When we talk of Samskritam, it is usually in some connection to the Vedic hymns. For our parents, it was just a subject in school. But Sanskrit is more than just the language of our scriptures. It is a symbol of the Hindu culture and its use is rapidly declining. As Indians, and more importantly Hindus, it is our responsibility to preserve our mother tongue. One organization that is trying very hard to do this is Samskrita Bharati, a non-profit organization promoting the Samskritam language, through various camps in the US and India.

Last year, Samskrita Bharati held a residential Samskritam speaking camp at the serene Arsha Vidya Gurukulam, located in the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania. This camp, designed for teens (13-18 years) was conducted by young volunteers from around the US, as well as Shri Vasuvajji, a devoted full time worker of Samskrita Bharati in India.

When my dad first told me about it, I thought, it would probably be boring sitting in a class learning a whole new language. I thought to myself, “It will be just like school.” I was wrong; the camp was the complete opposite.

Samskrita Bharati had a very unique way of conducting the camp—it was all in Samskritam, from day one. Our day was full of activities, starting with prayers, then yoga, classes, games including a treasure hunt, followed by a cultural program at night. In our classes we were exposed to the language, and taught grammar, vocabulary, songs, and above all, how to converse…all in Samskritam. Going to the camp was truly an unforgettable experience. The teachers were easy to communicate with, as they were close to our age. It was the best way to spend a summer’s week. In fact, when it came time to leave, none of us wanted to go home.

I was inspired! To my parent’s surprise, for the first week or so, I would answer them only in Samskritam, and it felt really good. It felt good to know, that I was one more person who was helping in preserving our beautiful language. Immediately I told my dad that I wanted to continue—I wanted to learn more Samskritam. As a matter of fact, we even inquired for admission in an academy in India, where I wanted to go study Samskritam for a year. Unfortunately, they had no more space. It was alright though, because I knew, that Samskrita Bharati was conducting camps here in the US, which I could attend for further study.

Again this summer, I will be attending Shraddhaa, which will be held at the same location, well-loved by campers, Arsha Vidya Gurukulam,. After going to Shraddhaa ’07 my mind is awakened. I had a chance to experience my Hindu culture, and learn the true meaning of being Indian, and I am proud. In my opinion, all Indian children should be exposed to Samskritam, as it is the root of our culture, and should not be lost. We have been handed down through our forefathers a culture so rich and true, and it is solely our duty to sustain it by exposing future generations to it. Jayatu! Jayatu! Samskrita Bhasha!   

The youth camp Shradhaa 2008 will be held from June 22 to June 28 (Sunday through Saturday) at Arsha Vidya Gurukulam in Pennsylvania. All details including online registration can be found at http://www.speaksanskrit.org/shraddhaa2008 . You can also email shraddhaa(at)speaksanskrit.org or call Arun ( 240-338-8525) for details.

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