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The Language Club (TLC)

Samskrit Sambhashanam – Session 1

For a first-time event, Samskrit Sambhashanam was a huge success. The turnout was quite a motivating factor for all as there were not only students but also some from the admin staff. The main objective of the event was to remove the fear of speaking Sanskrit in public. Thus, to start with, the participants were taught how to tell their name and how to

ask the same from someone including the greeting word. This was majorly enjoyed and turned out to be a fun learning experience. The participants also got to know each other by introduction and made new connections. Additionally, they were taught newer words through memes and stressed on uccharan as well. Lastly, two shlokas one of which was from Shrimad Bhagwat Gita was taught.

By the end of the event, all the students learnt how to tell and ask for names in Sanskrit, greeting words, 5 vocabulary words, 2 riddle shlokas and how to break the shlokas for better understanding. They were also able to spell bit complex sentences in Sanskrit.

Samskrit Sambhashanam – Session 2

The key features of Weekly Sanskrit Sambhashanam event include learning Sanskrit by engaging in group conversations and crafting sentences for hands-on learning. The basics of how to form short sentences was introduced. Additionally, the varnamala along with the the different place of articulations of each of the varna was discussed. The uccharan/chanting of the mahishasurmardini stotra was also incorporated as a part of the event.

The interactive group discussions are helping to enhance a healthy discussion and practical sentence construction along with variety of examples is also helping to bring a sense of confidence among the participants. The session includes discussions and exploring the different nuances of the language which makes it very fruitful. Addition of the chanting of different stotra is also adding a traditional and cultural dimension to the learning experience.

Samskrit Sambhashanam – Session 3

The Sanskrit learning session on 21 January was an interactive and educational experience. Participants analyzed a basic Sanskrit paragraph, introduced new words, and constructed sentences using nouns, pronouns, and verbs with correct vibhaktis. Grammar-related fill in the blanks exercises were discussed.

A highlight was the Ucchaaran (chanting) of Shri Rudrashtakam, enhancing pronunciation skills and adding a cultural dimension. Swar Sandhis, focusing on deergha and guna, was discussed as part of Sanskrit grammar.

Participants demonstrated proficiency in sentence construction and expressed continued interest.  The success of the event was driven by active participation, and efforts will be made to maintain momentum for future sessions.

Movie Screening – “Oppenheimer”

Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” movie was streamed in SH1 in English with subtitles. Its was a 3 hour film.  Around 10-15 participants came to this streaming. The movie streaming went in a soft manner as the audience were very keen on every scene. There were many exciting scenes in the movie like the bomb blast for the first time and the journey of Oppenheimer throughout the discovery of the atom bomb. Audience enjoyed the streaming and are excited to do streaming many more in the future.

January 2024