In order to promote one of the oldest languages, the Government of India last week launched the “Little Guru” app for persons to learn Sanskrit and now persons in Guyana, as well as other Caribbean countries, can also tap into the technology.
The specialised app was formally launched on Friday by Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr K J Srinivasa, and will see persons in Guyana, Antigua & Barbuda, St Kitts & Nevis and Anguilla being able to learn Sanskrit.
This app was launched by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) on April 9 in India to commemorate the 71st ICCR Foundation Day.
Ravi Dev of the Hindus for Selfless Service (HSS) Sanghachalak and Vikas Ramkissoon, Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture also joined the High Commissioner at Friday’s virtual launch.
Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr KJ Srinivasa and other officials at the launch on Friday
The dignitaries in their remarks emphasised the greatness of the Sanskrit language and suggested that all those interested in learning the language take benefit of the app. They outlined that the Sanskrit language is the best pathway to Indian culture and encouraged youngsters to learn the language using the app for their better understanding and immersion into the Indian culture.
Sanskrit, the oldest language, continues to be a living language, being used daily in religious activities as well as by scholars in accessing literary texts for research work, etc. Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) is promoting Sanskrit across the world by providing books and material to Sanskrit institutes. ICCR also deputes teachers and professors to universities and institutes for teaching Sanskrit.
Over the past few years, ICCR has been receiving a large number of requests from across the world both from the Indian diaspora as well as foreigners interested in Sanskrit. Many of the Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and other religious texts are in Sanskrit and there has been a great demand from such countries for assistance in learning the language.
Within the diaspora community, the desire to stay connected with their roots as well as to access the rich literary epics and texts of India has attracted a huge demand for Sanskrit. A number of Sanskrit universities across the world have also been keen on an app which would help not only the students who are currently studying in these universities but also to act as a feeder for young scholars to learn Sanskrit before joining universities.
“Little Guru” is a gamified app based on an interactive platform which will make learning Sanskrit easy, entertaining and fun. This app will help people who are already learning Sanskrit or those who are desirous to learn Sanskrit to do so in an easy manner based on games, competition, rewards, peer to peer interactions, etc. This unique app combines education with entertainment thereby helping keep the attention of the learner as well as encouraging him/her to advance further. ICCR is confident that the launch of “Little Guru” will go a long way in popularising Sanskrit.
This app will help create awareness not only about language but also open the doors for people to access the rich cultural heritage of India. The developers of the app have provided the High Commission with a “special promotional code” for the people of Guyana for subscription at concessional prices to unlock the higher levels and learn advanced techniques. For more details, interested persons can contact the High Commission at [email protected] or telephone +592-226 3996 & 2268965.
