UNAIR NEWS – The era of technological disruption accompanied by foreign cultures’s popularity in this country has brought a serious problem. National identity of this country could be lost. This concern is supported by the emergence of millennial generation which prefers to consume foreign cultures and languages rather than the local ones.
Based on facts in the field, Sanskrit language is now very rarely used and almost no one provides tutoring for it. This is due to the lack of public interest in Sanskrit which is no longer considered important.
To answer these problems, Indonesian Language and Literature Program (Sasindo) Faculty of Humanities (FIB) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) provides opportunities for students who have an interest in learning Sanskrit and other ancient languages by taking the language course in the third semester.
According to Wildan, a student from Jombang, learning Sanskrit language is a very unique experience. But unfortunately young people in this country have low interest and consider Sanskrit language no longer important.
“Learning Sanskrit is interesting. Although it is undeniable difficult especially when you have to write the script. But when you get used to it, students will fall in love, “he said.
Sasindo as one of UNAIR programs provides an opportunity for students to learn and disseminate knowledge to the public and stakeholders of university. It is an action to protect the diversity existing in this country.
Wildan continued, learning Sanskrit was an obligation for him because it is a heritage that must be preserved. As academics, students should not see the difficult of learning the language, but more to the benefits obtained.
If the millennial generation has not been able to preserve it properly, then foreigners will take over the position. The historical heritage of this country will be forgotten and eroded over time. (*)
Author: Muhammad Wildan Suyuti
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia