First Course in Sanskrit and Indian Tradition:

This first Module is for beginners - no background is required. The only pre-requisite is serious interest to learn.

Among the languages of the world, Sanskrit has a very unique position. It is not only an ancient language but also a living language, contrary to what many tend to think. The number of people who speak Sanskrit at home or office may not be large but that is not the only indicator of a living language. There are a large number of people who know Sanskrit, who can speak, read, write and teach. Sanskrit has an unbroken tradition lasting thousands of years. New works are being created even today. And there are larger numbers who wish to learn. Come, Learn Sanskrit.

When you learn Sanskrit you not only learn the grammar and technicalities of a human language but also learn many valuable things about human life and human values. Sanskrit is rich with ideas and values. Come, let us all learn.

Sanskrit has had a great influence on modern Indian languages as also on English and other languages of the world. Of course it has also absorbed and enriched itself by contact with other languages. If you know an Indian language, you actually already know quite a bit of Sanskrit. In fact even if you know only English, you already know quite a bit of Sanskrit. Only you do not know that you know. Learning Sanskrit would be therefore easy, fun and useful too.

Contents: Here you will learn Sanskrit language through simple and familiar examples. This is informal and easy. There is no need to mug-up tables or verses. There is no need to get into nitty-gritty details of formal grammar. You will learn quite a bit of Sanskrit without much effort.

You will also get to know the overall structure of the Indian knowledge systems. You will get glimpses of selected topics from these. You will learn simple prayers, s'looka-s and stootra-s. You will also start getting confidence to speak Sanskrit. You will come to discuss human values. You will also get practical tips for self improvement - praaNaayaama (breathing control), japa etc.

By the time you complete the course, you will get a feeling that you are now familiar with Sanskrit and that you can understand Sanskrit. You will start seeing the fruits of the self-improvement initiatives.