Asramam activities - Report

[Guest guest]

Dear Sri Srinivasan,

 

The earlier mail was in very small fonts maybe requiring a lens to read! I am re posting the same with bigger fonts.

 

 

Dear Sri Srinivasan,

 

I am privileged to furnish the report on Asramam activities since we held the last NEC meeting at our Secunderabad Asramam. Kindly have this posted.

 

RR.

 

 

Srimathe Ranga Ramanuja Mahadesikaya Nama:

Srimathe Srinivasa Ramanuja Mahadesikaya Nama:

Srimathe Vedantha Ramanuja Mahadesikaya Nama:

Srimathe Srinivasa Mahadesikaya Nama:

 NOTES TO THE HONOURABLE MEMBERS OF THE NEC

 I am happy and privileged to submit the current report to the Honourable Members narrating the events and activities of the Asramam since submitting my previous report dated the 28th March 2003.

YATRA OF HH SRIMAD ANDAVAN

 HH conducted the 97th Thirunakshatram celebrations of the HH Srimad Thirukkudanthai Andavan at our Secunderabad Asramam on the 11th April 2003.  Earlier there were Veda Prabandha Grantha Parayanams by 150 Adhikaris for three days. Due to the severe well water shortage in our Secunderabad Asramam, the annual Paduka Vidwath Sadas was postponed to Vaikasi Thiru Athirai scheduled to be held at Chennai. In spite of the very severe early summer, hundreds of Sevarthis thronged the Asramam during these four days. On the Thirunakshatram day HH directed that there would be a continuous Seva Kalam and Peria Sathumarai; the Sevarthis waited patiently (it was a working day) for nearly three hours and received the Blessings of the Acharya in a disciplined manner. Due the very severe well water shortage, HH shifted camp to Alwal to the residence of Sri Gopalachariar Swami, the trustee of Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple immediately after MAsi Pushyam, shifted back to Secunderabad for the Panguni Pushyam and shifted back to Alwal after these celebrations.

I wish to record my sincere appreciation of Sri Srinivasachariar, Sri Badrinathachar, Sri Mukundachar and Sri Ramakrishnachar; they took very special care of HH during His camp at Alwal. The family of Sri Gopalachariar Swami, in particular his mother, were symbols of pure and sublime devotion and the writer was really touched by their sincerity and hospitality. I also wish record my admiration and best wishes for the Trustees and other Sevarthis in the Twin cities who worked very hard over the past several months to organise the Silver Jubilee and the two Thirunakshatrams – congratulations indeed!!There will be separate mention under the “Asramam Projects” regarding the progress on the second Asramam construction in the Twin cities.

HH VISITS MYSORE FOR THIRUNAKSHATRAM OF THE 36TH JEER OF SRI PARAKALA MUTT

After camping in the Twin cities metro area for six weeks, HH started on His Yatra towards Bangalore, Mysore and Chennai on the 18th April 2003. HH and His retinue reached our Sripuram Asramam on the 21st April 2003, camped there for 6 days and moved on to Mysore on the 27th April to attend the 70th Thirunakshatram celebrations of HH Sri Abhinava Vagheesa Swami, the 36th Jeer of Sri Brahmatantra Swatantra Sri ParakAla swAmi Mutt – Chithirai Revathi – scheduled for the 29th April 2003. HH Sri Ranga PriyA Mahadesikan SwAmi of Bangalore also graced the occasion. This is the Sapthathi year of HH Sri Abhinava Vagheesa Swami and the Chithirai Revathi 2004 is a festival that all of us must conduct together as a symbol of solidarity with the oldest Mutt in SriVaishnavaite Sampradayam whose founder and the first Jeer, Sri Brahmatantra Swatantra Maha Desikan is a Poorvacharya in our Asramam’s Sri Baashya Parampara.

 It was a rare boon for the hundreds of Sishyas and Abhimanis to have the simultaneous Darshan of three great Yatheeswaras in the ancient Sannathi of Sree Lakshmi Hayavadhana at Sri Parakala Mutt and receive their Divine Blessings. In Mysore HH performed Mangalasasanam of Ontikoppal Sri Srinivasa Perumal and His Divine Consort. HH returned to Bangalore on the 30th April, camped at our Jayanagar Asramam till the 7th May 2003, left on Yatra via Chittoor, Ranipet Kanchipuram and reached Chennai on Sunday the 11th May 2003.

A very brief mention was made in my previous report about HH’s Mangalasasanams at Thirumala Thirupathi during the first week of March 2003. This was HH’s second Mangalasasanam after the TTD notified on 1st Jan. 2002,that HH would be entitled to the Grade I Honours on a permanent basis, once a year as applicable for 11 other senior Matathipathies of SriVaishnavaite, Dvaitha and Advaita Mutts under their Thittam. Quite apart from the Honours that HH was entitled to as per the Thittam, The Chinna Jeeyangar Swami at Thirumala received our Swami inside the sanctum sanctorum and did all the Honours like MelchAtthu, Parivattam etc., As per the Thittam, HH is entitled to go inside the Kulasekhara Padi and offer His Mangalasasanam. Normally the chief priest officiates and takes HH inside, gives Him the Divine Alavattam for HH to offer His kainkaryam.

This year (and last), HH the Chinna Jeer at Thirumala officiated out of (as HH later said) his respect for our HH’s position as a Peetathipathi of this great Asramam and for HH’s great gnAnam in many assorted Saastras! It was a moving experience for those of us accustomed to many decades of internecine quarrels between the U Y lineages and we cherish this courtesy and gesture.

HH was advised rest and relaxation due to high BP and Sugar levels during March and April 2003. Thus we did not book many Dolotsavams during May. HH’s charisma pulls in large numbers of Sevarthis during every visit. The Sishyas and the Trustees were busy organising the Thirunakshatram festival. HH was busy planning further projects in Srimushnam, Thiruppullani, Aurangabad etc., HH concentrated this time on setting up the thousands of Granthams and other books that He has been acquiring over the years; most of these have been moved to Chennai and stored in the Mani Mandapam in the first floor at the Asramam. The efforts of Sri V. Narasimhan Sri K. Jagannathan (HH’s Kainkaryaparar) require special mention in this regard. Eventually a large Library is planned here.

69th THIRUNAKSHATRAM OF HH SRIMAD ANDAVAN

Sishyas and Abhimanis conducted these celebrations with great solemnity and sublime devotion between the 29th May and 2nd June 2003 at our Chennai Asramam. There were Veda and Grantha Parayanams by over 300 Adhikaris on all the five days. Thousands of devotees thronged the Asramam premises to receive the blessings of the Acharyas. Separate volunteer groups – both Mamis and Swamis, managed the event admirably! Special mention must be made about the Mamis’ group led by Smt. Karpagam Narayanan, Smt Geetha Krishnan, Smt Devaki Seshasayee, Smt Jayanthi Srinivasan, Smt Geetha Srinivasan, Smt Sasi Kasturirangan and others who courteously managed the huge gathering of ladies. The Swamis’ comprised as usual Srimans V Srinivasan, VS Narasimhan, R Venkatesan, S Parthasarathy, SN Parthasarathy, V SathyaNarayanan (Sathi), R Gopalakrishnan, Ramabhadran, Malayankulam Sridhar and others who took charge and regulated the huge gathering of Sevarthis from 6.00 a.m. onwards on their own initiative!! The benign, unobtrusive and courteous guidance of our Srikaryam Swami leading the Sevakalam and the Desika SthOthram groups was always available.

