Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan has called the Vedas as ‘science’ and the Vedic scholars as scientists.
Speaking at the third annual convocation of the TTD’s Sri Venkateswara Vedic University here on Wednesday as the Chancellor, he called the ‘Rishis’ of the ancient period as scientists, as they excelled in knowledge of sciences as varied as linguistics, music and astronomy. “Pythagoras, whom we regard as a scientist, is a Rishi in his own right,” he added. He explained how modern education and Vedic wisdom would bring completeness in one’s life.
While indicating that Vedas also dealt with social sciences, Mr. Narasimhan called for concerted efforts to decipher the knowledge available in the ancient texts and emphasised the need to spread awareness in the ‘broadest possible spectrum’ on the issue. He complimented the Vedic University for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Research Centre Imarat (RCI - Hyderabad), a unit of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and called it a proactive step in that direction. He released CDs on Vedas later.
Mr. Narasimhan conferred the honoris causa title ‘Mahamahopadhyaya’ on noted scholar Brahmasri Mangipudi Venkata Sastri. Born in East Godavari district, Sastri is also a recipient of ‘Bhashapraveena’ award from Andhra University. He later delivered the convocation address to the students.
Vice-Chancellor K.E. Devanathan, in his report, explained the developments during the year such as establishment of a Vedic recording project, placement cell, ‘Adarsha Gurukulam’ and manuscript preservation activities. In all, the varsity presented 141 degrees and doctorates, including Ph.D. to three scholars, M.Phil degrees to six, M.A. to 32 and B.A. to 65 graduates, besides those pursuing modern courses.
Registrar G.S.R. Krishnamurthy took part.
