President Pranabh Mukherjee on Friday inaugurated TTD Vedapathasala at Ai-Bhimavaram, West Godavari district. Addressing the gathering he congratulated the TTD for its efforts to preserve the Vedic values and traditions by promoting the Vedic studies and research. Excerpts from his speech:
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” Vedas are source of our heritage, culture and constitute the foundation of our value system. The idea enshrined in the Vedas are essentially the benevolent messages limited not only to the welfare of the individual,society and the nation, but manifest a spirit of universal brethren. The traditional Indian philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ beautifully captures the essence of our global outlook. The UNESCO has also been recognized the Vedas as our oral heritage and it is our sacred duty to preserve them in their pristine form.”
” Vedas are an integral edifice of our traditional Indian culture and values. They provide us with insightful knowledge, wisdom and understanding through ancient Vedic lore and anecdotes. The Vedic seers had codified 14 Vidya-s into four Veda, 6 vedanga’s, Purana-s Nyaya, Mimamsa and Dharmasashtra. These Vedic texts enshrine the message of world peace , prosperity, and sustainable development. ” Lokah Samasthah Sukhinah Bhavantu’ is the doctrine of universal peace and prosperity.”
” In ancient times, all Vidya-s were taught in residential universities or gurukulas like Takshashila, Vikramsimha and Odantapuri, the remains of which have been found. They were very famous throughout the world particularly in China & South East Asian countries. In all these Universities, 14-Vidya-s were taught to the students . In Andhra Pradesh too, we had many education centres along river Godavari, Krishna like Nagarjuna Konda, Amaravati, etc. where in many foreign students used to come to higher education. Vedapathasalas of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams
remind us of those great learning centres established by gurus and sages.”
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” I am happy to know that TTD is taking up several measures to preserve the oral tradition of Vedas. I am told TTD is supporting 1000 Vedic scholars by providing them with financial assistance . It is also financially assisting 100 Veda Pathasalas spread across the country. I am told that the TTD has entered into an MoU with RCI-DRDO for conducting scientific research in association with eminent scientists. It has also established centre for Veda Science Research (CVSR) for promoting research in Veda s under the enlightened care of scientific institutes.
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” I am sure this Vedapathasala will emerge as a reputed centre of learning and seat of our traditional Vedic Knowledge.”
