An Islamic institute has included in its syllabus basic Sanskrit grammar in Classes XI and XII and then Bhagavad Gita as well as other Hindu texts in the “Deva Bhasha” in subsequent years of study, to inculcate among its students secularism and democratic ideas.

The Academy of Sharia and Advanced Studies run by the Malik Deenar Islamic Complex has been teaching Sanskrit to its students with the help of Hindu scholars. The decision to create a structured syllabus to teach the ancient and classical language was taken to inculcate in the students knowledge and awareness about other religions.

The idea was not to just teach students a language, but to also familiarise them with the ancient Hindu texts so that they understand religion and can make informed decisions for themselves, Hafiz Aboobacker, one of the coordinators at the institute, said. “It will also help to build secular and democratic ideas among students.”