Inaugural Session (10:20 AM -18th December 2007)

An impressive procession started from Sri Dattatreya Temple, Universal Prayer Hall to Nada Mandapam for the inauguration of the conference. Invitees, delegates, Pundits, cultural troupe joined the procession of Silver Chariot carrying Lord Dattatreya. During the inaugural session, Avadhoota Datta Peethadhipati Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji, Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamy (junior pontiff), Sri Mandali Buddha Prasad (Minister of fisheries, Government of Andhra Pradesh), Sri V Rama Rao (Former governor of Sikkim & Chairman of the Sammelan Organising committee), Sri Vachaspati Upadhyaya, Vice Chancellor of Lal Bahadur Sastry Samskruta Vidya Peetham, New Delhi and Prof. SK Mishra, secretary of Maharshi Sandeepani Rashtreeya Veda Vidya Pratishthan were seated on the dais.
After inauguration of the conference, in his welcome address in chaste Samskruta Language, Prof. SK Mishra has emphasised the vitality of Veda in the sphere of Dharma and stressed the importance of Gurukula System in the study of Veda. He has divulged that 61% of the total grants disbursed by Pratishthan for the preservation of Heritage are utilised by institutions and scholars of Southern India, which highly speaks of the vibrant culture of the region. He hoped that the Sammelan would achieve the objective of integration, introduction and improvisation of skills among the scholar community.

In his presidential address Sri V Rama Rao, has lamented that the rich treasure of Vedic Wisdom is absent in common man. He exhorted the Veda and Sastra Scholars to leave no stone unturned to spread the awareness about important aspects such as Mathematics, Social Life style, Spirituality among public.

Sri Vachaspati Upadhyaya : (Key note address in Samskruta)
Knowing India without the analysis of Vedic wisdom is seldom possible. Pundits in Hundreds and Thousands has have dedicated their lives for the preservation and propagation of Veda Dharma. In this age of terror, the message of peace is the right recipe for the amelioration of the vagaries of the world. Let the chant and message of this conference reverberate the legislature of this nation, resulting in the better understanding and bonhomie among rulers and ruled. We compliment Sri Swamiji for his extraordinary service to the society and prostrate to one and all.

Sri Mandali Buddha Prasad (Guest of Honour):
Ideals preached in Vedic texts are ignored by the public and are necessary for the peaceful co-existence of many nationalities, communities etc. Vedic wisdom being the bedrock of our culture, deserves the attention and adherence by one and all. May this conference strive in this direction!

Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji (Benedictory message):
Though flowers are myriad, worship is one. Cows are myriad, but milk is alike. Similarly the spirit that unites us as a nation is the principle of Dharma, that is enshrined in Veda. Language could be different, but the expression remains the same. Samskruta is the language of celestials. It is the mother tongue of the world. Let us strive to understand the meaning of Vedic texts by learning language. By knowing the meaning of various Mantras, we chant in our rituals – our understanding of life improves.

We should not limit ourselves to mere statements and lip service to the Vedic Knowledge. Instead, put them into practice. Perform the rituals, stipulated by Vedas for your own benefit. May your knowledge beget the cutting edge for perfection!

On this historic day, Avadhoota Datta Peetham pledges support to Sudharma, the only Sanskrit Daily News Paper in the entire world, published in Mysore. Jaya Guru Datta

Earlier, Taittireeya Aranyaka Mantra Vibhaga (Compilation of Aranyaka Mantras of Yajurveda by Vamshi Krishna Ghanapathi) and Atharvana Veda Paippalada Sakha (Edited by Sri Kunja Vihari Upadhyaya and Sri Ashok Kumar Mishra) were released on this occasion. Both these books are published for the first ever time in history for the convenience of students and scholars.

Academic session 1 (3:20 PM - 19th December 2007)

In the sacred precincts of Dattatreya Temple (Universal Prayer Hall), the first academic session commenced. Dr. Vishnubhatla Subrahmanya Salakshana Ghanapathi (Erudite scholar in Shadangas and Veda Bhashya of Yajurveda & Asthana Vidwan of Datta Peetham) has chaired the session. Sri P Ramanujan, an exponent in linguistics, computer science as well as Yajurveda and allied texts has given a presentation about Utility of Computers in Vedic Knowledge Database. He has offered his help to scholars interested in implementation and research of the software and system developed by CDAC (A Government organisation). Shadvimsati Sutrani, a text about chanting of Krishna Yajurveda, with commentary by the scholar was released on this occasion. Later, Sri Chellam Srinivasa Ghanapathi, controller of Examinations, SV Vedic University has enumerated the system of Varna Krama.

