Date: 13-06-1995 :: Pg: 03 :: Col: b
The Sankaracharya of Sringeri Math Sri Bharathi Theertha
today blessed the Veda Vedanta Gurukula Mahavidyalaya, the
institution in Andhra Pradesh dedicated to Vedic learning in the
traditional gurukula style.
Speaking at a function of `Honoured Citizens Meet', the
Sankaracharya, who is also the Chancellor of the Mahavidyalaya
said, Vedas and Sastras were the cornerstones of `sanatana
dharma'. Only by the propagation of these the principles of
dharma could be learnt. If there was no dharma, there would be no
virtue. Hence, the `vedasastra parampara' ought to be preserved
and the Mahavidyalaya was an effort in that direction, he said.
In his benediction, the Sankaracharya also blessed the
`Tritiya Maha Veda Sastra Sabha' to be conducted by the
Mahavidyalaya on Tuesday. Eminent pandits in Vedas and Sastras
are expected to participate in the Maha Sabha.
Earlier, speaking to reporters, Mr. M. H. Avadhani,
Chairman, Steering Committee of the Mahavidyalaya, said the
institution was visualised on the lines of gurukulas to impart
Vedic and Sanskrit education in its best form and practice. The
Vedas, Sastras, Upanishads, and other related subjects would be
taught at this centre. It would also conduct research on the
Vedic system. The research centre would be connected to various
centres around the world through satellite to share Vedic
literature.
The Mahavidyalaya is situated on the banks of the Krishna
river at Swetha Sringachalam in the Venkataya Palem Forest area,
Guntur district. The centre proposed to have 16 colleges with a
total strength of about 500 professors and 2,500 students. The
first college had already started with 75 students and 12
teachers. The students would have to stay in the campus with
their teachers and in the gurukula tradition, all the needs of
the students would be taken care of. The second college would be
for applied Vedas and the third one for astrology and astronomy.
In addition to Vedic education, the students would also
be imparted education as per the contemporary system so that they
could integrate into the mainstream and seek employment if they
wished to. To a question whether the centre had any university
status, he said it would be acquired by repute. After completing
education at the centre, the students could get employment there
itself. The remuneration of the teachers would be equivalent to
that of any university, Mr. Avadhani said.
The Mahavidyalaya would be spread over an area of 1,500
acres of forest land and would comprise four distinctive
divisions: Mahavidyalaya campus, Mahavidyalaya Service Centre,
Mahavidyalaya Township and Tapovan. Construction activity would
be restricted mainly to the campus area and hence the forest
would be preserved. By the end of the century an expenditure of
Rs. 24 crore was expected. By then the centre would be able to
accommodate 2000-3000 persons and 500 `gurus'.
On the selection procedure, he said anybody willing to
abide by the rules of learning Vedas in the traditional gurukula
system could be admitted. The minimum age limit would be 6-8
years. However different courses were being made available to all
the people. To a question whether a scheduled caste candidate
would be admitted, Mr. Avadhani said `he may be admitted' if he
met all requirements for Vedic learning.
Mr. V. R. Gowrishankar, administrator, Sringeri Math, Dr.
K. Ramamurthy, editor of special publications brought out to mark
the Sankaracharya's visit to the city and Prof. T. V. Ramanan,
Principal, Guru Nanak College were among others present.
Copyright: The Hindu, Madras, INDIA