FOR as long as I can remember efforts have been made to learn Hindi in Guyana. Many mandirs would start classes, but for various reasons, these classes would not last long. Every once in a while this call to learn Hindi is renewed. Hindi was even introduced in public schools in the 1970’s, but failed to ‘catch on’. Hindi is a regional language of India, spoken mainly by the people of the north. Other regions have their own languages, viz., Tamil, Gujarati, Bengali, Marathi, etc. our fore-parents, mainly from the North, brought along with them Hindi, which was their chief means of communication. In time, English replaced Hindi as a spoken language. As it is, I cannot see Hindi ever becoming again a spoken language in Guyana, even among Hindus.
We have had our priorities all mixed up for the longest while. If we are going to encourage Hindus to learn another language besides English, then we should have introduced Sanskrit a long time ago. Sanskrit is a language of Hinduism, not Hindi. All Hindu Scriptures (Vedas, Upanishads, Gita, Valmiki Ramayana, Puranas, Srimad Bhagawatam, etc.); all our poojas and ceremonies (including the Hayan); all prayers, are in Sanskrit. Nothing has been written in Hindi. Hindus use Sanskrit daily; it is a spoken language.
Many people mistakenly believe that Hindi is related to Sanskrit, or, that Sanskrit is a higher form of Hindi, or you have to know Hindi before you can learn Sanskrit. This is far from the truth. Sanskrit and Hindi are two separate and distinctly different languages, as English is to French.
Many persons also believe that ‘knowing’ Hindi makes one eligible to become a Pandit. This is also a grave misconception. A pandit ought to know Sanskrit (and English). Sanskrit is a prerequisite for becoming a pandit. Those, however, who wish to learn Hindi, should be encouraged. It will assist in the better understanding and pronunciation of our Bhajans. But don’t fool yourself; knowledge of Hindi does not make one competent to read Sanskrit, just as knowledge of English does not make one competent to read Spanish, French or Dutch. Each is a distinctly different subject. It is not only the ‘doings’ and ‘offerings’ in a Pooja, but the correct reading – pronunciation of the mantras that is most important. Only knowledge of Sanskrit can make this possible.
We therefore, encourage Hindus – Pandits and general public – to learn Sanskrit. it is the key to the Hindu Scriptures and Philosophy. It will help you tremendously. It will improve the scope of your knowledge. It will open up new horizons. You will never regret it.