He has explained the Eight essential aspects of each syllable: Dhwani (Sound), Sthanam (Place), Karana (Apparatus), Prayatna (Procedure), Kaala (Time), Swara (Intonation), Devata (Deity) and Jaati (Category). He has demonstrated the Varna Krama (another scientific system of pronunciation, almost on the verge of extinction) for few words and sentences chosen from Krishna Yajurveda. He urged all the Veda Pathis to practise Varna Krama, as Scriptures say that recitation of Mantras with knowledge of Varnas (alphabets) will result in merit, complete in entirety.
Cultural Program

In the evening at 7 PM, Smt.Daliparti Uma Maheswari, an artiste from Hyderabad has rendered Hari Katha - Kumara Sambhavam, (story of the incarnation of Lord Subrahmanya) in Sanskrit Language. This program won acclaim from scholars and commons alike.

Academic session 2 (10 AM - 19th December 2007)

Prof. Yugal Kishor Mishra, head of the Vedic department, Sampoornananda Samskruta Viswa Vidyalaya, Varanasi chaired the session.

Dr.Vishnubhatla Subrahmanya Salakshana Ghanapathi delivered the first of the lectures. The topic was Aatma Gunas (Eight Self virtues) - prescribed in Scriptures, which are central to the evolution of individual life span. Sri Ghanapathi has outlined the scheme of Personal Vedic Rites, which emphatically corroborate the magnitude of Aatma Gunas, especially Non-Violence. He quoted Goutama Dharma Sutra, which enlisted 48 individual Samskaras (Rites) essential to every human from the phase of Fertilisation to Last rites; Sacrifices, Rituals … so on. It is elucidated by Goutama Maharshi (sage), that the conduct of these 40 Rituals/ rites should culminate in the Aatma Gunas (virtues of Self). If that does not happen, it is implied that the conduct of these rituals/ rites has not yielded the intended result. Vice versa, if one person has imbibed these virtues by the grace of the God, it can be safely concluded that no deficit is due to non- conduct of these rituals.

Non-Violence is dealt upon as a slogan by the society. Unfortunately these slogans are limited to violence perpetrated on humans, animals alone. Where as, the Vedic Scriptures have quoted myriad instances to prove the existence of Life force in every creature to exhort one and all to abhor violence towards every creature including trees, plants, seeds, birds, animals and of course humans.

Manjunatha Srouti, a scholar in Samaveda with extensive studies on modernity, Atharvana veda and musicology delivered a lecture on Scientific aspects of Atharvana Veda; to draw the attention of scholars to the coded references to herbs for treatment of several ailments in Atharavana Veda. He has also pointed out the references in Atharvana Veda to Gravitation Theory, orbit system of several planets. He further called for extensive research on the meaning of these texts, to unearth more and more essential aspects for the benefit of the society.

Later, Paraasara Madhaveeyam book was released on the occasion. This was the second volume, called Prayaschitta Kaanda, a System of atonement for various mistakes, unknown/ deliberate blunders committed in life due to unavoidable circumstance or fit of rage/lust/greed. The scripture Parasara Smruti was composed by Sage Parasara (Father of Rishi Veda Vyasa), detailing a code of conduct for human life in this age of Kali. Later in 12th Century, a great scholar Madhava has written an extensive commentary called Parasara Madhaveeyam, to include aspects relevant to his contemporary period. Sri Telakapalli Viswanatha Sarma, (Datta Peetha Asthana Vidwan) an academic from Hyderabad has translated the text into Telugu, with his annotations relevant to current day. The first of the volumes, called Vyavahaara Kaanda was released last year.

Academic session 3 (3:20 PM - 19th December 2007)

The session was presided over by Sri KV Ramakrishnamacharya, vice chancellor – Jagadguru Ramananda Rajasthan Samskruta Viswa Vidyalaya, Jaipur. Himself an erudite Sanskrit grammarian, Sri Acharya released a treatise on Srouta System of Rituals, called Darsa Poorna maasa Prakaasa. The publication was by Sri Vasudeva Paranjape in honour of his nonagenarian Teacher Sri Dinakar Bala Krishna Jogalekar of Ratnagiri, Maharashtra; who was present on the occasion.

