This approach isn’t going to revive Sanskrit,” they wrote.
The debate escalated, with the user claiming they received personal insults and “nasty DMs” for their stance. “You all are coming at me like a pack of angry dogs,” they wrote, urging critics to engage in a rational discussion.
The conversation continues to highlight the ongoing tension between preserving cultural heritage and addressing the practical needs of modern education.
