Muslim teacher bridges cultures, teaches Sanskrit for 26 years in Karnataka

In a classroom in Vijayapura, the sound of a Sanskrit verse “Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Guru Devo Maheshwara” echoes in clear diction. The teacher, 55-year-old Shakeel Ahmed Moulasab Angadi, then switches to conversation, asking students about their name and hometown in Sanskrit. He corrects errors, encourages responses, and ends the lesson with, “Jayatu Sanskritam, Jayatu Manukulam” meaning victory to Sanskrit, victory to humankind.

Angadi has been teaching Sanskrit for 26 years at the Vrushabha Lingacharya Sanskrit Pathshala in Bolegaon, Indi taluk, reported TOI. His interest in the language began after Class X, when he joined the school. His dedication caught the attention of Vrushabha Lingacharya Swamiji of Bathanal Mutt, who encouraged him to pursue a PU Sahitya course under Prahlad Bhat at Laxminarasimha Sanskrit Pathashaale, Jamkhandi, as per the TOI report.

“The cultural influence of Swamiji was a big motivation for me. Sanskrit is a life language for me,” Angadi says. He has introduced games and competitions in Sanskrit to mark Sanskrit Week and Month, observed from August 9 on World Sanskrit Day.


At home, Angadi follows Islamic traditions and says his work has always received support from community leaders. “Many Islamic religious heads have appreciated my work as a teacher,” he says. His four children — Arfat, Arbaz, Alfiya, and Tasfiya — are also learning Sanskrit.

Prabhusarangadev Shivacharya of Sarangamath-Gachhinamath, Sindagi, calls Angadi a model of communal harmony. “He has shown there is no religious barrier to learning any language,” he says.

(With inputs from TOI)