In a rare academic feat, Yasmin Haroon Manjothi, a Muslim student from Vadal village near Mundra in Kutch, has earned her PhD in Sanskrit from Krantiguru Shyamji Krishna Verma Kachchh University. Her 450-page thesis focuses on the Sanskrit epic ‘Shri Ramakirti Mahakavya’, composed by renowned scholar Dr. Satyavrat Shastri.
Yasmin conducted her research under the guidance of Dr. Pankaj Thakar, assistant professor in the university’s Sanskrit Department. She received her doctorate during the university’s recent convocation ceremony.
Shri Ramakirti Mahakavya was inspired by the Thai version of the Ramayana, which Dr. Shastri studied during his decade-long stay in Thailand. This version differs from Valmiki’s Ramayana — notably portraying Hanuman as married with children rather than as a celibate devotee.
Yasmin said her interest in Sanskrit began during her school years in Classes 11 and 12. She completed her BA and MA in Sanskrit from the same university before beginning her doctoral research. Though she initially planned to study the Bhagavad Gita, she later chose Shri Ramakirti Mahakavya after discussions with her guide.
Currently working as the head teacher for Classes 8 and 9 at a government primary school in her hometown, Yasmin said,
“I am the first in my Manjothi community to complete a PhD, that too in Sanskrit. My parents are not highly educated, but they were very proud and encouraged me to speak in Sanskrit. My community also honoured me for this achievement.”
Her success has been widely praised as a symbol of dedication and inclusivity in the field of Sanskrit studies and a contribution to keeping the ancient language alive in modern times.