GREAT YATHEESWARAS’ GRACEFUL PRESENCE

 H.H. Sri Ranga Priya Mahadesikan of Bangalore graced the celebrations with His divine presence on the 2nd June 2003. H.H. Sri Abhinava Vagheesa Swami, the 36th Jeer of Sri Brahmatantra Swatantra Sri ParakAla swAmi Mutt of Mysore, came over to Chennai to participate in the celebrations on the evening of the 27th May. The Srikaryam Swami, Trustees and the writer received these great Acharyas with reverential honours Poornakumbams.

It was a heavenly sight to see thousands of Sevarthis attending the Sevakalam of the Lakshmi Hayagreeva Aradhanams performed by H.H. Sri Parakala Swami the Perumal – Paduka Aradhanams performed by H.H. Srimad Andavan from the same premises at the same time. Even more thrilling were the sights of H.H Sri Parakala Swami being served with the Theertha PrasAdam by our H.H. (and Sri Satari by our Aradhakar) our H.H. receiving these PrasAdam from H.H. Sri Parakala Swami ( their Aradhakar) and thereafter both the Yatheeswarars serving the Theertha PrasAdam simultaneously to the huge GhOshtis from 28th May till the 5th June.

On the 2nd June, HH Sri Ranga PriyA Mahadesikan Swami was receiving the Theerthams and Satari both from our HH and HH Sri Parakala Mutt Jeer who thereafter served Perumal Theerthams and Sri Satari to the thousands of Sevarthis and this took over 2 hours. In my long years I have witnessed such a glorious sight only twice; once at our Asramam last year, the second time at Mysore in April 2003. Now there were three great Yathis (as against two last year at Chennai) giving a simultaneous Darshan and Blessings – a great Bhagyam and an act of Divine Grace for thousands of Sevarthis. We are fortunate to live in same the Era as these great Yathis and receive their Divine Anugrahams.

VEDA GRANTHA PARAYANAMS

Very senior and respected Adhikaris adorned the Parayana GhOshtis; to name a few, Ganapatis Sri Veeravilli Srinivasa Desikachariar, Pazhaveri Sadagopachariar, Veeravilli Sadagopachariar, Shukla Yajur Vedi Vijayaraghava Ganapatigal, Sathanur Krishnamurthi Ganapatigal, Vaduvur Govindachar, Rig Vedi Kasturi Rangachari, (his son) Ganapati Srinivasachar, Ramarajachar, Saama Vedi Anna Swami and many other Kramantha Adhikaris participated in the Parayanams. As usual Ganapati Govindachar, Thaiyyar Srinivasachar, A. VEnkata Varadachar and (AO) Rangarajachar managed the session wise pay out of the Sambavanai for these Adhikaris with utmost professionalism and without any fuss. Senior well known Adhikaris and those who have completed the Kramantham were given an additional Special Sambavanai. The quantum of Sambavanai was fixed as always by HH in consultation with our Ganapati Swami. 

SRI PADUKA VIDWATH SADAS

The Paduka Vidwath Sadas is the core feature of the Thirunakshatram celebrations of HH Srimad Thirukkudanthai Andavan. Due to severe (well) water shortage in the twin cities where the 97th Thirunakshatram of the Acharya was conducted, the Paduka Vidwath Sadas was re scheduled to be held at Chennai in June 2003 along with HH Srimad   Andavan’s Thirunakshatram scheduled to be held at Chennai. (We could never have made well water available to all or most of the Scholars at the Secunderabad Asramam). The Sadas was presided over by H.H. Srimad Andavan and H.H. Sri Abhinava Vagheesa Swami, the 36th Jeer of Sri Parakala Mutt and a galaxy of over 100 Ubhaya Vedanta and Grantha Chathushtya Vidwans adorned and actively participated.

SEVARTHIS’ GENUINE GRIEVANCES

During these celebrations large numbers of Sevarthis queue up and wait patiently to offer their obeisance to HH during the mornings and the evenings. Sometimes this takes us 75 – 90 minutes per session not counting the late evenings; the Sishyas only wish is to receive the Blessings of HH. But the main and genuine complaint against the event managers is that we do not allow the Sevarthis adequate time with HH. I realise that for the past few years we have simply been rushing them in and out – just like the “jarugandi, jarugandi” affair. We get over excited sometimes and rush them out even when HH is addressing Sevarthis on Asramam matters and realise this ApachAram only later. On the other hand, we do not many options or choice, as we have to allot the very limited time available equitably to all Sevarthis.

There is thus an acute time pressure; HH cannot simply walk away from this very large group to join the Vidwans’ GhOshti to start the Sadas. If HH doesn’t do that, the Sadas gets delayed, all the Vidwans are unable to actually participate in the deliberations and simply end up listening to the Senior Adhikaris. In recent years the crowds have been very large, there is (I repeat) acute time pressure on HH. This dilemma has to be addressed as the crowds gets bigger and bigger every year. On the whole, a very unsatisfactory state of affairs – HH is left very very tired at the end of the day and the Sevarthis are unhappy, as they cannot pay their respects properly at least during the Thirunakshatram. There must be a better time management to keep HH relaxed and also allow the Sevarthis reasonable time to have HH’s blessings!

RESCHEDULING THE PADUKA VIDWATH SADAS

First option: spread the Thirunakshatram celebrations over 11/12 days, conduct only the Sadas exclusively from Day 1 to Day 6/7; HH will proceed straight to the Sadas GhOshti after the Seva Kalam ( Samasrayanam/ Prapatthi), conduct the proceedings for 5/6 hours in two sessions per day without distractions with a couple of hours of midday rest thrown in. The Sevarthis will be less during the Sadas and the proceedings will be relatively calm relaxed from Day 1 to Day 6/7. HH will be under minimum pressure and strain during the Sadas and will be free with His first preference – Books (which HH has not renounced!!). All (I mean all) the Vidwans will have time to make their submissions to be deliberated upon by HH and the other Senior Adhikaris – these sessions are usually very lively and thought provoking. Young and aspiring Vidwans have to lot to learn here. They literally come through the fire as no one, senior or junior will be spared; questions and counter questions will fly and the Scholars had better be ready!! The Sadas will conclude on Day 6/7, the Veda Grantha Prabandha Parayanams will start on Day 7/8, will go on for 4 full days and the Thirunakshatram will be on Day 11/12*. The Sevarthis usually throng the Asramam when the Parayanams start. The Sadas is completed, HH does not sit thro’ the Parayanam and is available fully freely; we can regulate the Sevarthis for 5/6 hours per day to pay their respects to HH without let or hindrance to their hearts’ content!!