Rituals are classified as 1.Srouta 2.Smarta 3.Pouranika. Rituals, for which – the methodology, procedures are detailed by Sruti (Veda) are called Srouta Rituals. Ceremonies, prescribed by Rishis, with an inference to Veda Vakyas (Vedic verses), are termed as Smaarta Rituals. All other rituals and prayers found in Puranas (mythology) are called as Pouranika Karma.

The book related to Ishti system of rituals on the verge of extinction, stipulated to be performed on every Poornima (Full moon) day and Amavasya (New moon) day. It was reprint of a old publication in Devanagari (Samskruta) script.

Later, Swamy Manasa Datta has explained the mission of Sri Swamiji and activities of Datta Peetham in English to the visiting scholars.

For this session, key note address was by Vamshi Krishna Ghanapathi. He has spoken on the subject, Underlying meaning of Vedic Rituals. Most of us conduct rituals, without knowing its meaning and purpose. To know the meaning of the ritual, results in complete benefit to the performer. Important Messages from some of the procedures in the rituals are:

Iswara Samarpana – Offer the result of your action to God, without expecting anything in return
Pray for Abundance to satiate your desire, rather than usurp someone’s share.
Identify the common factors in every creature to increase acquaintance, which is the essence of Vedic Texts
Realise that you are not the actual doer, but a tool in the hands of divine. Hence, never claim/ think that you are the owner/ boss of the objects/subjects/wealth, deemed to be your own.
Habituate to Identify divinity/ existence of all pervading Brahman in every creature/ atom without any exception. Thus the chances of perpetration of violence decrease.
Respect the right of life/ existence conferred on every being. Never lay your claim on others’ rights. If found inevitable, request temporal rights with humility.

Later a compilation of Ayurveda Sukti Sangraha (Compilation of Sayings (Sukti) enlisted in Ayurveda) compiled by Dr. K Kala was released.
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Cultural Program - Ashtaavadhaana
The evening program was a literary event of instant poetry called Ashtaavadhana. The poet was Sri Dorbala Prabhakara Sarma, a literary activist committed to the propagation of Samskruta Bhasha through out his career.

In this system, the poet’s concentration, ability to respond to the challenges (questions) posed by eight scholars (Prucchaka – questioner), memory are intrinsically tested.

Ashtaavadhaana System:
Eight of the challenges and conducting scholars:
Nishiddha Akshari – Kuppa Viswanatha Sarma (To request the poet to compose a poem on a chosen theme in a metre (Chhandas) instaneously and to forbid the use of syllables at every juncture.
Kaavya Pathanam – Viswanatha Gopala Krishna Sastry (To recite stanzas from famous epics and request the poet to describe them and frame the theme in his own poem)
Samasyaa – Surya Narayana Nagendra Bhat (To give a riddle – last line, seemingly improbable and insane and ask the poet to complete the remaining three lines)
Datta Padi – Rani Lakshmi Narasimha Sastry (To give four unrelated words and ask the poet the frame them in a particular poem on an unrelated theme. Ex: asking the poet to frame a poem on Shiva containing words – Idli, Sambar, Chutney and Annam.
Vyasta Akshari – Maha Baleswara Bhat (To test the memory of the poet, syllables from a stanza are given at various junctures in juggled form and ask the poet to recollect the syllables to put them correct order to make out the stanza)
Pushpa Gananam – Manjunatha Srouti (To test the concentration of the poet, by giving many flowers at regular intervals and to ask for the count of it)
Varnanam – Phaniraja Sastry (To ask the poet to compose an instant poem on a particular metre, on a chosen subject)
Madhura Bhashanam/ Aprastuta Prasamsa – Telakapalli Viswanatha Sarma (To divert the attention of the poet constantly to other unrelated subjects/ queries and entertain the audience deflecting boredom.)

It was a marvellous effort by the poet, which was appreciated from the depth of heart by Pujya Swamiji and the audience alike.

Academic session 4 (10 AM - 20th December 2007)

This last academic session was chaired by Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharya Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamy of Avadhoota Datta Peetham. Dr.Vempati Kutumba Sastry, vice chancellor of Rashtreeya Samskruta Samsthan, New Delhi has delivered the key note address.

The topic was Relevance of Vedic Ideas in the contemporary society. Sri Sastry has dealt with familial relations and conflict between communities, as examples.

