Sanskrit is one of the 22 official languages of India. Sanskrit is considered to be the language of the "गिर्वाण गिरा" Gods, Uttarakhand became the first state in India where Sanskrit is the second official language. In 2019, Himachal Pradesh became the second state where Sanskrit is the second official language. To what extent is Sanskrit actually spoken in contemporary India, given its official status, historical importance, and low number of native speakers? What is the difference between the reported number of Sanskrit speakers and the apparent number of speakers? What factors contribute to the decline in the number of native Sanskrit speakers in India? How effectively is Sanskrit being promoted and taught in various states including Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh? What are the social and cultural perceptions associated with speaking Sanskrit in modern India?