Vol.16 No. 7 July - 2016 FASCINATING EPIC JOURNEY Felicitations to eminent epic poets Prof. Reva Prasad Dwivedi of Varanasi and Dr. T.V. Venkatachala Shastry of Mysuru (sitting extreme right and left) World epics, their rich and varied content and literary artistry notwithstanding, attract few readers if any. Yet the conference on Mahavakvyas got up by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB), Kendra, June last, threw up such animated participation as to rekindle interest in them, demanding a compulsive visitation. Epics, by definition, are voluminous, immediately debarring them from the interest area of bhavanblrhns50@gmail.com
Scholars chanting Vedic hymns youngsters. Any kind of reading today, is, after all, passé! What distinctly came across in the fourday event was the vastness of the literary world vis a vis epics, Mahakavyas the Indian nomenclature for epics being more relevant to present times, rooted as they are in the cultural ethos of the land. If creative writing of recognized artistic value is a cornerstone of categorizing a literary work as a Mahakavya, Indian epics traverse from the mysteries of time till date, capturing every aspect of life, the essential difference being that Mahakavyas represent, quintessentially, the culture, Launch of book, Message of Mahapuranas 2
Rendering prayers from Mahakavyas under the direction of Smt. Gangamma Keshavamurthy ( second from right). Also seen is Sri. M.A. Jayarama Rao, renowned gamaki. traditions and life philosophy of India, whereas the western heroic epics are straitjacketed. Inaugurating the seminar on June 17, Prof. Maha Mahopadyaya Reva Prasad Dwivedi said a work of art has little use unless it aids in introspection and self-realization. Lauding the seminar as a great opportunity to get to know world and Indian epics, Prof. Dwivedi s points to ponder were that the message of the Vedas was central to Mahakavyas, sans which they needed to be shunned; Alankara is the essence of poetry and not mere literary embellishment. Prof. Reva Prasad Dwivedi of Varanasi and Dr. T.V. Venkatachala Shastry of Mysuru being felicitated by Sri. Madhu Pandit Dasa, President, ISKCON,, and Justice Sri. B.N. Srikrishna, former Judge, Supreme Court & Vice President, BVB, while other dignitaries on the dais join in. 3
Delivering the keynote address, Justice B. N. Srikrishna, former Judge of the Supreme Court, and Vice-President, BVB international,while appreciating the great service being done by BVB for the renaissance of Indian culture, dwelt at length on the Pancha Mahakavyas considered the five gems of Sanskrit literature covering Kalidasa, Bharavi and Sreeharsha, to clearly arrive at what constitutes Mahakavyas. In a scholarly talk that was yet succinct in communication, culled from his study and understanding of the epics, Justice Srikrishna derived the definitions of Mahakavyas from classical Sanskrit poets such as Vishwanatha and Dandi, their messages being more contextual to current times than ever before; their implementation imperative for a sublime life. Chief Guest Dr. T. V. Venkatachala Shastry pointed out the dichotomy between eulogizing of ancient Indian literature as a national heritage and the apathy towards them in the neglect of their learning. Incorporating classics into the education system alone could ensure their becoming the lifeblood of society once again, he felt. Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa, President, ISKCON, in his presidential address spoke of the Sri. M. Veerappa Moily being felicitated by Sri. K.G. Raghavan (left) 4
