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People in Malihabad' Mirzaganj area near Lucknow, regard Pandit Syed Hussain Shastri, a practitioner of Sanskarit Shlokas (verses), as a walking Veda. An authority on Sanskrit language, Hussain can chant various Shlokas and Mantras from religious scriptures better than many priests.

Each morning, the 82-year-old Pt. Syed Hussain Shastri begins his day by reciting some Vedic chants. He even translates the "Azaan" into different languages, a ritual that he has been practicing for the past 56 years.

Born in 1926 in a family of Syeds, Hussain took to Sanskrit when he was a child as it suited his inclination to learn Sanskrit. He received his initial education from Pandit Gokaran while being at home.

Pursuing his passion to learn Sanskrit, Hussain did face a lot of opposition from many people from his Muslim community. But he went on to earn a postgraduate degree in Sanskrit from Lucknow University.

Interestingly, he is among the very few who have worked for the Sanskrit theatre.

"The literature and thinking of Sanskrit are the biggest aspects that everybody likes about this language. The penance and sacrifice of Sanskrit makes a person, a society and a nation," says Pandit Syed Hussain Shastri.

Wearing an ordinary Khadi made Kurta-pyjama, Hussain can be noticed any day surrounded by students who come over to his abode for taking lessons.

Hussain recalls that he was born at a time when the British were seeking create a schism between Hindus and Muslims.

"The future of Sanskrit is bright since it can express the views of one and all. It has the capability of translating the scientific words also, which no other language is capable of. The only thing is to understand it," adds Pandit Syed Hussain Shastri.

"He used to help us in translation work and we used to feel good. Recently he was invited by University of Canada but he refused. It gives us a sense of great pride that my elder brother is so famous. He is treated with great respect by all in Malihabad," said Rafat Hussain, Syed Hussain's younger brother. (ANI)

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