It is curious how, three years ago, German made its way into Kendriya Vidyalayas, when the nationally-approved three-language education policy talks about promoting one Indian language alongside English and Hindi. Though the value of Sanskrit as a classical language ought never to be discounted, unfortunately its importance has doubtless dimmed over the past two centuries. This is not the least because the language lacks what many call a ‘utilitarian value' in contemporary India. But German Chancellor Angela Merkel's appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reconsider the Government's resolve to replace German with Sanskrit in Kendriya Vidyalayas ought to be construed as needless interference in our affairs.
However, the emphasis on making Sanskrit mandatory in schools gives rise to a familiar fear among the so-called secularists that education is getting saffronised. The Union Minister of Human Resource Development should not be seen in public perception as toeing the RSS line in such matters.