Sanskrit: A Journey of the Heart and Mind

Three years ago, I made a decision that seemed almost unconventional: to learn Sanskrit. In my 40s, at a time when most people focus on consolidating their skills, I dove into the depths of an ancient language that spoke to my soul in ways I didn’t yet understand.

What began as an academic challenge soon became a personal journey, one that reshaped how I view the world, my writing, and even myself.

Earning my GCSE in Sanskrit wasn’t just about mastering grammar or memorizing vocabulary. It was about reconnecting with a language that carries the wisdom of thousands of years. I found myself in awe of how Sanskrit captures the essence of life’s most profound experiences—those feelings, thoughts, and spiritual truths that seem to elude simple translation.

Through words like spanda (the subtle vibration of the universe), shraddha (the faith that goes beyond reason), and smarana (the sacred act of remembrance), I discovered that some ideas cannot be fully expressed in any other language. These words don’t just define concepts, they touch something deeper, something more eternal.

This journey has had a powerful impact on my debut fiction Let the Fish Fly. It’s a book that reflects my own evolution, and Sanskrit has become its heart. Without the precision and depth that Sanskrit offers, the ideas I wanted to share would have felt incomplete, watered down. Each Sanskrit word I’ve incorporated carries a piece of my own spiritual awakening, allowing me to communicate emotions and philosophies that simply couldn’t be put into English without losing their true essence.

Sanskrit has taught me that the power of language lies not in how many words we know, but in how deeply we can connect to the meaning behind them. It’s reminded me that it’s never too late to learn, to grow, or to find something that stirs your soul. For me, it’s been a journey of rediscovery, of finding my voice in a language that has withstood the test of time.

On World Sanskrit Day, I pay my respect to the power of Sanskrit, to the Rishis, and to the people who are contributing to preserving this healing language in their own way. Their efforts ensure that the wisdom of this ancient language continues to inspire and enrich the world.

I want to end by saying that if you’re ever unsure about whether it’s too late to pursue something meaningful, remember it’s never too late to learn, to evolve, and to express the deepest parts of yourself.

Love, Ekta