The second option is to split the Paduka Vidwath Sadas into two separate sessions; first with HH Srimad PeriAndavan’s Thirunakshatram (MAsi Pushyam) and then with HH Srimad Thirukkudanthai Andavan’s Panguni Pushyam events – there will be crowds but not on this scale. The Parayanams will be there but there again we can split the Sadas and the Parayanams separately – two sessions of 6/7 days and 4 days respectively. Option 2 will please the older school of thought as the Sadas was always held during the Panguni Pushyam. Event management wise Option 1 will be better, as maximum volunteers will be available.  The basic idea is to lessen the strain and pressure on HH but we should also ensure that no negative vibes are sent in any steps that might be taken.

*HH to decide whether the Sadas is for 6 or 7days and the option we should adopt.

HH CONFERS SPECIAL HONOURS ON 35 GREAT SCHOLARS

H.H. Srimad Andavan honoured 35 great Scholars, a veritable galaxy of Stars in Chatur Vedas, Chatur Saastras and Bhagavath Vishayam as named below, as an extra ordinary feature of these Thirunakshatram celebrations.

 1) Sri AgnihOtram Sri Ramanuja Thathachar Swami, Chennai,

2) Sri Veeravilli Srinivasa Desikachariar Swami, Vaduvur,

3) Brahma Sri GopAla KrishNa Saastrigal, Chennai,

4) Sri A.S. Venkatanathachariar, SrikaryaKarta, Sri Parakala Mutt, Mysore, *

5) Sri B. Rangarajachariar Swami, (Rig Veda Ganapati), Kumbakonam,

6) Sri Eachampadi Krishnamachariar Swami, Kanchipuram,

7) Sri Srinivasa Rangachariar Swami, Bangalore, *

8) Brahmasri Subramania Saastrigal, Chennai,

9) Sri Viswanatha Sarma, (Saama Veda/ Srouthigal), Chennai,

10) Sri S. Narasimha Raghavachariar Swami, Our Srikaryam Swami, *

11) Sri Pazhaveri Sadagopachariar Swami, Srikaryam Swami, Sri Ahobila Mutt, *

12) Sri N.S. Ramanuja Thathachariar Swami, Bangalore, *

13) Sri V. Srivatsankachariar Swami, Pondicherry, *

14) Sri Perukaranai Chakravarthiachar Swami, Chennai,

15) Sri Pudhukkottai Seshadriachariar Swami, Maduranthakam, *

16) Sri Srinivasa Desikachariar Swami, Bangalore,

17) Sri Pazhaveri Rajagopalachariar Swami, Bangalore

18) Sri Kothimangalam Varadachariar Swami, Mysore, *

19) Sri Navalpakkam Varadachariar Swami, Thiruvahindrapuram, *

20) Dr. A. Ananthanarasimhachariar Swami, Bangalore, Srikaryam/ PSAA @

21) Sri Valayapettai Ramanujachariar Swami, Navalpakkam Village, *

22) Sri N.S. Anantha Rangachariar Swami, Bangalore,

23) Sri V.S. Karunakarachar Swami, Chennai, *

24) Sri G. SrInivAsa Raghavachariar Swami, (Thirukkannamangai), Mysore, *

25) Sri Veeravilli R. Varada Desikachariar Swami, Pondicherry, *

26) Sri Krishnamurthi Saastrigal, Chennai, *

27) Sri Panchapakesa Saastrigal, Melacauveri, 

28) Sri Sathanur Krishnamurthi Ganapatigal, Thiruvanaikoil,

29) Sri Shukla YajurvEdi Vijayaraghava Ganapatigal,

30) Sri P.V. Rajagopalachariar Swami, Thiruvahindrapuram, *

31) Sri Velukudi Krishnamachar Swami, Chennai,

32) Dr. K.A. Manavalan Swami, Chennai,

33) Sri Muttathur Rajagopalachariar Swami, Thiruvahindrapuram,

34) Dr. Sokkanavur E.S. Narasimhachariar Swami, Srirangam, *

35) Sri Sirungattur N. SriRama Desikachariar Swami, Chennai,

*These great Vidwans participated in the Paduka Vidwath Sadas along with Thaiyyar Sri Lakshmanachar, Kothimangalam Gopala Chakravarthiachar, Kalyanapuram Sri Aravamudhachar, Mannargudi Sri Rajagopalachar, Natteri Sri Rajagopalachar, Sri AS Aravamudhachar (Kunnathur), Thaiyyar Sri Narayanachar, Navalpakkam Sri Ranganathachariar and many other Vidwans.

 @ PSAA – Sri Poundarikapuram Srimad Andavan Asramam.

 CLARIFICATION

 It is submitted that the seriatim numbers do not signify the seniority or any order of merit of these great stars in the Galaxy of Vedas and Saastras. All are highly respected and great authorities in their chosen fields. The honour had to be bestowed one by one. We chose the Chatur Vedic Scholars first, the Chatur Saastra Scholars next and the Bhagavath Vishayam Scholars thereafter. HH till almost the 30th May was updating the list.

DETAILS OF THESE HONOURS

Each Scholar was honoured with a Certificate carrying a title (specially coined by HH for each Scholar), a shawl, a Silver Thiru KavEri (for their Anushtanams) worth Rs. 2000/- and a cash award of Rs. 5,000/-. HH has directed that, in future, we should honour 10 – 12 Scholars during every Panguni Pushyam. We, the Sishyas, will include 10 – 12 Scholars more every year during Vaikasi Thiru Athirai! The honour roll call should touch 120 Scholars in all – the era of Bhagavath Ramanuja – by the Sapthathi of HH Sri Ranga Ramanuja Mahadesikan (Vaikasi Thiru Athirai 2005)!! 

 H.H. directed the conduct of this most pleasant task on me – the Sri Karyam Swamin was an Awardee himself – the honour of making the announcements fell upon me by Divine Grace!

 ENTERTAINMENT – ASRAMAM BRAND

There was a change in the evening events; Upanyasams on four days by Srikaryam Swami, Sri Natteri Rajagopalachar, Sri VS Karunakarachar and Mannargudi Rajagopalachar. On the 1st June we had a saxophone performance by Kadri Gopalnath and his group. Shri Kadri Gopalnath was appointed as the Asthana Vidwan of the Asramam. I am pleased to inform that there were reasonable crowds. HH conferred the title “Hridya Vadya Visharadha” on the famous Mridanga Vidwan Vellore G. Ramabhadran in appreciation of his service to Carnatic music for well over 50 years. Eminent persons in CarnAtic music, such as Lalgudi G Jayaraman, Sri R Krishnaswamy and Dr. VV Srivatsa felicitated Sri Ramabhadran. On the 2nd June 2003, HH conferred the title “Gayaka Kalanidhi” on Sri Vairamangalam Lakshmi Narasimhan, in recognition of his services to Carnatic Music and to Sri Embar Raghava Simhachar Swami for his services to Hari Katha. This Swami is coaching our Vidyarthis in Hari Katha in our Srirangam Patasala.

