Letter Writing: Format, Register and the 80-Word Ceiling
In the composition section, a candidate must write a short Sanskrit letter to a classmate inviting him to a one-day Sanskrit recitation event. The instructions say: 60–80 words, include date and venue, use the letter format taught in class, and do not copy the model answer. The candidate has 15 minutes. He writes a single paragraph beginning “priya mitra,” and ends “bhavadīyaḥ,” but forgets the place and date. He also uses “āyāhi” (come) without a polite request form. The teacher’s note says the letter must have a clear purpose, one request, and a closing. The candidate asks whether to add a Sanskrit proverb to fill the word count and whether “āyāhi” is too abrupt for a friend. The paper has 5 marks: format 2, content 2, language 1.
1. Draft the letter the candidate should write (60–80 words) and label the format parts.
Read the worked answer
Model letter (about 64 words): priya mitra, namaḥ. asmākaṃ pāṭhaśālāyāṃ agāmiśanivāsare saṃskṛtavācana-utsavaḥ āyojitaḥ. tatrāhaṃ tvāṃ sādaram āmantraye. utsavaḥ pūrvāhne navavādanāt pūrvaṃ ārabhyate. sthānaṃ pāṭhaśālāyāḥ sabhāgṛham. tvam āgantum arhasi. tava āgamanaṃ mama mahatī prītiḥ bhaviṣyati. utsave kavitaracanā, gītam, nṛtyaṃ ca bhaviṣyataḥ. bhavān api kāñcit kavitāṃ paṭhitum arhati. kṛpayā samaye āgaccha. bhavadīyaḥ, [Name] Format: salutation + namaḥ; body with purpose, date/venue, request; closing bhavadīyaḥ + name. The date is ‘agāmiśanivāsare’ and the venue is the school assembly hall; the purpose and request are explicit. The letter stays within the word limit because every sentence adds a required detail.
2. Should the candidate add a Sanskrit proverb to reach the word count? Should he use “āyāhi”? Advise in about 40 words.
Read the worked answer
Do not add a proverb merely to fill the count. A proverb can be kept only if it supports the invitation; otherwise it weakens the single clear purpose. Replace bare ‘āyāhi’ with ‘āgantum arhasi’ or ‘kṛpayā āgaccha’. ‘Āyāhi’ is not wrong grammatically, but in a written invitation it can sound abrupt; ‘arhasi’ is polite and keeps the request clear. The candidate should spend the remaining time checking date, venue and closing, because format and content carry 4 of the 5 marks.