Sri. Ramakanth Rath of Bhubaneshwar being felicitated by Sri. Pathi Sridhara and Sri. Chiranjeev Singh Akshaya Patra programme synonymous with the service activities of ISKCON which today feeds over 11 crore children in 10 states, even in the remotest of areas, the cascading effect of the mid-day meal scheme being better enrolment in schools, dramatic dip in dropout rates, and addressing the problem of malnutrition in a country where 3,000 children die every day due to lack of nourishing food. Curtains were drawn on the event with Sri Veerappa Moily, MP, in his valedictory speech quoting from Ramayana and Mahabharata to reiterate that their ethical core is the lifeline of Indian society. He drew from his own Dr. Manu Baligar, President, Kannada Sahitya Parishat, being felicitated by Sri. N. Ramanuja, Chairman, BVB, 5
Dr. S. Ranganath being felicitated by Sri. H.N. Suresh, Director, BVB, five-volume epic, Ramayana Mahanveshanam, to reinterpret the Rama Rajya of yore to present times, within a secular framework. Chief Guest Sri Manu Baligar, President, Kannada Sahitya Parishath, felt Mahakavyas could be popularized by organizing workshops for youngsters, appealing to BVB to take up the task. Cultural programmes, centring on Mahakavyas, rounded off the academic sessions on all days. Conference highlights: Book launch Message of Mahapuranas a compilation of the 2014 national conference Recitation and singing of excerpts from Mahakavyas 6 Eight sessions with seven speakers each 50 scholars from across India including Kashmir Epics from 10 Indian languages Epics from two foreign languages Latin and Greek Topics ranged from Ramayana and Mahabharata to classical Sanskrit works, Kambha Ramayana, What Mahakavyas Mean To Me, Pancha Mahakavya s in Telugu, Folk Epic Traditions in Hindi, Telugu, Epic Traditions in Persian, Urdu, Gujarati, Punjabi, Kashmir, Tulu, Kodava, Homer s Illiad and Odyssey (Greek), Aenid of Virgil (Latin), and Divine Comedy of Dante (Italian). Book exhibition of BVB publications.
AN OVERVIEW OF MODERN SANSKRIT EPICS There is an astonishing increase of creative writing in Sanskrit today which is qualitatively comparable with Sanskrit writings of any century including the golden age of Sanskrit. Dr. S. Ranganath Dr. S. Ranganath VYASA-MAHABHARATA Dr. Vishwanath Bhat Mahabharata, keeping the lifestyle of its people in the backdrop, has formatted a philosophy that appeals to them, and one they can identify themselves with. Dr. Vishwanath Bhat RAGHUVAMSA Testing times are revealing times; our actions in those tricky moments determine who we are. The greatest value upheld by Raghuvamsa is enjoyment without indulgence. Shashi Kiran B. N. 7 Sri. Shashikiran
SHISHUPALAVADHA OF MAAGHA The poet s scholarship, its contextual use reflecting the social values of the times, and language embellishments while weaving a story are elements used to show the supremacy of the divine and victory of righteousness. Dr. Pratibha Nagendra Dr. Prathibha Nagendra AADIPURANA An analysis of the Aadipurana was attempted for the first time in Ranna s Ajitha Purana in 993 A.D. It is the shortest Jainapurana. Prof. Kamala Hampana Prof. Kamala Hampana HARISHCHANDRA KAAVYA The path of truth adhered to by Satya Harischandra is blended with existential realities. This is the special feature of Harischandra Kavya. Dr. H. N.Muralidhara Dr. H.N. Muralidhara 8
PRABHULINGALEELE In today s world where spirituality is caught in the web of the conflicts of daily life, symbolism and icons have gained prominence. One looks for rewards everywhere, but the one who has turned inward in his thinking has no such expectations. Dr. N. R. Lalithamba Dr. N.R. Lalithambha BHARATESHA VAIBHAVA A rich vocabulary put to good use, is more than evident in this work. This is one of the major attractions of the epic, and anyone who goes through it will appreciate its richness of content and words. Dr. R. Lakshminarayana Dr. R. Lakshminarayana BHARATHA SINDHU RASHMI Imbibing from the best of epic traditions, the work traces the spiritual journey of man, centred through sage Vishwamitra, and his transition from Rajarishi to Brahmarishi. G. Ramachandra Mysuru 9 Sri. G. Ramachandra, Mysuru