RELEASE OF BOOKS, CD’s

HH released i) the Volume III of Chandogya Upanishad authored by Dr. NS Anantha Rangachar (one of the great scholars honoured as above), ii) “Essays on the Eternal” authored by Sri K Sadagopan Iyengar, a young and serving bank officer from Coimbatore (a copy enclosed for your perusal) and iii) Sri Nigamantha MahA Desika Sthuthi Rathna Manjusha, a reprint of Sriman Thirukkudanthai Srinivasa ThAtthA Dasan’s collection of the works of many Poorvacharyas. HH also released a CD comprising the Keerthanas rendered by our Asthana Vidwan Dr. Vageesh, Station Director, AIR, Tiruchirappalli and composed by (of course) HH Srimad Srimushnam Andavan, a must have collection for all Sishyas and Abhimanis.

SAPTHATHI OF HH – CHIEF PATRONS

HH Sri Ranga PriyA Mahadesikan HH Sri Abhinava Vagheesa Swami, the 36th Jeer of Sri Parakala Mutt have graciously consented be the Patrons in Chief for the Sapthathi of HH scheduled for VaikAsi Thiru Athirai 2005 to be held in Srirangam. Committees will be duly constituted shortly, in consultation with Srikaryam Swami and the Hon. Members.

SAPTHATHI OF HH 36 th JEER OF PARAKALA MUTT

HH Srimad Andavan has advised and directed that we should stand shoulder to shoulder with Sri Parakala Mutt in celebrating the Sapthathi of the 36th Jeer, Sri Abhinava Vagheesa Swami scheduled for Chithirai Revathi 2004 and the second Sashtiabdapoorthi of the late HH Sri Peria Parakala Sri Abhinava Ranganatha Swami, the 34th Jeer of Sri Parakala Mutt falling on Aadi Punarvasu 2004. We have suggested that these celebrations be conducted at our Chennai Asramam; naturally their Sishyas and Trustees want the celebrations to be conducted at their new complex in Palathope – HH has agreed that the Sapthathi will be in Chennai but the venue will depend on the completion of their Palathope project.

HH YATRA – AFTER THE THIRUNAKSHATRAM

On 3rd June HH performed Mangalasasanam of Sri Alarmelmangai and Sri Srinivasa Perumal at Mylapore Vedanta Desikar Devasthanam, the day during the annual Brahmotsavam when the Temple authorities also launched the Garuda VAhanam. On the 4th June, the Samprokshanam of the “Dhanushkodi KOdandA Raamar Temple” was performed in the immediate Divine presence of HH. Our Asramam Sishya and leading jurist Sri S. Sampath Kumar has built this temple at Chrompet and a nice Asramam within the temple premises for HH. HH left Chennai on the evening of the 6th June, reached Uthiramerur on the 7th June to start the Samprokshanam rituals, camped in Uthiramerur till the 9th June.  The Samprokshanam of the Sri Sundara Varada RAjA Perumal Temple was performed in the divine presence of HH. Over 10 thousands of devotees were present. HH left for Kalyanapuram the same afternoon. On the 11th June 2003, the Samprokshanam of Thirukkandiyur Sri Harasabha Vimosana Perumal Temple was performed in the immediate divine presence of HH.

On the 12th June HH left for Kumbakonam to inaugurate the 13th Thiruppavai MahOthsavam and 5th Tamizh Marai Innisai Thiruvizha. Sri Andal Thirupaavai MahOtsava Sabha run by our Sishyas conducts this annual feature at Sri Sarangapani Temple. Our NEC member and the Asramam’s Asthana Vidwan, Kalyanapuram Aravamudhachar Swami, actually organises this festival. This is a very tough task, assembling 18 Vidwans, allotting their subjects, coordinating the events without ruffling their egos, then again organising the music performances in the evenings etc., A tough job very well done indeed year after year!! HH inaugurated this festival with Upanyasams on the first two pAsurams on the 13th June. Thereafter fourteen Ubhaya Vedanta Vidwans led by our Srikaryam Swami delivered their Upanyasams on two pAsurams each and completed the thirty pAsurams by the 15th forenoon. Three more Vidwans rendered their pieces on Azhwars and Amudhan and the valedictory address was also delivered by HH thus ringing the curtains for this festival.

HH performed His Mangalasasanam of Sri Komalavalli Sametha AbariApthamritha Perumal on Sunday the 15th June.  HH thereafter reached Srirangam on Monday the 16th June. HH will be in the headquarters till the first week of July 2003. Thereafter HH will proceed to Thiruppullani for the Samprokshanam of the Swami Vedanta Desikan/ Hayagreevar Sannathi scheduled for the 7th July, then proceed to Azhwar Thirunagari via Madurai to observe His 15th Chatur Maasya Sankalpam.

ASRAMAM PROJECTS – ACTION TAKEN REPORT

TWIN CITIES – THE SECOND ASRAMAM

HH has purchased a plot measuring 2031 sq. yards (app. 7.5 grounds) in Durga Nagar, Khatra Municipality near Sainikpuri in the twin cities. The transaction is completed and the sale deed has since been registered. This site is appr. 9 kms from our Secunderabad Asramam, exactly opposite to the huge Khatra Lake that has quite a bit of water even now (after all this drought and water shortage). As the crow flies the plot is less than 100 yards from the lake. We have dug a well and copious water supply is available at 8/9 feet depth. There is an existing well app. 100 feet from our plot and that also has water at 8/9 feet. The water table is thus uniform. The cost of the land is Rs. 13.11 lakhs.

The plan is to build an Asramam for HH to camp during His visit to the twin cities, a kalyANa Mandapam, a separate portion for Apara kAryam Shrardham etc., the project will eventually cost Rs 75.00 lakhs. This site is safe for well water for the next 25 years – opposite to a lake that never dries up and our requirements are clear rigid that we want only well water. The area is not yet developed but even if the area fills up with residences, the proximity to that huge lake will ensure adequate well water availability for a very long time to come. This does not however mean that HH will stop going to our Secunderabad Asramam. He will alternate between the two Asramams in future. Sri ARR, the Vice President of the Secunderabad Asramam has been directed by HH to prepare detailed plans and construction drawings. The Trustees in the twin cities’ have requested HH to observe His 16th Chatur Maasya Sankalpam in July 2004 at this new premises and HH has agreed.

TWIN CITIES – THE ALL WOMEN’S COLLEGE

Sri K. Saranyan, President, had stated during the last meeting of the NEC that the twin cities’ Asramam Trust proposed to establish a College exclusively for women and sought the support of the Headquarters. This project has the Blessings of HH and I had therefore assured Sri K. Saranyan of our fullest support. He was requested to co ordinate with the Trustees of Sri Ranganatha Paduka Vidyalaya Trust (of which he is also a Trustee) in view of the vast and varied experience gained in setting up and running Srimad Andavan Arts Science College at Srirangam over the past 7/8 years. This would be a major project; they should set up a task force of committed eminent and competent persons to be allotted specific responsibilities with clear authority. He was requested to locate the land and make other preliminary arrangements. This project will cost app. Rs. 2.70/ 3.00 crores in the first phase and gigantic efforts are required to set up the institution and take it through the initial periods.

