Integrity of Indian culture

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http://www.hindu.com/2003/11/28/stories/2003112800090900.htm

 

 

dated November 28, 1953: Integrity of Indian Culture

 

Dr. C. P. Ramaswami Aiyar, Vice-Chancellor of Annamalai University,

released in Madras on the 27th a Tamiz commentary on Kalidasa's

"Raghuvamsa" written and edited by Mr. V. S. Venkata Raghavachariar,

Head of the Department of Sanskrit, Vivekananda College, and

published by Mr. V. Krishnaswami Sarma. The function organised by the

Sanskrit Academy at the Rasika Ranjani Sabha, Mylapore, was attended

by Tamil and Sanskrit scholars. Prayer was rendered by Sangita

Kalanidhi Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar. The blessings of H.H.

Jagadguru Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi of the Sri Kamakoti

Peetam, and H.H. Jeer of Sri Ahobila Mutt were conveyed to the author

of the book. Dr. Ramaswami Aiyar, said in his address, "Kalidasa was

the first of the great poets of India to preach the geographical and

psychological unity of India. The theory of race which disfigures the

minds of the present day is a hollow one. Those who revive needless

controversies on the basis of race are extremely unwise.The two most

important strands which make Indian culture are Tamil and Sanskrit.

Mr. R. P. Sethu Pillai has spoken of the unity of the North and the

South. A verse in Raghuvamsa has Sri Rama describing the scenery

below while returning with Sita in the Pushpaka Vimana. Sri Rama

built a bridge between the north and the south. If we want a concept

of political economy or Neeti Sastra, the "Raghuvamsa" provides it.

Kalidasa deftly traces the mounting glory of the dynasty of Raghus

reaching a climax in Rama, the supreme type of manhood, divine in

character and in outlook. The work gives accounts of power properly

employed and wisely utilised and also of power abused and therefore

contributing to ruin, not only of the individual, but also of

dynasty."

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