Is Sanskrit Literature Important For Society Today?

Sanskrit has been the preferred language for intellectual and philosophical discourse in India for thousands of years. Although known for its oral tradition, many Sanskrit texts have been preserved to enable their study today. This includes philosophical texts like the Vedas and Upanishads, and more recent and practical works such as the Ayurveda and Arthashastra. With only a handful of people being able to understand and interpret these texts they remain largely inaccessible to the British public. Why was the Sanskrit language chosen as the medium for intellectual exchange in ancient India? Do these texts hold value beyond classical and historical study? Moreover, are their contents relevant for modern Britain? ⁠ ⁠ Join us in conversation with Professor Diwakar Acharya to explore the vastness of Sanskrit literature, its philosophy and relevance to society today.