SRIMUSHNAM ASRAMAM – SETTING UP

We had faced a roadblock here, as the Archaeological Survey of India had held up the proposal. May be they felt that this was a commercial venture and may be they did not want any such structure coming up within the “heritage area” around the famous and ancient Srimushnam Sri VarAha Perumal Temple. However with the help of well placed Sishyas and well wishers we secured the consent of the ASI for putting up an Asramam. Our Asramam site measures 210*31.5 Sq. Ft. We shall put up an Asramam of 4000 Sq.Ft floor area at a cost of Rs. 14.00 lakhs with 6 rooms to accommodate Sevarthis visiting this SwayamVaktha Kshetram for the Darshan of Sri Adi VarAha Perumal and His Divine Consort. We shall set up a Veda Prabandha Patasala. I have dealt with this subject in great detail elsewhere. HH has authorised us to start the construction immediately and we have done so. HH will apply the net Acharya Sambavanai of all the Sishyas and other Sevarthis received during the 69th Thirunakshatram celebrations (including the $ 9000/- received from our U.S. branch, Sri Ramanuja Mission Inc.) for this project exclusively. I will keep the Hon. Members advised of the progress.

KUMBAKONAM ASRAMAM

Our Asramam building here opposite to the Pottramarai KuLam is very old, it has to be demolished and rebuilt. It has no protection on the rear side and during the evenings anti social elements frequent this site. Trustees V Srinivasan and R Vasudevan were directed by HH to inspect this site and take the initial steps. Very soon we will have plans/ estimates and construction will start immediately thereafter. There is a Desikan Sannathi that has to be relocated within the rebuilt Asramam and simple accommodation provided for our largely middle class Sishyas. This will be revenue minus project as the rebuilt Asramam will be largely designed to accommodate Sevarthis visiting Kumbakonam and the income thereof will contribute only for the maintenance. The most important point is that we are securing this site for the future.  No Patasala is planned here as we have one at Vaduvur, hardly 50 kms away, doing wonderfully well.

AZHWAR THIRUNAGARI ASRAMAM PATASALA

HH purchased this property for a consideration of app. Rs. 15.00 lakhs including registration charges. The property is on the Thiruchendur main road cutting through this temple town, the rear boundary is the Tamarabarani River!! The site measures 9945 Sq.Feet. HH has designed the renovation of this Asramam in a beautiful and comprehensive manner keeping in mind the needs of a Patasala also. On the western side an open portion has been left for parking the Asramam vehicles as we cannot park the vehicles in the main road (ST buses are hurtling round at terrifying speeds!!), a large hall has been crafted with two separate platforms one for Vaikasi Visakham Utsavam Mandahappadi and the other for conducting Perumal and Paduka Aradhanams when HH visits Azhwar Thirunagari. Over 150 Sevarthis can be accommodated here during the SEvakAlam.

There are rooms to accommodate the HH in a relaxed manner, His Samaapanam Bhiksha; there are separate rooms for the Peria Madappalli with other facilities. The total built up area is 5330 Sq. Ft in GF and 1002 Sq. Ft in the FF. The renovation work here has practically been completed. The Sishya who has undertaken this work has spent a very large amount and has done wonders within a very short time. As per the Niyamanam of HH, our Ganapati Swami Sri Veeravilli Desikachariar Swami performed the Griha PravEsam on Sunday the 15th June 2003. We have some more minor works to be done before HH arrives here during 2nd week of July to observe His 15th Chatur Maasya Sankalpam.

HH has directed us to start a SAma vEda Prabandha Patasala here. Sri N. Kasturirangan, Trustee, has visited Azhwar Thirunagari four times in this regard. It appears that the Prabandha Patasala will get going soon and he has taken the preliminary steps to set up the SAma vEda Patasala as well. We expect that the Poorvacharyas’ Padukas will guide us in setting up the Patasala by October 2003. The building will house 70/75 Vidyarthis. This project is another masterstroke of HH executed with His patented foresight!! There is tremendous welcome and anticipation in this town about our proposed Patasala.

VADUVUR ASRAMAM VEDA PATASALA

The plans have been prepared and we are starting the construction of the building at the opposite site by first week of July 2003. We shall construct 1800 Sq.Ft in the ground floor and 600 Sq.Ft in the first floor. The owners wanted accommodation in the first floor for their families whenever they visit Vaduvur. This will be also useful for our Trustees and other Sishyas visiting Vaduvur. We expect the construction to be completed by Dec 03/ Jan ‘04. The recruitment for the second batch will start from Nov. 2003. We have 26 Vidyarthis (29 Vidyarthis as on 20-06-2003) including the 3 seniors completing their Gananthra Adhyayanam in 5/6 months (max). We have the first steps in training the Yajus ShAka Adhyayis as Ganapatis. The next step is to groom our Adhyayis as BaashyAdhikaris. This is however not contingent on their completing their Gananthra Adhyayanam, they start this after completing the Kramantha Adhyayanam.  Sri Ranganatha Paduka Vidyalaya Trust is contributing Rs. 23000/- per month; Sishyas and Abhimanis contribute a further Rs. 27000/- per month for the maintenance of this Patasala.

THIRUCHANOOR ASRAMAM PATASALA

As per the Niyamanam of HH, our Asthana Ganapati Sri Veeravilli Desikachariar Swami performed the Griha Pravesam of our Asramam/ Patasala building during the early hours of Monday the 28th April 2003. Nearly 50 Adhikaris participated in the Homams and were given suitable Sambavanai. The boys were shifted from the rented premises to the new building immediately thereafter. The Trustee Sri V. Chakravarthi, contractor Sri Lakshmi Narayana and the consultants were honoured on the occasion. The previous evening a press conference was held and wide publicity was given by major print and Telugu language TV media. As of today (13-06-2003), we have 51 Vidyarthis and five Teachers. More applications are pending but we shall cap this batch at 60 for the time being. This project has created a tremendous and positive impact in A.P. The farsighted move by HH in establishing a Patasala in Thiruchanoor has come in fulsome praise from all quarters.

An example of the Vision and Foresight of HH: it took Srirangam Patasala 35 years to reach a strength of 60 + Vidyarthis whereas in Thiruchanoor the Vidyarthis will number 60 within 35 weeks from the commencement date of Oct 2002!! HH also predicts that the dropouts will be much less in AP compared to TN!

We planned for 30 + Vidyarthis and for one floor of 2600 Sq. Ft.; this was reached within 4 months. Then we straightaway put up the first floor. We were holding back till May 2003 due to space constraint in the rented buildings. Since space is not a problem now, the strength will touch even 90/ 100 if HH permits!! We will proceed slow and steady, stabilise the first batch – “Quantity with Quality” is the mandate here! The Poorvacharyas’ Blessings may make this Patasala the flagship of our (traditional) educational institutions. I will have to secure the permission of HH to construct the 2nd floor – another 2600 Sq. Feet and complete the same by Oct 2004, as all our projections of space requirements have proved inadequate!!

THIRUCHANOOR KALYANA MANDAPAM ( GUEST HOUSE!!)

