

JAIPUR: At a time when both Central and state governments are making way for ancient Indian learning in their education policies, in BJP-ruled Rajasthan, a Vedic Gurukul (Vedic school of learning) run by Rajasthan Sanskrit Academy, was closed down in the last two years. Five more are on the verge of being closed down following dearth of students and teachers.

There are 27 such residential schools across the state. The concept was initiated by the former vice president Bhairon Singh Shekhawat to promote Vedic learning via Sanskrit language in 2005. The idea was also to revive the centuries-old guru-shishya tradition.

The total strength in all these schools is around 500 against 1200 seats. These schools follow a unique pedagogy through recitation of hymns (memorizing). Students wear traditional kurta-dhoti while learning Vedic hymns.

BJP MLA from Vidhyadhar Nagar, Narpat Singh Rajvi, recently raised the issue of such schools fearing that many more might close down in the coming years due to neglect from authorities. "Sanskrit is our ancient language and Vedas are a guiding principal for our society. It is very painful to see that the idea which was conceived by Bhairon Singhji is meeting unexpected fate," he told TOI.

He argued that the pay scale of teachers teaching in such schools is just Rs 8,000, way less than any other language teachers including Urdu teachers. "The poor pay scale is a reason that Sanskrit Academy is unable to find good teachers who can draw students," said Rajvi.

The admission criteria is also very tough and different from those followed in formal education. Here, students have to be in the age group of 8-12 years. This is a five-year course and the intake each year is just about 10 students. Formal education is also given but the fact that it lacks classroom teaching is a deterrent for parents for sending their wards here. Sources told TOI that none of these schools are equipped with bare minimum facilities required by any institute. "Imagine each student is getting a monthly scholarship of just about Rs 500. Additionally, they get Rs 9,000 as special allowance for books, stationary, etc. Under such limited resources, how can you expect them to become scholars of Vedas?" said Shastri Kosalendradas, senior Sanskrit Scholor based in Jaipur.

Renuka Rathore, director, Rajasthan Sanskrit Academy, told TOI, "The opening and closure of any institute depends upon availability of teachers and students. It is very normal to open or close down schools based on these parameters."

