"Kathmasti Bhavati": How Anipur Basti became the ‘Sanskrit Village’ of Assam

Chants of Sanskrit hymns resonate through the school walls while neighbours are busy chatting about the day's proceedings in Sanskrit. Although, for many, this might seem as a peculiar incident, but for the residents of Anipur village in Assam's Karimganj, Sanskrit is now part of their life.

This small yet vibrant village, offers a unique narrative, one where the 5,000-year-old language is not confined to textbooks or religious rituals but is woven seamlessly into the fabric of everyday life. Here, the echoes of “namaskaram” resonate in the air, and conversations that begin with “Bhavan katham asti?” receive a warm “Samyak asmi” in return. This linguistic renaissance is not just a cultural novelty but a profound symbol of the village's dedication to preserving India’s ancient heritage.

Anipur Basti is home to around 300 to 400 residents who converse in Sanskrit with remarkable fluency. For them, the language is more than a subject of study; it is an integral part of their identity. Business transactions, casual chats, and even personal phone calls are conducted in the language that once shaped the philosophies, sciences, and literature of ancient India. This is not an isolated phenomenon; Patiala, has witnessed a similar trend, with at least 50 residents now fluent in the language.

The resurgence began in earnest in 2015 when the village became the focal point of an initiative aimed at reinvigorating Sanskrit’s use in daily life. This movement was spearheaded by workshops and educational programs, or 'shibirs', designed to reintroduce the language not just as an academic pursuit but as a living, breathing means of communication. These workshops, often conducted by committed educators and Sanskrit enthusiasts, provided villagers with the tools to learn and practice speaking Sanskrit fluently.

One of the key figures in this linguistic revival is Dipan Mahoday, a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). For Mahoday and his fellow karyakartas (workers), the resurgence of Sanskrit represents more than linguistic achievement—it is a journey to reclaim a piece of India’s cultural and intellectual heritage. “Being the oldest language of the country, Sanskrit is a very rich language and a reservoir of our ancient knowledge. Hence spreading the language and making people aware of their ancient culture is very important,” said Mahoday during an interview with India Today NE. 

Mahoday’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. The initiative has drawn interest from academics, language enthusiasts, and cultural scholars who have traveled to Anipur Basti to experience this renaissance firsthand. The village has become a living classroom, showcasing how Sanskrit can thrive outside the confines of academia. This revitalization effort, fueled by a community-driven approach and the support of the RSS, has positioned Anipur Basti as a beacon of cultural revival in a rapidly modernizing world.

The impact of adopting Sanskrit goes beyond cultural preservation; it has also permeated the educational sphere. According to Mahoday, the language has had a tangible effect on students' academic performance. The cognitive benefits of learning Sanskrit, such as enhanced memory retention and improved analytical skills, are well-documented, and these advantages are being witnessed in the students of Anipur Basti. This shift has contributed to a renewed enthusiasm for learning, instilling a sense of discipline and intellectual curiosity in young minds.

The village’s unique embrace of Sanskrit has also helped bridge generational divides. Grandparents can now share stories in the ancient tongue with their grandchildren, weaving tales of mythology and history into everyday conversations. This shared linguistic thread fosters a sense of unity and continuity, nurturing the younger generation’s respect for their heritage while equipping them with a language that has deep scholarly and spiritual roots.

What makes Anipur Basti’s story even more compelling is the attention it has garnered from outside the community. The ‘Sanskrit village’ has become a destination for scholars and linguists intrigued by the successful integration of a classical language into contemporary life. Observers visit to witness the novelty of daily Sanskrit conversations and to learn from the villagers’ experiences. The village has become a model of how grassroots movements, with dedicated local leadership and community support, can bring a ‘long-forgotten language’ back to the forefront.

“Thanks to our karyakartas and the residents here, we have been able to bring the long-forgotten language back to the centre,” said Mahoday, highlighting the collective effort that has fueled this revival. The pride in his voice is matched by the resolve of the residents, who continue to speak, teach, and cherish the language that is as ancient as it is enduring.

The story of Anipur Basti raises questions about the preservation of cultural identity in an era dominated by technological and linguistic homogenization. In a world where English and other global languages are often seen as the keys to success, Anipur Basti’s embrace of Sanskrit challenges conventional notions of progress. It suggests that there is room for tradition within modernity, that a language with millennia of history can coexist with contemporary life without being relegated to ceremonial or academic obscurity.

The journey of this Assamese village serves as an inspiring example of how a community can reclaim and celebrate its heritage. It invites us to rethink the value we place on languages often dismissed as relics of the past and encourages a dialogue about the importance of preserving the intangible treasures of human history.