The construction work is behind schedule. The works were suspended for more than two weeks due to the unprecedented extreme heat wave conditions. RCC Slab for GF roof has been laid in May and the RCC Slab over the Marriage platform over the FF will be laid during the second week of July 2003. We hope to complete all the works by end September 2003 and let out the Kalyana Mandapam from October 2003. Due to Godavari Pushkaram 2003 there are very few marriage muhurthams during July – September 2003 in any case. The Thiruchanoor Patasala is turning out to be a major project and will require large funds. This is met by Sri Ranganatha Paduka Vidyalaya Trust (SRPV Trust) @ Rs.75000/- p.m; eventually this will require Rs. 1.50 to 1.80 lakhs per month.

The plan is to apply the combined incomes of the Thirumala Asramam and this KalyANa Mandapam towards meeting the expenses of this Patasala and to service the loan of Rs. 50.00 lakhs taken for this project (mentioned in my earlier report of 28-03-2003) so that SRPV Trust can spend the amount on other and new Patasalas. HH has permitted us to acquire land of 4320 – 6000 Sq. Ft., opposite to our Asramam for a total consideration of Rs. 4.50/ 6.50 lakhs plus registration charges. Due to various steps contemplated by the TTD, the influx of Yatris into Thirumala is expected to reduce and the influx into Thiruchanoor will increase. There are very few rooms available for middle-income groups @ Rs. 100/- per day. We shall build such an accommodation of 20 rooms and a dining hall. We will also replicate the Thadheearadhanam of our Thirumala Asramam (which is a roaring success story!!) at Thiruchanoor as well. I will submit a detailed report shortly.

SRIRANGAM PATASALA – EXPANSION OF ACTIVITIES

Hon. Members are aware of the full history of this Patasala. A multimedia presentation is annexed hereto tracing the origin and development of this and other Patasalas. This carries an introductory Anugraha Bashanam by HH. During 2002/03 the Srirangam Patasala had 64 Vidyarthis (71 at the start, 7 sent out!), the maximum ever in its history, made up of 22 – Siromani, 6 – Prabandham, Yajur VEdam – 29 SAma VEdam – 7 with 9 teachers. The plan is to scale this up to a minimum of 120/135 by 2005/06 (the Sapthathi year of HH); these are indicative numbers; we shall admit all deserving and interested applicants with proper background – no ceilings/ no caps!! . H.H. directed we started the Agama training from 1999, so far 16 Vidyarthis have completed have obtained “Dheeksha”, more Vidyarthis are under training; in Sep.2002, we started Hari Katha Training – 14 Vidyarthis have enrolled (5 have dropped out/ found unsuitable), spoken Sanskrit coaching was given over a period of one month to all the boys last year and this will be repeated every year.

H.H. wanted our Patasala Vidyarthis to be computer literate, 6 computer workstations were set up in 2000 in our Srirangam Patasala. Computer training was then optional, many Vidyarthis are now computer literate, more extensive and compulsory training is planned at a higher level. The Principal has himself completed the PG diploma course in Computer Applications – leading by example! In due course all Patasalas will be provided with workstations and all Vidyarthis will be made computer literate – that is the mandate of HH. “The Hindu” has reported extensively on the computerisation at our Patasala in their Madurai edition dt.19th April 2003, reproduced in the May 2003 issue of our “Sri Ranganatha Paduka”!!

The resounding message from “The Hindu”:  Quote – “ Veda Patasalas, such as the Sri Ranganatha Paduka Vidyalaya Patasala at Srirangam, have kept their tryst with the IT revolution, not only making life easy for students, but also throwing more light on the ancient ideas for the benefit of today's inquisitive minds.  Make no mistake, IT-enabled 'Veda Patasalas have signalled their arrival” – Unquote Quote – “Religion bereft of science is incomplete, while science without religion is blind, as one enlightened soul remarked; aware of this, the students of the Sri Ranganatha Paduka Vidyalaya Patasala are admirably applying themselves to the task” – Unquote. 

The Patasala reopened on the 11th June 2003; 1 Prabandha Vidyarthi had passed out earlier, 1 boy left and 18 more Vidyarthis have joined the Patasala on the opening day – an effective strength of 80 (81 as on 20-06-2003) Vidyarthis and 5 applications are pending! More Vidyarthis will join (and some may leave!!) as the last notified date for admissions is 31st July 2003; Hon. Members will be kept posted.

THIRUPPULLANI ASRAMAM

Many years ago, the late Smt. Sita Lakshmi Ammal known as Rajammal had gifted and handed over the Desikan Sannathi and the adjacent plot measuring 4 grounds to the Asramam, the Sannathi was renovated during HH Srimad Thirukkudanthai Andavan’s era. Our Asramam Devotee Sri Raghuveer Dayal (a scion of this family) looks after our Desikan Sannathi at this Divya Desam. This Sannathi plus the vacant land measures app. 4 grounds. HH Srimad Srimushnam Andavan has renovated this Sannathi, added a Sannathi for Sri Hayagreeva and will perform the Samprokshanam thereof on the 6th July 2003. Invitations have been sent to the Members who are requested to attend and receive the blessings of Sri Desikan, Sri Hayagreeva and HH. 

Now the family of the late Smt. Sita Lakshmi Ammal made up of her grandson Sri Raghuveer Dayal, his brothers and their families have gifted their ancestral property measuring 44*298 Sq.Ft. (app. 5.5 grounds) to the Asramam and the deed has been made over. HH has planned to put up an Asramam building – measuring app. 4000 Sq. Ft – in this site at Thiruppullani. This will cost Rs. 15.00 lakhs with 6/8 rooms for the convenience of the Sevarthis who visit Thiruppullani and SEthu round the year.  As in the case of the Devotees’ family in Vaduvur, the Asramam will provide accommodation for the family members of Sri Raghuveer Dayal in the proposed Asramam. I wish to record our sincere appreciation and gratitude to the families of Smt. Sita Lakshmi Ammal, Sri Raghuveer Dayal, his brothers and their families.

THIRUVAHINDRAPURAM ASRAMAM

I am happy to inform that Smt. Ambujammal has settled her ancestral property in favour of the Asramam, extent 3530 Sq.Ft., on the southern side of our Asramam. This is a very devoted family; one of the scions of this family is already contributing a large amount every month for the maintenance of our Kanchipuram Patasala.  The Asramam building is complete in all respects. We had the pleasure and honour of receiving HH the Chinna Jeer Swami of Thirumala in April 2003 when He visited this temple town to offer His Mangalasasanams to Sri Devanatha Perumal and His Divine Consort. Our efforts to start a Patasala are still on and the problem is to get Vidyarthis. As HH remarked, half in jest, we got Vidyarthis by the dozens even where there was no Asramam (Thiruchanoor!) – we have an Asramam but no Vidyarthis here in Thiruvahindrapuram!! We are not giving up but this is proving to be rather tough.