These days, there is so much talk about Women empowerment and financial independency. The root for this is firmly entrenched in Vedic Ideas. At the juncture of Vadhu Gruha Pravesa (during entry of new bride in the house of the husband), she is entrusted with the over all management of the house by the parents in law and husband. She is referred as the empress of this house. To call the youngest and newest member of the family – an empress requires humility on the part of in laws and the bride.

Similarly, the Husband is rendered impotent in the absence of his wife in the conduct of daily rituals, ensuring her the sole, responsible and rightful place in the family house hold. Similarly, he sought to dispel the notions to state that the hierarchy in the society is based on the knowledge strata alone, rather than the strata of affluence or administrative power. The system calls for all the phases of life namely: Acquiring knowledge – Brahmacharya; Acquiring wealth, raising own family, support the society to lead a respectable Dharmik life Gruhastha; delegation of responsibilities, transfer of power to next generation- Vaana Prastha and renunciation to attain the absolute truth Sanayaasa; to be taken seriously and religiously. Thus, the Life style, stipulated in Vedas is relevant to the contemporary society.

Later, Veda Nidhi Sri R Krishna Murty Ghanapathi, Chennai spoke about the evidence found in Vedic Texts on modern day discoveries. He quoted the reference Kim Tad Vishnor Balam? (What is the cause of the force?) and referred to the subjects Galaxy, Orbitary system, Strength in Aranyaka Mantras.

He has further delved upon the ecological preservation, thrust to maintain the cleanliness of natural resources such as water, air and earth. He pointed out that Sage Yaaska, (the ancient composer of Vedic encyclopaedia), who opined that every Vedic text can be interpreted in different perspectives and realms of Rituals, Philosophy, Science, Physical aspects etc. He further renewed call not to swerve from the path of Dharma, as described in Veda.
A discussion on Contemporary patterns of Vedic Study:

The last event was a symposium, conducted by Prof.SK Mishra, secretary of Pratishthan. He informed that more than 100 Guru Kulas are functioning under the auspices of Pratishthan in many parts of India. The Pratishthan strives for the national integration thru Veda Parayanam at Sammelan and regular interactions, propagation of the message of Sammelan to various sections of the society. Four scholars from different states were invited to speak on this occasion. Sri Krishna Murty Ghanapathi (Varanasi) extolled the efforts of Pratishthan and called for the expansion and strengthening of its activities such as support to Guru Kula System. Sri VG Subrahmanya Ghanapathi (Chennai) called for support to performance of Vedic Rituals and studies pertaining to Vedic Rituals, without which the essentiality of the text would be missed.

Sastra Nidhi Sri ST Nagaraja Sastry (Bangalore), has called for efforts for support to study of Higher Vedic Texts by deserving students. It is equally important to preserve the Vedic literature along with its meaning. (It may be noted that a mere Samskruta Scholar cannot interpret Vedic Texts. To master this subject, a scholar should be subjected to a minimum of 24 years of basic training and text based special training for another 4 years.) Sri Mangipudi Venkata Sastry, a scholar of repute from Vijayawada has spoken about the Sankalpa Sakti of Veda Pundits and the power of Veda Mantras, which even go to the extent of ascertain the potential of Deities. He has effectively voiced the opinion of participating scholars/ delegates that such Veda Sammelan be conducted regularly under the guidance and auspices of Sri Swamiji.

In his presidential message, Sri Bala Swamy has compared the three vital aspects of Sri Swamiji Veda, Nada and Yoga to the 3 streams of knowledge and practice. His mission Avadhoota Datta Peetham is the Confluence of three rivers (Triveni Sangama), he added. He further likened the organisation of this conference to Triveni Sangama, as the collaborating organisers represent different sets of society. He hoped that the message of this Conference shall reach the length and breadth of the World.

Valedictory session (3 PM – 20th December 2007)

The Session commenced with Kouthuma Samaveda rendition by scholars from Samaveda Maha Mandala of Mysore. Prof. Yugal Kishor Mishra was the key note speaker. He elaborated on the theme of equality, propounded in the Vedic texts.

