Pokhara’s Sanskrit School Sees Major Progress

Sanskrit Secondary School Pokhara Sees Major Progress

Sanskrit Secondary School, located at Bhimkali Patan in Pokhara Metropolitan City–1, has made notable progress in recent years in both physical infrastructure and educational quality. Established in 1958 BS, the school is regarded not only as the oldest school in Kaski District but also as the oldest in Gandaki Province. Founded under the traditional gurukul system, the school has recently seen growing student attraction along with the development of physical infrastructure.

According to School Management Committee Chair Bishnu Prasad Adhikari, the school was established under the national policy of opening primary schools across the country during the tenure of then Prime Minister Dev Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana. Opened in the Bindhyabasini area through the initiative of Rudranath Poudel of Aghaun and Pandit Gunanidhi Parajuli of Miruwa, the school initially had two teachers who taught Sanskrit and Nepali Shresta education. At the time of its establishment, students had to go to Banaras to sit for Sanskrit examinations and to Kathmandu to sit for Shresta examinations. Later, arrangements were made for the Nijamati Prathama examination to be held in Pokhara and the Madhyama examination in Kathmandu.

In 2013 BS, after the committee led by Sundar Prasad Marsani arranged for the transfer of land from Birtawal Ratnakar Parajuli in the name of Rajkiya Sanskrit Pradhan Pathshala, teaching and learning at the school became more systematic. Of the 82 ropanis of land received through Birta, 10 ropanis have now been provided to Bindubasini Sanskrit Vidyapeeth for the operation of higher education in Sanskrit.

Until the implementation of the New Education Plan in 2028 BS, only Sanskrit, Nepali, and grammar were taught there. After the new system came into effect, compulsory subjects were also added and the school was renamed Sanskrit Secondary School. In 2028 BS, Bholanath Parajuli became the first Chair of the School Management Committee, while Rudranath Poudel took responsibility as the first Headteacher.

Rapid Infrastructure Development

Headteacher Shrikrishna Sigdel said that the school’s physical infrastructure has seen major development since the formation of the management committee under the leadership of Bishnu Prasad Adhikari in 2078 Shrawan. During this period, a four-room concrete building, a water tank, and toilets were constructed with support of around Rs. 9.2 million from the National Reconstruction Authority. Similarly, another four-room concrete building was completed with support of around Rs. 3.6 million from the Rotary Club.

In coordination with the Ministry of Social Development of Gandaki Province, the Education Division of Pokhara Metropolitan City, and the school’s internal resources, an auditorium hall has been constructed and the science laboratory has been upgraded. Drinking water facilities, a playground, seven resting platforms, and a flower garden have also been developed within the school premises.

Construction of the Shiva Panchayan Temple, which had remained halted for around two years, has now been completed, and daily worship has also begun. Idols of Shiva Linga, Ganesh, Vishnu, Devi, Surya, various deities, and the Navagraha have been installed in the temple premises. The Havan Kunda built within the temple area has been used as a practical classroom for the Karma Kanda subject.

Rising Student and Gurukul Appeal

To increase attraction toward Sanskrit education, a gurukul has been in operation since 2074 BS, targeting students from remote areas and providing free lodging and food. The number of residential batuks, which previously stood at only 11, has now increased to 70, while the school’s total student population has reached 220.

The residential batuks regularly take part in spiritual activities such as meditation, Rudrabhishek, and recitation of Vishnu Sahasranama. A separate subcommittee has been formed for gurukul management, with six distinguished members and 186 lifetime members. For the financial management of the gurukul, an agreement has been made with the Maharshi Vedic Foundation. The foundation has been providing Rs. 50,000 per month for food and Rs. 22,000 per month for a meditation teacher.

According to the school’s Information Officer Shrikant Sapkota, students are taught practical skills alongside the Vedas and Karma Kanda. To improve educational quality, additional classes have been run at a very low fee. In coordination with Nepal Sanskrit University, a Grade 11 and 12 program in Sanskrit has also been introduced, with arrangements made for free study. Scholarships for students have also been arranged with support from local donors and Pokhara Metropolitan City–1.