Thane: It was an opportune moment for the students of Thane's Bedekar College. The US Professor Emeritus George Cardona came down on Saturday to conduct a workshop in the college, creating awareness among pupils about the basics and nuances of the age-old mother of Indian languages, Sanskrit.

Cardona is a notable linguist and Indologist from the University of Pennsylvania. He was in Thane, Mumbai on February 6. Professor Narayan Barse said, "He is here to conduct a Sanskrit workshop in Pune, which is being relayed through video-conferencing to 7-8 centres in the world, Bedekar College is one of these centres."

Cardona talked about the ancient scholar Panini and his 'Karak' theory in grammar while addressing the students. A Sanskrit grammarian from ancient India, Panini was the renowned creator of 3,959 rules of Sanskrit morphology, syntax and semantics.

"Globally, Panini is considered an authority on Karak theory. Cardona made this complex theory so simple for the students. It was a pleasure to learn this from him," Barse added.

Talking about the significance and rising demand for ancient language globally, Cardona insists about learning the language and other topics related to it. He said that because all sacred books in India are in Sanskrit, it is important to learn it.

Also giving examples about the difference in Marathi and English languages, he told about how a pot can be any utensil in English, but in Marathi, every pot holds a particular name.

According to the US Professor, Sanskrit is a treasure trove of our culture and we should preserve it.

"Cardona speaks the language like a pandit. If a person like him is teaching Sanskrit, then everybody would like to learn from him," said Barse.

(NAVEETA SINGH, dnaindia.com)