CHENNAI ASRAMAM

Renovations worth Rs. 4.00 lakhs were carried out in the premises at both No. 21 and No. 22, Sir Desikachar Road. The additions at No. 21 were to accommodate HH during His stay at Chennai and/or to accommodate the visiting Yathis. The modifications at No. 22 were to reinforce the Office and the Publications section. We are grateful to Prof. (Aero Cool) Srinivasan for donating an AC unit free of cost. Earlier 5 nos. Turbo Vent air ducts each of 24” diameter were installed in the main hall. Though there is some cooling down of the hall temperature, the summer heat is very tough when there is a large crowd. We shall install a false ceiling, which will be soundproof also. The cost Rs. 2.50 lakhs will be financed by contributions from Trustees and Abhimanis.

MUMBAI DOMBIVLI

The affairs at Sri Balaji Mandir, Dombivli are proceeding satisfactorily. After the Samprokshanam performed in the Divine presence of HH on 20th Jan. 2002, there has been a tremendous increase in the number of Sevarthis. There are very large crowds on Saturdays; 600 Archana tickets are sold on an average every Saturday and this translates into a minimum of 2500 to 3000 Sevarthis. The welcome feature is that most of these Sevarthis are local people – not localised South Indians! Very soon this will really become a Paschim Thirupathi in terms of the Sevarthis thronging for Darshan of the Lord and His Divine Consort. The huge crowd of almost 11000/12000 Sevarthis who came in and waited patiently for many hours for the Darshan of Divya Dhampathies during the Samprokshanam is no flash in the pan. These Sevarthis are now regulars at our Temple.

At the time of construction, the Trust secured loans from our Bankers against our FD’s of Rs. 8.25 lakhs and private hand loans of Rs. 10.00 lakhs. The surpluses from the Temple revenues have helped to reduce these loans to Rs 5.90 lakhs and Rs 1.10 lakhs respectively. We expect to repay all these loans by end of 2004.

We have a plot of 17000 Sq. Ft adjacent to the Temple Complex (after leaving a passage to the rear side housing colony). As per the Statutory norms imposed at the of allotment of the plots in 1983, we have to set apart 7000 Sq. Ft. for setting up a garden or a prayer hall or an educational institution. Maybe at a later date we will plan a Veda Patasala here after consolidating our Institutions in the South. The balance 10000 Sq. Ft. can be used for commercial purposes. HH has permitted us to put up a Community Hall with full facilities. The plan is to build ground PLUS two floors, an area of nearly 8000 Sq. Ft. costing Rs. 70.00 lakhs. There were some clearances to be secured from the Urban Land Commissioner and other legal problems to be solved. These are being cleared in a few weeks and the project will get started. I will submit a detailed report to the Hon. Members as soon as we start the construction. We require the support of all of you in completing this project.

In Goregaon, Mumbai, we have an Asramam centre run by committed Sishyas like Srimans ND Narasimhan (Coordinator), Dr AR Venugopalan, R Vasudevan, KR Iyengar and AK Vijayaraghavan helped by others. They are celebrating the Thirunakshatrams of Acharyas with pure devotion and total commitment for nearly 5 years. They have also arranged the UpanyAsams of Vidwans Kalyanapuram Aravamudhachar, Vaduvur Veera Raghavachar, KS Narayanachar, Velukudi Krishnan and Mukkur Lakshmi Narasimhachariar from time to time. This centre has mobilized a sum of Rs. 4.75 lakhs for the renovation and Samprokshanam of Sri Balaji Mandir. Efforts are on by this group to secure a plot in Mumbai area and build an Asramam. Sri V Ranganathan, former Chief Secretary of Maharashtra and Smt Geetha Kasthuri (w/o Admiral Kasthuri) are helping in this effort. During the visit of HH to Mumbai in 2001/02 this centre had organised Perumal and Paduka Aradhanams for 9 days in Sri Ram Mandir.

AURANGABAD ASRAMAM

Shri Nithin Gadia gifted a plot of land, 8029 Sq. Ft. in area to HH during His visit to Mumbai last year in Maheshmal Kshetram app. 40 kms from Aurangabad and 8 kms from the famous Ellora caves. The site is on top of a hill where this Kshetram is located. A committee was formed to construct and to administer the Asramam, the building measures 3940 Sq. Ft. and comprises of an Asramam for HH during His visit with all facilities for Samaapanam, Bhiksha, Perumal Paduka Aradhanams on one side and a compact Kalyana Mandapam (Marriage hall) on the other.  The total cost of the project is app. Rs. 15.00 lakhs of which already Rs. 8.00 lakhs has been spent. The scheduled completion is Oct 2003 and we are sure that this will be adhered to. Shri Vijayaraghavan, CEO of a leading Corporation is coordinating the entire project and is spending a lot of time on this affair. I must record our deepest sense of gratitude and appreciation to Shri Nithin Gadia and Shri Vijayaraghavan for their munificence and tremendous efforts in this regard. It was as if HH was mentioning about Aurangabad Asramam just now and the project has become a reality.  

FUTURE PATASALAS FUTURE OF THE PATASALAS

HH has planned to set up more Patasalas in Azhwar Thirunagari, Melkote, Srimushnam, Uthiramerur and Thiruvahindrapuram. All our Patasalas will be consolidated, upgraded into Centres of Advanced Studies and combined to form a Seat of Higher learning called “Sri Bhagavath Ramanuja University” latest by 2010/11, the 76th Year of HH. To fulfill the desires of H.H. Srimad Andavan we should professionally organise and efficiently administer the Patasalas. As on 15-06-2003, there are 171 (175 as on 20-06-2003) Vidyarthis in our Patasalas/ College as against 87 (in two Patasalas) at the same time last year. More will enroll for academic year 2003/04 at Srirangam Patasala Srimad Andavan Arts Science College (M.A. Sanskrit) some applications are pending at Thiruchanoor. The Padukas’ blessings will see the strength crossing 200 in all Patasalas during this academic year. Some Sishyas are stunned and worried about the rapid expansion – where will the funds come from; who will manage these Patasalas, whether such huge outlays are cost effective and warranted etc., there are perceptions that the Vaidikas as a class are self centered mercenaries, that money making is their main concern etc.,

SRIVAISHNAVAITE SCHOOLS LOSING THEIR PURITY (!?!)

A few knowledgeable Adhikari/s (Vedas) have commented/ complained that by admitting/ engaging non SriVaishnavaite Vidyarthis/ Teachers, we have diluted the Asramam’s purity. I contemptuously and categorically reject such comments from persons who have acquired knowledge but NOT wisdom. Our Asramam is a SriVaishnavaite Centre of Excellence. There is nothing wrong in our giving preference to SriVaishnavaite Vidyarthis wishing to acquire traditional Vedic education. It is our bounden duty to do so. But we are NOT running exclusive SriVaishnavaite Veda Patasalas. Preference yes, but exclusivity NO. The Advaita and Dvaitha Mutts also run their Patasalas without turning away SriVaishnavaite Vidyarthis. The basic object is to spread the learning of Vedas. HH has given clear directions that NO deserving Vidyarthi would be turned back just because he is not a SriVaishnavaite and that we must admit all deserving Vidyarthis. There the matter ends. Informed and constructive criticism is welcome but not parochial and prejudiced outbursts. 

THE FUTURE – A QUESTION MARK?

