Pakistan’s Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) has successfully wrapped up its pioneering Sanskrit course since 1947 partition, teaching grammar, Mahabharata, and Gita to reclaim shared South Asian heritage from foreign scholars. Academics hail it as a cultural bridge for regional harmony.
In a groundbreaking stride for cultural revival, the Gurmani Centre for Languages and Literature at LUMS concluded Pakistan’s first formal Sanskrit course post-partition on 9 December 2025.
Titled “Introduction to Sanskrit Language and Literature,” this four-credit elective drew enthusiastic participation from undergraduates, researchers, and faculty across disciplines. What began as a modest three-month weekend workshop in early 2025 blossomed into a full academic programme, blending foundational grammar with deep dives into Hindu epics like the Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita.
Students explored authentic translations, philosophical undertones, and even cultural touchstones such as the Urdu rendition of the Mahabharata’s iconic theme song, easing learners into the ancient tongue.
Dr Shahid Rasheed, the course instructor who taught himself Sanskrit through online resources, described the initiative as “a small yet significant step toward reviving serious study of a language that has shaped philosophical, literary, and spiritual traditions across the region.”
His passion ignited the programme, transforming casual interest into structured learning. Director Dr Ali Usman Qasmi of the Gurmani Centre echoed this, pointing to Punjab University’s vast, dust-gathering Sanskrit manuscripts-neglected by locals since independence.
“We aim to produce Gita and Mahabharata scholars from Pakistan in 10-15 years,” he affirmed, underscoring plans for specialised follow-up courses in spring 2026. No stakeholder opposition emerged, with enrolment exceeding expectations and fostering cross-disciplinary dialogue.
Scholarly Drive and Local Empowerment
The impetus stemmed from a glaring academic void: South Asia’s richest textual heritage, penned largely in Sanskrit, has long been dominated by Western and Indian scholars, sidelining Pakistani voices.
LUMS academics positioned the course as a corrective, emphasising Sanskrit’s role beyond religion-as a unifying thread in Punjabi, Sindhi, and broader regional folklore.
Dr Rasheed stressed its secular appeal: “Sanskrit is like a mountain-a cultural monument. We need to own it. It is ours too; it is not tied to any one religion.” This ethos resonated, with participants gaining tools for translation, textual analysis, and critical interpretation, empowering them to engage ancient wisdom on home soil.
Humanising the narrative, students shared transformative experiences. One undergraduate recounted how Gita verses sparked reflections on ethics amid modern conflicts, while a researcher uncovered parallels between Sanskrit poetry and Sufi traditions.
These anecdotes highlight the course’s success in blending rigour with accessibility-no prior language knowledge required, just curiosity.
Officials at LUMS view it as part of broader humanities expansion, including Persian and regional studies, to decolonise curricula and nurture indigenous expertise. Early feedback promises ripple effects, with alumni poised to lead future workshops and publications.
Historical Context and Regional Echoes
Pakistan’s reconnection with Sanskrit traces to pre-partition eras when the language thrived in undivided India’s universities, from Lahore to Benares. Post-1947, religious associations and geopolitical tensions relegated it to obscurity, leaving treasures like Punjab University’s 5,000-plus manuscripts to gather dust or foreign perusal.
This LUMS effort mirrors subtle shifts: growing scholarly curiosity in Pakistan about Indic roots, evident in folklore revivals and interfaith dialogues. It aligns with South Asian trends, where institutions from Dhaka to Delhi push for localised Indology, challenging colonial-era monopolies on interpretation.
Recent developments amplify its timeliness. Media coverage from NDTV to News18 lauded the move as “historic,” sparking online buzz about cultural reclamation without jingoism. No backlash surfaced, unlike past controversies over textbooks; instead, it prompted calls for reciprocal initiatives, like Urdu courses in Indian varsities.
LUMS’s quiet execution-rooted in academic merit-sets a precedent, potentially inspiring neighbouring Punjab universities to dust off archives. Broader context includes Pakistan’s evolving education landscape, balancing Islamic studies with classical tongues to enrich national identity.
Fostering Cross-Border Harmony
This milestone transcends academia, embodying South Asia’s intertwined past amid fractured presents. By foregrounding shared epics, LUMS counters narratives of perpetual division, inviting reflection on how ancient texts like the Gita’s call for selfless action resonate universally.
Dr Qasmi’s vision for homegrown scholars promises sustained impact, filling gaps in global discourse long skewed externally. Challenges persist-funding, faculty training-but early momentum suggests viability, with hybrid formats eyed for wider reach.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
LUMS’s Sanskrit revival radiates peace, dialogue, kindness, empathy, harmony, and coexistence, proving shared heritage can heal divides and spark positive change.
By empowering local voices, it nurtures mutual respect, urging South Asians to embrace common roots for collaborative futures.