Varna in Samskruta means both Syllable and Caste. It was never the intention of the original texts in letter and spirit that one of the Varnas is superior to the other. Categorisation of Varnas (Syllables and Castes) was only for convenience of identification. In the system of Syllables (Varna Maala) the Varnas are categorised by the Sthaana (Origination of sound) and Prayatna (Effort required to generate the sound of the syllable). Similarly, the Varnas in the society are based on the origination from the parts of Virat Purusha and the occupation of the sect. The omni present Paramaatman can never be superior at one point and inferior at another. A true Pundit will alone identify his presence every where. Hence, if the spirit of Veda Dharma practised, there should not be any case for conflict in the society, he added.

To mark the occasion, the following books were released.
1) Commemorative Souvenir – The souvenir was released by the Chairman of the Sammelan Sri V Rama Rao. This souvenir contained Essays by noted scholars in Samskruta, English, Telugu and Kannada on many subjects in Veda and Sastra.
2) Vaamana Karika a treatise on Rituals for Samaveda Sect was released on . Services of Sri N Lakshmi Narayana Srouti, octogenarian ailing scholar associated with Datta Peetham for more than 4 decades and inspiration for this publication ware remembered on this occasion.
3) Siva Kathamrutam – Hindi version of the compilation of discourses on Dwadasa Jyotir Lingas (12 famous Shiva Temples in India) by Sri Swamiji was released.
Datta Peetha Prasasti
(Award of Datta Peetham to recognise outstanding talent and exemplary erudition)
Ten eminent scholars were honoured with Datta Peetha Prasasti on this occasion.
Sri Dinakar Bala Krishna Jogalekar (Ratnagiri, Maharashtra) – Rigveda, Shandanga scholar and master of Vedic Rituals
Sri Krishna Murty Ghanapathi (Varanasi, Uttara Pradesh) Yajurveda Scholar with commentary
Sri Yugal Kishor Mishra (Varanasi, Uttara Pradesh) – Sukla Yajurveda Scholar and proficiency in Vedic Texts
Sri Kedaranath Sukla (Ujjayini, Madhya Pradesh) Proficiency in Vedic Literature
Sri Chellam Srinivasa Ghanapathi (Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh) Noted Yajurveda, Lakshana, Veda Bhashya scholar from Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam
Sri Sri Kishor Mishra (Madhya Pradesh) Proficiency in Vedic Texts & Literature
Sri KVK Rama Krishnamacharya (Jaipur, Rajasthan) Samskruta Grammar
Sri Mangipudi Venkata Sastry (Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh) - Veda Bhashya Scholar
Sri Kunja Vihari Upadhyaya (Puri, Orissa) Atharvana Veda Scholar who worked for the first publication of Paippalada Samhita
Sri Vishnubhatla Laksmi Narayana Ghanapathi (Madhurapuram, AP) Yajurveda Scholar with Lakshna Sastra and Smarta Rituals

In his benedictory message, Pujya Sri Swamiji has complimented the scholars for their deep interest and dedication in the preservation of Dharma. He has stated that the principles of Vedas are relevant all the times. Even though the superficial texture may appear to have changed the essence remains the same, he stressed. He exuded confidence that all the pious souls and devotees will spare no effort for the resuscitation of our heritage and appreciated the efforts undertaken by all the organisers. He further encouraged the students to study Samskruta, which alone could be the bridge to elusive Vedic wisdom.

All the Pundits were honoured with Sambhavana, Shawl, Certificate of Participation and Souvenir. Travel Fare was separately paid to all the delegates. It is heartening to note that irrespective of travel distances and difficulties, scholars from all the southern states (Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala); Rajastjan, Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Uttara Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bengal, Orissa, Assom, Madhya Pradesh have partook in the conference.
Veda Sadas

In the course of Sammelan, Veda Sabha was conducted in Sri Datta Venkateswara Temple. This format of Veda Sabha, popularly known as Veda Vidwat Pravardhaka Sabha (Improvement of Erudition in Vedas) is intended for the scholars’ personal scholarship improvement, in order to protect the lineage of authentic chanting system. In this scheme, selected Mantras from different chapters of all the four Vedas are recited by invited scholars in individual groups (2-4 persons in each group), under the watchful eyes of senior pundits, who are designated as observers. Although, this format of Sabha is virtually unknown to many Pundits in this part of the country, many of them took part enthusiastically. It was bliss to the ears to listen to the sonorous chanting continuously for 3 days, uplifting the spirits to a high plane of spirituality.
The list of Mantras, chanted in this Sabha, (along with the intended benefits there of), is attached separately along with this report.