There are two core issues here: firstly how will these and the future Patasalas be funded? The most important point is faith; we should trust the Poorvacharyas’ Padukas and the Anugrahams of HH. They have seen us through so far and they will see us through in future. I have circulated a report titled “SRPV Trust – Application of Funds” during the last NEC meeting. By the grace of the Padukas, the SRPV Trust and the Donations from the Sishyas and Abhimanis have funded a 172% increase in the expenses over the last four years (from Rs. 11 lakhs to Rs. 31.5 lakhs to maintain an increase in strength from 42 to 136 with 16 Teachers in all!) and will fund a 200% increase in future also. These are sensitive numbers to be discussed in the next meeting. 

The second issue is even more serious: how will these Asramam and Mutts perpetuate and propagate the Sampradayam under the vastly changed conditions without Adhikaris? how will we groom the Adhikaris without realising that they will also treat these as careers and professions in much the same way as we, the lowkikas, have taken to our jobs, professions and businesses?

FUTURE – STRATEGIC THOUGHTS

We pursue our careers in service, business profession; we earn money and accumulate (sometimes hoard) wealth as our core functions. When the focus has shifted all through the community casting serious doubts about our basic commitment to our values – Brahmins were always Teachers and Preceptors – that have always set this community apart, how do we blame only the Vaidikas?

Yes, Vedic knowledge cannot be sold or bartered for a per diem rate. But it is our bounden duty to give an appropriate Sambavanai voluntarily. Are we doing this in full measure? I don’t think so – we tend to pay only against a specific demand. “Fleecing, self centered, selfish etc.,” are words thrown easily but we should look at the other side of the coin. This is a double-edged sword that cuts both ways. We should realise that they have their families to support in good style, their off springs to bring up and groom into the careers that will ensure a living etc., we need their services and the community of Adhikaris is dwindling fast. Anyone travelling outside the great metros will realise this. 

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

We should offer the courses in our Patasalas to attract the Vidyarthis, look after and train the Vidyarthis very well when they join our Patasalas and assure a career path suited to their individual aptitudes. This must become widely known, then our Patasalas will gain the reputation that can attract the kind of talent that goes today for say Bio Sciences or IT sector etc., Otherwise we will attract only mediocre talent, moulding them is going to be very very tough indeed and costly as well!!

We still have a major problem – who will offer their daughters in marriage to these tufted Adhikaris? I do not know the answer. Maybe our girls will opt for tufted gents in the long run seeing that more and more youths in the west adopt largely tufted and plaited hairstyles. Anything western is OK. These are very controversial observations but have to be laid on the table so everyone is aware of the difficulties involved.

We need strategic goals for these Patasalas to decide the strength of the Vidyarthis in each unit, the salary structure, stipends payable, the gratis payable on completion, how we will help these Adhikaris to start their careers, how we will organise and administer the Patasalas, monitor the progress of each Vidyarthi, how we will also integrate them with the modern education including computer operations, how will the Vidya Peetam be structured, where do we stop – the list is endless. The solutions are to be found based on the shifting ground realities.

THE GRACE OF THE PADUKAS ANUGRAHAM OF HH

Our Acharyas have all been the greatest Scholars of their times quite apart from being the origin and source (SEvathi) of Anushtanam Vairakyam. They have also been extraordinarily kind (Sritha Vatsala:) to i) their Sishyas who have surrendered their souls to the Jagat Karanan thro’ the Acharyas and ii) other Abhimanis. These great Acharyas, thro’ their Padukas and the Grace Charisma of Prakritham HH have motivated and inspired the spectacular expansion of our Patasalas. 

The Padukas have guided and moulded the Asramam as one of the foremost centres for spreading SriVaishnavism and Prapatthi Marga for the past 300 + years. HH categorically stated during the last NEC meeting that any and all the progress achieved during the 14 years of His reign was solely due to the Grace and Blessings of the Pathu Periyavaa as HH fondly calls His and our Poorvacharyas.

We will face mind-boggling problems over the next 8/10 years in attempting to carry out these Projects never attempted before. We will mould the future for the traditional course of education in the SriVaishnavaite Patasalas in Tamizhnadu and in AP. There will innumerable challenges on the way.  We are absolutely confident that “The Padukas” and HH will continue to motivate and guide us, our successors in the Trust Board and in the NEC to achieve these strategic goals and build our Patasalas into great centres of learning. 

SRIMAD ANDAVAN ARTS SCIENCE COLLEGE

Detailed report will be sent by mid July after the admissions are in full swing. So far 210 Students have enrolled, last year the outgoing were 275. The initial trends are that there is good demand for Bio Sciences courses, very little demand for B.Sc Computer Science, B.C.A etc., A brief report on the “Application of Funds” submitted to the Members during the last meeting carries the probable Capital budget during this academic year.  Srimad Andavan Arts Science College admits Vidyarthis in M.A. (Sanskrit); last year 8 joined (one has left), all of them have secured I class in both Semester exams and will complete their Degree this year. They are given free boarding and free tuition. Honourable Members are requested to spread this message far and wide.

SOME ANNOUNCEMENTS ERRATA

HH will perform the Dhanur Maasya Aradhanams – 2003/04 – and will deliver the annual ThiruppAvai UpanyAsam at the Sripuram Asramam in Bangalore. The total Samashti Upanayanams performed till date at Chennai Asramam by the Niyamanam of HH is 488 not 461 as reported earlier. 461 were the total Upanayanams performed as on MAsi Pushyam 2002. I omitted to include the number of Upanayanams performed in 2003!! Our Srikaryam Swami, will deliver the ThiruppAvai UpanyAsam at the Chennai Asramam during this year’s Dhanur MAsyam. The details of the other Asramam Vidwans’ UpanyAsams will be announced later in the Paduka. Our journal “Sri Ranganatha Paduka” now carries a section in English – nearly 48/54 pages. We seek articles on our Sampradaya in English; these should be in simple style without sacrificing quality and maintain the high journalistic standards of the Paduka. We also seek informed opinion and comments about the manner of improving the quality and tone of the Paduka. We also seek articles in Telugu and in Kannada; here we do not have facilities to do proof reading/ correction. Thus Hon. Members are requested to organise these articles from Vidwans, have them proof read locally and send us the “to be printed” matter in ‘positives’ so that we can take it directly in the overall pagination. More than the English articles, we require vernacular matter to increase the circulation.

CONCLUSION

In the entire history of our Asramam there would have been very very few persons who would have committed the kind of ApachArams that I have committed so regularly over the past 35 years and yet HH has directed me to chair the NEC. My family and I have received the Boundless Grace and Anugrahams of our Acharya SArvabhouma and the “Pathu Periyavaa” – the Padukas of our Poorvacharyas. During the past four years I have been the recipient of tremendous good will and cooperation of all Trustees, Members, Sishyas and Abhimanis in executing the onerous responsibilities. Any degree of success is solely due to these reasons.  All mistakes of the past four years bear my unmistakable stamp and the buck stops at my desk. I seek your indulgence in this regard.

RR.

Signed at Chennai on June 18, 2003