Sri Sri addressing the audience at the Convocation Ceremony
Gurudev addressing the audience at the Convocation Ceremony
Second Convocation of Art of Living's heritage school held
It was a perfect modern day setting at the second Convocation Ceremony of the Heritage School, Veda Agama Samskrutha Maha Pathshala where newly graduated students were conferred the title ‘Sivagama Vidya Nidhi’ in the presence of The Art of Living founder, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The students of the third and fourth batches successfully completed the formal seven years integrated Veda Agama Shastra Course.
The honoured guests were Sri Omkarananda Mahaswamigal, founder of the Swami Chidbhavananda Ashram at Theni; Sri D.G Nandakumar, I.A.S, Comissioner, HR & CE (The Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department), Government of Karnataka; Prof. Mallepuram G. Venkatesha, Vice Chancellor of Karnataka Sanskrit University; Dr. K. Picchai Sivacharyar, founder of Sivaneri Kazhagam; N.Ramanuja, Chairman, Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, Bangalore.
The ceremony began with lighting of the lamp by Gurudev along with the other dignitaries. Reflecting upon the significance of the Sanskrit language and ancient rituals, he expressed, “Our country remains one because of ancient culture. Forty years ago when people of north visited south or from south visited north, they were not able to communicate with each other whereas Sanskrit pundits from south would go to Kashi and could converse with another pandit in Sanskrit with ease. Dr. Ambedkar wanted Sanskrit to become our national language.”
Inspiring the graduating students, he added, “Purohit means one who does good to mankind. All of you have got a chance to render such an honorable seva. There is no end to learning.”
Sri D.G Nandakumar said, “Inspite of many religions of the world having come and gone away without a trace, Indian culture still continues to exist and leaders like Gurudev contribute to this.
On this occasion two books ‘Mahanyasam’ and ‘Padamantram’ were released by Gurudev and the Chief Guest, Sri Omkarananda Mahaswamigal.
Speaking on the occasion, Sri. A.S Sundara Murthy Sivam, Principal, expressed, “Students of our Patashala follow the traditional way of learning, coupled with the practice of breathing techniques . Our students learn this ancient knowledge with commitment, faith and respect. This commitment is carried out into the society when they graduate.
The Agama Pathshala was established in October 2002 by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The school offers a seven year training program that teaches students all over India how to conduct temple rituals: pujas, abhishekas and other rituals. The course syllabus also includes study of the Veda, Agama, Sanskrit language, Astrology, Yoga, music, Sculpture, Epics and Shaivic scriptures.
Along with these, the children are given training in practical modern subjects, such as a basic knowledge of how to work with computers. After completion of their seven year training, these pundits are ready to conduct services and rituals in temples and homes all across the country.
