The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Sanskrit School, a registered NSW Community Language School, celebrated its 16th Annual Day on September 15, 2024, with great enthusiasm and participation from children, teachers, and community members.
The highlight of the event was the recognition of students’ achievements in both academic and cultural spheres. A total of 40 students were awarded prizes for their performance in the school’s annual Shloka and Bhagavad Gita competitions, categorised by age groups.
Additionally, 20 students received certificates from Samskrita Bharati, Bengaluru, in recognition of their successful completion of Sanskrit language examinations, a milestone in their language-learning journey.
Outstanding Achievements in Sanskrit Education
Adding to the pride of the school and the community, four students were honoured by the NSW Department of Education’s Community Languages Division for their outstanding performance in Sanskrit learning. The prestigious awards highlighted the students’ academic excellence and dedication to mastering the language.
- Samanvita Ramanathan (Grade Yr 5) – Merit Award
- Vishnu Swaroop Venkatesh (Grade Yr 9) – Merit Award
- Avni Padki (Grade Yr 4) – Merit Award
- Yatin Angadi Kiran (Grade Yr 10) – Commendation Award
These awards not only reflect the personal dedication of the students but also the commitment of the VHP Sanskrit School to nurturing linguistic and cultural excellence.
A Legacy of Sanskrit Learning
The school, which offers Sanskrit language teaching for children aged 5 to 15, has been a pillar in promoting the ancient language in New South Wales (NSW) since its establishment in 2008. It now operates six branches across Sydney, with over 200 students enrolled.
Since its humble beginnings, the VHP Sanskrit School has grown into a vital cultural institution in Sydney, with a strong focus on preserving and promoting the Sanskrit language.
The school has garnered a reputation for its rigorous and holistic approach to language education, and it now employs 35 qualified teachers who impart Sanskrit knowledge across its six branches. These teachers not only focus on language proficiency but also on teaching students to recite ancient Sanskrit Shlokas and verses from sacred texts like the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita.
Each year, around 20 students appear for the Sanskrit exams organised by Samskrita Bharati, Bengaluru, adding a structured academic element to their language education. These exams play a crucial role in benchmarking the students’ progress and ensuring they achieve a certain standard of fluency and comprehension in the language.
16th Annual Day: A Celebration of Cultural Excellence
The school’s 16th Annual Day served as an important platform to recognise student achievements and celebrate the school’s contributions to the community. The annual Shloka and Gita competitions were a major feature of the event, allowing students to showcase their memorisation, pronunciation, and understanding of Sanskrit verses.
The success of the VHP Sanskrit School is deeply rooted in its community-oriented approach. In addition to teaching Sanskrit, the school fosters an appreciation for Indian culture, heritage, and spiritual traditions among younger generations of Indian-Australians. Through initiatives like the annual competitions and cultural events, the school provides students with the opportunity to engage with their heritage in meaningful ways.
In her address at the Annual Day, the school’s director Akila Ramarathinam stated, “The VHP Sanskrit School is not just a place for learning a language but a hub for fostering cultural pride and values in our younger generation. Our students are learning not only the words of ancient scriptures but also the wisdom they impart.”
Looking Forward: Continuing the Legacy
With six branches and growing interest from the community, the VHP Sanskrit School continues to make significant strides in promoting Sanskrit education in Australia. As the school looks to the future, its focus remains on expanding its reach and deepening its impact through more advanced language courses, teacher training programs, and cultural events that further embed Sanskrit learning in the community.
The school’s achievements over the years serve as a testament to its role as a cornerstone of language and cultural preservation in Sydney. The enthusiasm surrounding the 16th Annual Day event indicates a bright future ahead for the VHP Sanskrit School, its students, and the broader community committed to celebrating and nurturing Indian heritage in Australia.
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