Udupi: Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Friday said that though Sanskrit was an ancient language, it was still relevant and it would one day become an international language.

She was speaking after inaugurating the three-day 5th All-India Convention of Samskrita Bharathi at Rajangana here. She said teaching Sanskrit to children would improve their pronunciation. Sanskrit ‘Subhashithas’ (According to www.subhashita.com, they are wise sayings, instructions and stories in poetry or prose in Sanskrit) helped in understanding and leading a better life.

If a person studied the ‘Subhashithas’ in a meaningful manner, it would help build character, and would become a good citizen. The ‘Subhashithas’ were guiding lights, she said. The Sanskrit literature was rich, and it was necessary to promote its research, Ms. Mahajan said, while lauding the Samskrita Bharathi for popularising Sanskrit across the world.

Minister of State for Fisheries, Youth Services and Sports Pramod Madhwaraj said Sanskrit was an important language and one of his biggest regrets was not learning it. He said he had directed the Youth Services Department to teach Sanskrit ‘Subhashithas’ to the 3.5 lakh National Service Scheme volunteers in the State.

Vishwesha Tirtha Swami of Paryaya Pejawar Mutt, Vidyasagara Tirtha Swami of Krishnapur Mutt, Shobha Karandlaje, MP, Chand Kumar Saluja, All-India president of Samskrita Bharathi, and office-bearers Nandakumar and Satyanarayana were present.