Mysuru: The Mysore Wadiyar dynasty’s contribution to the tradition of upholding the role of gurus is enormous and as a result they were able to provide excellent administration. However, it is regrettable that in today’s world the sanctity of Guru-Shishya (teacher-student) relationship has turned business-like, regretted Maharaja’s Sanskrit College retired professor Vidwan V.Gangadhar Bhat.

He was replying to the felicitation organised in his honour by V. Gangadhar Bhat Abhivandana Samithi at Maharaja’s Sanskrit College on Sayyaji Rao Road here yesterday.

“Wadiyars established one or the other institution all over Karnataka. My intellectual growth is largely due to the gift of the Mysore Palace. I have to pay my gratitude to them and hence however higher we reach in life, we must never forget our roots,” he said.

Vidwan Bhat said that he had served in the College for the last 20 years and when the students told him that they wanted to felicitate him, he told them that he would accept the felicitation provided there is someone from the royal family present.

“The presence of Pramoda Devi Wadiyar has given me immense joy. She is grappling with so much of problems and trying to continue the great legacy of the Wadiyar dynasty,” he lauded.

Pramoda Devi speaking said, “As a child I had learnt a little bit of Sanskrit and I recite a few shlokas in the mornings and evenings. There is a deep connection between the Palace and the College and hope this relationship will continue.”

Melukote Government Sanskrit College Principal Vidwan Umakanth Bhat delivered the felicitation address.

On this occasion, a felicitation volume titled ‘Gnanagangadhara’ and a documentary were released.

Dr. Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University Registrar Prof. Niranjan Vanalli, Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan Registrar Prof. P.N. Shastry, Dharwad’s Shrimad Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sanskrit Pathshala Professor Nyayachoodamani Rajeshwari Shastry and others were present.