SLUG: World Heritage DaySurat: At a time when modern education dominates and seats in mainstream institutions are scarce, a 125-year-old Sanskrit Pathshala in Surat is quietly drawing strong interest, keeping the tradition of classical learning alive.Suryapur Sanskrit Pathshala, located in the historic Gopipura area, continues to attract students to courses centred on the Vedas, scriptures and Sanskrit learning. Despite such streams often being considered less popular today, the institution currently has around 95 students, while several admission enquiries remain pending due to limited space.To improve facilities, the Pathshala’s building recently underwent restoration. Work is now underway to develop a hostel nearby to accommodate more students in the future.The restoration was supported by the Kabutarwala family. After structural assessments, the basement, ground and three upper floors were refurbished, helping preserve one of Surat’s longstanding educational institutions.The Pathshala’s legacy and revival have also been documented in Suratnu Gauravvantu Gopiparu, a book by Rohit Marfatia and Sanjay Choksi that chronicles the history of the Gopipura area. The book highlights the institution’s role in educating students from diverse backgrounds and traces its development over the years.It also notes the cultural significance of the Amliran locality, known as the native place of poet Narmad and humourist Jyotindra Dave, where the Pathshala is situated.Established in 1901, the pathshala has been providing free education, along with accommodation, food, books and uniforms, since its inception.“The land for the pathshala was donated by Chandrashankar Shukla, and since then it has been offering education and other facilities free of cost. It is the support of people that continues to keep its heritage alive,” said Kanti Bhatt, principal of the Pathshala.The institution is now moving ahead with plans for a hostel facility, with space already arranged through the efforts of various stakeholders.“Our family respects the heritage of the pathshala and wanted to contribute to preserving its legacy. Supporting its restoration was a meaningful opportunity,” said industrialist Jayanti Kabutarwala.
