In Kerala, many students from non-Hindu backgrounds, especially Muslims, are choosing to study Sanskrit. This is mainly because learning Sanskrit can lead to good job opportunities in schools and colleges. A degree or post-graduation in Sanskrit can help students secure teaching positions. Even those with an intermediate level in Sanskrit can find jobs as teachers in schools.
Representation in Universities
Kerala has a special quota for minority faculty positions in universities, which often includes Muslims. For example, at MG University, two out of four research guides are Christians. Shree Shankaracharya University of Sanskrit named after the famous Sanskrit scholar Adi Shankaracharya, has six centers in Kerala, some of which are led by Muslims. Dr. Abdulla Shah heads the Tirur Centre of the University and notes that the number of Muslim Sanskrit teachers matches the number of Muslim students studying the subject.
Personal Journeys in Learning Sanskrit
Dr. KK Abdul Majeed, a teacher at Calicut University, shares his experience of learning Sanskrit. He started unexpectedly at Shree Shankaracharya University, where he found a course in philosophy that included Sanskrit. He and his classmates learned Sanskrit from the beginning and found the course very rewarding. Dr. Majeed, who is now a research guide, has been guiding students for many years. His student group usually includes 30 students, with at least 1-2 Muslims each year. Dr. Majeed believes that the founders of the Sanskrit department at Calicut University played a key role in promoting the language as a source of knowledge, not just a religious text. They emphasized that mastering Sanskrit is essential to understanding the rich legacy of the past. This message has resonated with many in the Malabar region, leading to increased interest in Sanskrit among Muslim students.
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