A Resolution for the New Year

Here is an idea for the new year's resolution, if you have not already made one.

Converse in Sanskrit by 30th June.

Sounds impossible? If it is not challenging, then what is the fun in setting a resolution?

For most people, the new year's resolutions (or any kind of resolution) fail. That is because people confuse wish with resolution. A resolution can be called "sankalpa" संकल्पः whereas a wish is just "aasha" आशा. A wish is just a dream. A resolution needs planning and follow up. So, for the above wish to materialize, what would be your plan?

There are many ways a goal can be achieved and the approach may differ for each individual. But it is important to have a plan and follow it. Failing to plan is planning to fail. Here is one example of what this plan might look like.

1. Write down the purpose of your resolution. 
2. Everyday early in the morning read the forms of one noun or one verb (from any book or online resource like the grammar page on this site :)).
3. Everyday set a time to read a few sentences in Sanskrit and make sure to understand the grammar and meaning of each word (Friends of Sanskrit Facebook group is a good start :))
4. While driving (caution), or exercising, or during any slack time, listen to Sanskrit audio recordings. There are many available on the internet (like the listing on this site :)).
5. One can learn to swim only by jumping into the water. Just start talking in Sanskrit with whomever you can and whenever possible, START IT NOW - with your family, colleagues, friends, whoever can bear with you! If you or anyone in your family had practiced any musical instrument before, you probably know the feeling. Initially it would be jarring for others and frustrating to you. But this is an important phase. Studies show that people who endure this difficult phase, eventually succeed with their efforts. So, be patient and do not give up.  If you feel like giving up, read the purpose of your resolution again. You may find yourself using many English or native language words many times and also words with incorrect grammatical forms. That is perfectly fine. This is similar to a child learning the language for the first time. They do not feel shy about their mistakes, but just talk and learn, focus on communicating the message, and have fun! But for the grown ups like us, learning a new language is a bit different. Every language has its idiosyncrasies, its own style. It may take a little while to get used to the Sanskrit-style.

We can make Sanskrit as our common communication or link language once again. It depends on how committed we are to our resolution.

नूतनसंवत्सरस्य शुभाशयाः |