![]() |
![]() |
|
|
||
News at Tipitaka Network |
![]() |
Ancient languages gaining popularity at UoPKALYANI SARDESAI, TNN, Sunday, February 1, 2009PUNE, Maharashtra (India) The University of Pune (UoP) is witnessing a rise in the number of students taking up two ancient Indian languages — Pali and Sanskrit. The number of students opting for Pali has shot up to 200 during the current academic year from 20 to 30 in 2005-06. While around 50 students opted for Sanskrit in 2006-07, the number rose to 65 the following academic year. A total of 82 students are on the rolls this session. “Pre-2006, there were only about 20-30 students opting for Pali. In 2006, it was 70, in 2007-08, the number went up to 140 while as of today, there are 200 students,” Mahesh Deokar, head of the Department of Pali, UOP, told TOI. (The department, in principle, is distinct from the Department of Sanskrit and Prakrit) This trend can be attributed to an increasing interest in the languages that are a repository of information on ancient India, not to mention a treasure trove of Buddhist literature, he said. Taught at the Sanskrit Pragat Adhyayan Kendra on the UOP campus, both Sanskrit and Pali have always dealt with common challenges: Lack of awareness about the subjects, limited career opportunities, as well as a shortage of permanent teaching staff. And though these challenges still persist, the departmental heads say that there are better days ahead. Here’s why: Pali is the original language of Buddhist teachings, and with Maharashtra boasting the largest Buddhist community in the country, the interest is given. Apart from this, the MA programme in Buddhist literature teaches hybrid Sanskrit, which is distinct from classical Sanskrit and used by the scholars of the Mahayana school of Buddhism (the largest school of Buddhism that spread to South East Asian countries and China), thereby making it a natural choice for Buddhist monks, both Indian and foreign. However, the challenge of meeting the shortage of permanent staff remains. “We have two permanent staff members, but have asked the University Grants Commission (UGC) for six more posts,” says Deokar. “Earlier on, it was difficult to find sufficiently qualified staff, as city colleges had long stopped teaching the language, and it was only available at the university level. Old teachers retired, and new ones did not come up. But now, over time, we have managed to create a new set of teachers. In fact, several of our own students can teach, if the posts are created,” he said. Apart from this, the department has appealed to the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) to include Pali as an optional subject. “The UPSC already offers Pali as an optional subject. The MPSC has assured us that it will rethink its earlier decision of taking Pali off the list of optional subjects,” said Deokar. source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Pune/Ancient_languages_gaining_popularity_at_UoP/articleshow/4058286.cms Buddhist News Features: Tuesday, May 29, 2018 Vesak Extra! Wednesday, May 10, 2017 Vesak Extra! Saturday, May 21, 2016 Vesak Extra! |
Samsara Pulse Thailand Five Shan people handed award for commitment to Buddhism Samsara buzz Buddhist scholar Harold Talbott dies, aged 79 Nepal Historic Ashoka Pillar in Buddha`s birthplace is losing its shine amid negligence New York Tatsuo Miyajima, "Innumerable Life / Buddha" at Lisson Gallery Samsara buzz Bojjannakonda, India: The hill of the Buddha where kings and nobles donated countless treasures India Three-day archaeological conference concludes Germany “On Paths to Enlightenment — Buddhist Pilgrimages” at Ethnographic Museum Herrnhut Samsara buzz The Mahavamsa: An epic poem that sheds light on Sri Lankan history Pakistan Discoveries at Bhamala stupa opened new chapter in history California Traditional Indian dance portrays the Jataka Tales Samsara buzz Buddhism takes root in Africa Japan Musicians picking up good vibrations at Buddhist temples Samsara buzz Power & Heart: Black and Buddhist in America Washington D.C. Drama-like concert on Chinese monk Xuanzang welcomed in U.S. capital Vietnam The monk who taught the world mindfulness awaits the end of this life Sri Lanka Public lecture on “The Illustrated Mahāvaṃsa: Paintings from a 12th Century Myanmar Temple” India Bodhi sapling planted at Dhauligiri China/Taiwan Museum launches event to promote ‘Buddha’ display India Archaelogists start excavation works where Lord Buddha spent 29 years of his lifetime Sri Lanka Kelaniya`s grand temple of Buddhist art |
Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammāsambuddhassa.
Buddha sāsana.m cira.m ti.t.thatu.