Mysuru, Mar.5- A three-day National Seminar titled ‘Texts and Manuscripts of Vedic Corpus: Sources of Indian Knowledge Traditions’ was organised by Amrita Darshanam — International Centre for Spiritual Studies, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Mysuru campus, in association with Thanjavur’s South Zone Cultural Centre, Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

More than 20 scholars of national and international repute took part in this seminar, discussing and debating various aspects of Vedic studies, including the current scenario in the field, in India and abroad.

The event was inaugurated by Prof. Krishnamurthy Shastri, distinguished Vedic scholar and former Principal, Madras Sanskrit College, who in his keynote address, emphasised the scientific dimension of Vedic knowledge in addition to the general perception of spiritual dimension.

Earlier, Prof. C. Vidya Pai, Principal, highlighted the unique role played by Amrita in disseminating Vedic values and knowledge through its Cultural Education courses, which are meant for students of all disciplines in the University.

She set the theme of the Conference in its context and thus showed its relevance in our times as a thought-provoking awareness-building programme.

The occasion was graced by Br. Sunil Dharmapal, Director and Br. Venugopal, Correspondent, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Mysuru campus.

The three-day seminar focused on research possibilities in Vedic corpus, analytical studies of Vedic scriptures, the interconnectedness of various branches of Vedic knowledge and the architectural knowledge tradition of the Vedic corpus, among others, during the nine technical sessions spread across the three days.

Papers on several limbs of the Vedic Corpus such as Sthapatya Veda, Gandharva Veda, Samkhya Veda and Yoga, Svaravichara in the Vedas were also presented by renowned scholars from various parts of the country.

The unique feature of the seminar was a practical session where Vedic Karmakanda demonstrated through a full-fledged Navagraha Yajna with a simultaneous explanation of ritualistic practice.

The seminar, enriched with elaborate and scholarly deliberations, brought out the multiple dimensions of research potential of Vedic scripture, as well as contemplated on humanistic approach to the Vedas for sustainable development.

The delegates were treated to a power-packed and colourful cultural programme with the distinct performances such as Karagam and Kavadi of Tamil Nadu, Mathuri Dance of Telengana, Dhimsa and Garagalu of Andhra Pradesh, Chendamelam of Kerala, and Thappattam of Puducherry as part of the cultural evening exhibiting the rich folk tradition of south Indian States.

The seminar was brought to a solemn conclusion through a valedictory session, felicitation of scholars as well as participants followed by Vedic prayer.