Ever since the inauguration of the Peethom office on 11.05.2005 and the appointment of Swami Chidananda Puri (Advaitashram, Kolathur) as the Visiting Professor, it has been striving to achieve the goal of familiarising the salient features and facets of this glorious Dharma to the discerning public and serious students.
Inauguration of the Office
The office space allotted by the University in the Old Psychology Department started functioning on 11.05.2005. Swami Golokananda (Sri Ramakrishna Math, Calicut ), Swami Chidananda Puri, Brahmachari Vivekamruta Chaithanya (Mata Amruthananda Mayi Math, Calicut ) and Sri, V.K. Eradi (Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Calicut
Appointment of Visiting Professor and conduct of Weekly Lectures
Swami Chidananda Puri, a well known Sanyasin and a scholar on the various aspects of the Sanathanadharma, took charge as the Visiting Professor on 12.12.2005. Since then he has been conducting Weekly Satsangas on various topics, with a view to familiarize the basic tenets of Sanathanadharma and to dispel doubts and misconceptions in this regard. These regular weekly satsangas have been received well.
A gist of the various topics so far elucidated are given below.
1. Sanathanadharma – Definition, Synonyms, introduction.
2. Basic scriptures-An introduction to the Vedas
3. The Vedangas
4. The Upavedas
5. The Upanishads
6. Darsanas
7. Puranas
8. Itihasas
9. Sruthi
10. Smruthi
11. Mahavakyas
12. Pranava
13. Panchamahayajnas
14. Prasthanathraya
15. Shodasa Sanskaras etc.
Each subject was detailed with a view to provide an overall perception to evoke the interest of the real seeker for detailed and deep study and introspection. More than 40 classes of a duration of an hour were thus engaged.
Detailed classes on the Upanishads
Those who were aspiring for a systematic study of the various scriptures of the Sanathanadharma pressed for taking up regular classes. Lectures on the Bhagavat Gita, Bhagavata, Ramayana etc., are abundant and hence as a sequel to the weekly classes on Sanathanadharma, the study of the Upanishads, the ultimate knowledge of the spiritual arena and the summit of the wisdom of our ancient seers was taken up. So far, Isavasyopanishad, Kenopanishad and Kathopanishad have been discussed in the light of the Sankara Bhashya. Classes on Prasnopanishad are now in progress. Those who attend the weekly classes every Tuesday assemble together on their convenient days to seek clarification and for further discussion on the subject.
‘Ask Swamiji’ Sessions
What have been given above are on the regular classes being held at the office of the Peethom. In consideration to the persistent demand from the student community, well attended, ‘Ask Swamiji’ sessions with a view to dispel the doubts on the Sanathanadharama were held at the Main Hall of the Seminar Complex. Swami Chidananda Puri, the Visiting Professor of the Chair, used to clear the doubts raised by the audience. Ten such sessions were so far held.
Extension Lecture Series for the students of the Campus
As requested by the students and with the co-operation of the Departments, Lecture series on the following subjects were held at various University Departments.
1. Personality Development
2. Science and Technology
Seminar on National Integration
As requested by the National Integration Council and communicated by the Registrar of the University vide Letter No. GAI/B1/7491/04 dated, 22.2.2006, a Seminar on National Integration was conducted on 20.04.2006. Dr. C. Gopinathan Pillai, the Pro-Vice Chancellor inaugurated the Seminar. Dr. M.G.S. Narayanan, the eminent historian, gave the key-note address. Swami Chidananda Puri also participated.
Essay Competition for the students of the Affiliated Colleges
Essay competition for the students of Colleges and University departments was conducted on the following topics.
1. Relevance of Vivekananda in the Modern world
- Subject for essay competition in English
2. hnth-Im-\-µ³-þ-ZmÀi-\n-I\pw kaq-l-]-cn-jv¡À¯mhpw
(Essay in Malayalam)
A lot of students participated in the competition. Cash prizes, books and certificates were awarded to the top three place winners in both the subjects at a function on 9.02.2007 in connection with the celebration of the Vivekananda Jayanthi.
Seminar on Dharma, Religion and Culture
This seminar was inaugurated by our Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Anwar Jahan Suberi, who appreciated the well-orchestrated functioning of the Chair and the overwhelming participation in its functions.
Dr. N. Gopalakrishnan, CSIR scientist and Hon. Director of the Indian Institute of Scientific Heritage was the main speaker. Swamiji also participated.
Lectures by Swami Bodhananda Sarawati & Swami Adhyatmananda Saraswati
Swami Bodhananda Saraswati, the spiritual founder and Director of 12 organisations and Ashrams under the umbrella of the Sambodh foundation, New Delhi
Swami Adhyatmananda Saraswati, the Acharya of the Chinmaya Mission Kendra, Calicut
Sri. K.N. Ramachandran, Winner of Kerala Sahitya Academy Award for travelogue spoke on two occasions (on 21.03.2008 and 18.05.2008) at the Seminar Complex on his experience of various Himalayan Sojourn including the nationally conducted Manasa Sarovar Yatra. The last function was a full day session as demanded by those who were at the first session as well as by those who read of the report of the earlier session in various dailies. Sri Satya Sai Seva Samithi, Thenhipalam also helped us organize and co-ordinate these two sessions.
