Patronage for Vedic studies is far less in West Bengal compared to Southern States like Andhra Pradesh. It gives immense pleasure and satisfaction to see many young children here pursuing Vedic studies apart from formal education, said Ravindranath Bhattacharya.
Prof. Bhattacharya, who is working as Head of the Department of Sanskrit in University of Calcutta, was in the city recently to address a Vedic conclave organised by Krishna Mandala Veda Vidwat Pravardhaka Sabha.
Speaking on the occasion to The Hindu , Prof. Bhattacharya said the deterioration of Indian Vedic culture occurred rapidly during the last three decades in West Bengal.
“The governments haven’t given much thought to promotion of research in Vedic studies in West Bengal. Even the change in lifestyles has impacted the sustenance of ancient wisdom. Our Vedic heritage is not the preserve of only a few individuals. It belongs to every person in the country,” he said.
Though the universities in West Bengal were offering courses in Sanskrit and Vedic studies, there are hardly any takers. People were more interested in courses such as law and medicine rather than Vedic studies, he said.
There was no dispute that modern education was required in the competitive world.
In the same breath it was also necessary to pass on our rich heritage, knowledge and culture to posterity. “Parents don’t encourage their children to study the Vedas privately like in Andhra Pradesh. We really need to appreciate parents and teachers here (Andhra Pradesh) for their effort to preserve the Vedic culture,” he added.