Sastra Sadas – Concept & Necessity
Traditionally, Veda is compared to Raw Gold Bar and Sastra to the tools to make an ornament. Let us understand what exactly Sastra stands for?
Saastra means to dictate. The terms and references in Vedic texts are so vast and general to understand. Hence, to understand the Vedic Sentences in right perspective our Rishis have stipulated that the Vedangas (affiliated parts of Veda) are essential to know the meaning of Veda.
Vedanga (Shadanga)
1. Siksha Sastra - Science of sound origination and pronunciation
2. Vyaakarana Sastra - Grammar
3. Chhandas Sastra - Composition of Metres such as Gayatri, Ushnik, Trishtup, Anushtup etc.
4. Niruktam - Encyclopaedia/ Thesaurus of terms and definitions of words in Vedic Texts
5. Jyotish Sastra - Astrology to determine the right time to conduct Vedic Rituals
6. Kalpa Sutra - Principles in the form of sentences, correlating and compiling the procedures for
Vedic Rituals, Code of Conduct for individual/ public life, Applied Geometry to build Yagasala, Personal Rituals/ Ceremonies; These Sutras vary from followers of each Veda to another and generally draw inspiration or inference from Vedic Sentences.
Along with these Shadangas (Six affiliated parts), other Upangas are also required for proper understanding of Vedic Knowledge.

Upangas (Other affiliates)
Tarka/ Nyaya Sastra - Logic Based on the principles of Rishi Kanaada & Goutama, this
Sastra is necessary to bring out finesse in the thought process.
Meemamsa - Understanding the Vedic Texts in correct perspective. In this process Meemama Sastra sets the standards to interpret sentences.
2. Purva – Meemamsa - Poorva Meemamsa is the Sastra based on the principles of by Rishi Jaimini, which enquires and determines the perspective of various Vedic verses related with Karma Kaanda (Rituals). The word Meemamsa generally refers to Poorva Meemamsa in general usage.
3. Uttara – Meemamsa - Uttara Meemamsa is based on the principles of Sage Veda Vyasa, intended to bring out clarity in texts of philosophy such as Upanishad and Bhagavad Geeta. As this deals with the last part of Vedas, this is also called as Vedanta, also meaning the Final declaration of Veda.
4. Dharma Sastra - Dharma Sastra is nothing but an extensive code of conduct for public and private life. This has many interpretations by many Rishis from different points of view. Although, Dharma Sutras based on Vedic verses, Smruti and Puranas are the origin of the Dharma Sastra, there are other texts such as Dharma Sindhu, Nirnaya Sindhu, Veera Mitrodaya etc. useful in finding out intricacies of Dharma.

From time immemorial, Sastra Vaakyaartha Sabha (Sastra sadas in short) was conducted in the format of current day seminar/ workshop/ symposium. In this Sabha, scholars with multi faceted talents and vistas of knowledge used to partake in the Sabha and give presentation on various subjects.
In contemporary ages, Sastra Sadas is confined to Vyakarana, Nyaya, Poorva Meemamsa and Uttara Meemamsa Sastras. Accordingly debates and presentations are limited to these four Sastras.
In Avadhoota Datta Peetham, Sastra Vaakyaartha Sabha is conducted in these 4 Sastras and lectures on other subjects are planned earlier. This year, more than 15 outstanding scholars have rendered their presentation in 4 Sastras. It is to be pointed out that erudition in Sastra very essential for understanding Vedic literature, is on decline. It is disheartening to note that the ratio of Sastra Scholars (Higher learning after Vedic Studies) to Veda Scholars (Basic Studies) is 1: 1000. Is it not quite disheartening that we have less than 100 Erudite Sastra Scholars in a population of 1.1 Billion?
In the current alarming scenario, it is decided to encourage brilliant students to undertake the study of Sastras, after the completion of basic Veda Adhyayana (with memorisation skills) to acquire analytical skills with Sastra Adhyayana and continue the Sastra Sadas annually to acquaint the students with tradition and enable them to have a glimpse of the traditional education.

Jaya Guru Datta

A report by Vamshi Krishna Ghanapathi, Trustee – Avadhoota Datta Peetham, Mysore
Convenor – Akhila Bharata Veda Sammelan & Sastra Sadas
sgsvedanidhi@gmail.com
With inputs from Sri Mahabalayya, Samskruta Teacher of Datta Peetham

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