Besides the regular classes and functions, the chair conducted lectures by many eminent persons at special occasions such as Ramayana Month, Jayanthi Days of Gandhiji, Kalidasa, Sree Narayanaguru, Vidhyadhiraja Chattambi Swamikal, etc. An incomplete list of speakers at various functions are: Dr. T.P. Sasikumar (then Director, Academic Staff College Calicut ), Prof. Dr. Priyadarsan Lal (Govt. Arts and Science College , Calicut University of Calicut
Presentation at the curriculum revision session of Kannur University
Swamiji was invited for presenting a topic on the ‘History of Yoga’ at the two-day seminar intended for evolving curriculum revision proposals for Yoga studies at Kannur University
Swamiji also participated in the inaugural function of M.Sc. Yoga and Health course newly started at Guruvayurappan College , Calicut
These are besides his usual daily hectic tour of Kerala and also foreign countries on a few occasions delivering inspiring speeches on our ancient lore and culture under the auspices of the Advaitashram.
Seminar on the ‘Contribution of the Sanyasi Orders for Indian Renaissance’
The contributions of Sanyasins of different orders to the Indian culture and tradition have been undervalued or presented in a distorted manner. This should be properly elucidated. As a humble step towards this, the Peethom decided to conduct a seminar on the subject on 5.08.2008. Padmasri P. Parameswaran (Bharathiya Vichara Kendram, Trivandrum
Seminar on the Problems of Higher Education
A two-day seminar on the Problems of Higher Education was conducted on the 17th and 18th of February 2009 at the Seminar Complex. Prof. Anwar Jahan Suberi, the Hon. Vice Chancellor inaugurated the Seminar. Swami Chidananda Puri presided over the inaugural session and Sri. Sekharan.C., the Co-ordinator, welcomed the chief guests and the participants. Many students from the affiliated colleges as well as the students and Research Scholars from the University Teaching Departments, participated in the Seminar. Teachers and the public also were there throughout the various sessions on both the days.
Dr. K.K. Balachandran Nair (Member of the Syndicate and the representative of the Syndicate in the Government Body of the Peethom). Sri. T. Balakrishan (Retired Deputy Editor, Mathrubhumi) and Sri. A. Sajeevan (News Editor, Kerala Kaumudi, Calicut
Dr. K. Jayaprasad (Reader, Department of Political Science, S.N. College
In the second session of the afternoon, Prof. Prabha Sukumar (Satya Sai Seva Organisation, Kerala) presented a paper on Education in Human Values. Dr. G. Saratchandra Raj (Founder Secretary, Vijnan International Foundation, Perunna) presented his paper on the Relevance of Indian Perspective on Dimension of Modern Education at this session. On the second day, Dr. C.N. Balakrishnan Nambiar (Principal, Devaki Amma Memorial Teacher Education College
In the session four of the seminar, also on the morning of the 18th, Dr. A.R. Seetharam (Founder Director, Paramahansa Yoga Therapy Centre, Mysore
In the valedictory function, Swami Chidananda Puri spoke on Ancient Indian Views on Education. Prof. Damodaran Namboodiri (Principal, Bhavan’s Ramakrishnan Institute of Teacher Education, Ramanattukara) presided. Sri. K. Sreedharan Nair, the Chairman of the Organising Committee distributed the certificates to the participants.
Swami Chidananda Puri, continues with his weekly Upanishad classes every Tuesday elucidating the Sankara Bhashya. This is a boon to the real seekers of knowledge.
Sri. Vilayil Murali (IISH), Malappuram gave a lecture on the Ramayana on 18.08.2009. Sri T. Balakrishnan, Retired Deputy Editor, Mathrubhumi on 25.08.09 spoke on his long experience in the field of journalism.
Coaching Classes
Coaching classes for those aspiring for various government jobs were also conducted to help the poor sections of the society. Three batches have already received this instruction covering over a period of 5 months.
Reconstitution of the Governing Body
The Governing Body of the Peethom was re-constituted with the Vice-Chancellor as the Chairman, the Registrar, the Finance Officer, Syndicate Member Dr. K.K. Balachandran Nair, Swami Adhyatmananda Saraswati, Dr. Kumaran Kutty, Sri. K. Sreedharan Nair, Sri. P.I. Somasundaran and Sri. Sekharan as members. The meeting of the Governing Body appointed Swami Chidananda Puri as the Visiting Professor and Sri. Sekharan. C., Retired Joint Registrar as the Co-ordinator of the Peethom. The period of appointment of the Visiting Professor and the Co-ordinator is over by now.
Official Reports
Reports on the activities of the Peethom have been presented in the Annual Reports of the University for the year 2007, 2008 and 2009.
A short description can also be seen at the official Web site of the University www.universityofcalicut.info. Periodical updation can be brought about.
Acknowledgement
It is reported with gratitude that all our expenditure so far have been borne with pleasure by the Donor Organisation, The Sanathana Dharma Trust.
The Visiting Professor has not so far claimed any honorarium or any other remuneration.
Immediate future plans of the Peethom
Peethom has recorded almost all the speeches by Swamiji, of which three or four C.Ds have been submitted to the University. Many have expressed their desire to have these lectures published in the book form. The Peethom is actively involved in exploring the resources needed for the same.
Dearth of space (office allotted to us is the smallest when compared to the other chairs) and financial stringency are the main hindrances in extending the activities of the chair. We have requested the University for allotting 20 cents of land at the University Campus for constructing our office. We are sure, we will be able to muster enough financial support for the future construction and various activities. We are thinking of instituting a well orchestrated Research plan with the help of Governmental and Non-governmental Agencies.
It is sure that the Peethom has not strayed away from the path and parameters expected of a chair instituted in the University and has so far lived up to the expectations justifying the inception, within the short span of its existence. Co-operation and necessary assistance are very much solicited from each and every quarter.
For Sanathanadharma Trust
Place: Thenhipalam
Date: 01.11.2010.