EPIC TRADITION IN TULU Although the matrix of Tulu epics is similar to that of epics in other Indian languages, the details and emotions are more intricate and impactful, as seen in the works of ancient Tulu poets. Prof.Paadekal Vishnu Bhatta Udupi Prof. Paadekal Vishnu Bhatta Dr. Rekha Vasanth EPIC TRADITION IN KODAVA Mahabhrata has been integrated into the regional, cultural, and literary aspects of Kodava life, the essence of the epic having seeped into the psyche of the common man. Dr. Rekha Vasanth Kodagu PANCHA MAHAKAVYAS IN TELUGU Excellent story-telling narrative, rich costuming, and classy style of writing have made the Panchamahakavyas a source of inspiration to Telugu poets and writers. They are a literary and philosophical guide to students. Prof. R. V. S. Sundaram Mysuru 10 Prof. R.V.S. Sundaram
KAAMAAYANI The message of Kaamaayani is that the equilibrium between the inanimate and life force is the way to eternal happiness. Dr. T. G. Prabha Shankar Prof. P.K. Madhavan PROPER APPROACH TO THE RAMAYANA AND MAHABHARATA ACCORDING TO SRILA PRABHUPADA Ramayana is not just great poetry. It is transcendental literature meant for selfrealization. Mistakes, illusions, cheating and defective perception do not occur in the sayings of liberated sages, the compilers of our ancient history, says Srila Prabhupada Stoka Krishna Dasa ISKCON, 11 Dr. T.G. Prabha Shankar EPIC TRADITION IN MALAYALAM From the very beginnings of Malayala literature, poets have been following the Sanskrit epic tradition. Some historical poems are based on Christian and Muslim stories. Prof. P. K. Madhavan Lakkidi, Kerala Sri Stoka Krishna Prabhu
PARADOX OF FEMALE CHASTITY IN THE BENGALI RAMAYANA OF KRITTIVASA The Bengali Ramayana of Krittivasa, from the perspective of a strict code of female chastity, points to how this very subjugation becomes a weapon for female empowerment that can threaten the most powerful of patriarchs including Rama himself. Dr. Saumitra Chakravarty Dr. Saumitra Chakravarty SARALA DAS Sarala Das characters are like ordinary people who combine different attributes in themselves. He is a poet who once belonged to a tradition and rebelled against it, protesting the caste system and meaningless rituals. Ramakantha Rath Bhubaneshwar Sri. Ramakanth Rath ILIAD AND ODYSSEY OF HOMER The works of Homer have largely influenced the themes in painting and sculpture of the Greco-Roman world, on Renaissance artistes of Europe, and contemporary artistes the world over. These are Homer s footprints on the sands of time. Arjun Bharadwaj 12 Sri Arjun Bharadhvaj
KUMARA SAMBHAVAM OF KALIDASA Kumarasambhavam is a great epic, the shortest but most profound epic in the whole range of Indian literature. The poet deals with the concept of beauty beyond body. Shatavadhani Dr. R. Ganesh Shatavadhani Dr. R. Ganesh DIVINE COMEDY OF DANTE To Dante, Beatrice represented divine enlightenment, his writings making him out to be a philosopher despite their striking imagery. Prof. K. M. Seetharamaiah Prof. K.M. Seetharamaiah FOLK EPICS OF THE EAST The world of folk epic literature is a treasure trove of language, ideas, heroics, and earthy philosophy, and provides excellent material for researchers. Dr. S. L. Srinivasamurthy 13 Dr. S.L. Srinivasmurthy
AENIED OF VIRGIL The undercurrent of Virgil s Aenid directly addresses universal human experience.the Aenid provides a background rooted in Greek mythology for the development of Roman civilization, with the intention of immortalizing Rome. Suhas Mahesh Prof. C.N. Ramachandran EPIC TRADITION IN KASHMIRI Avatar Bhatt s Banasur Vadakatha, the first epic in Kashmiri written in 1446, later sequenced into long poems, as a separate genre, then into Mathnavi or narrative poetry much of it with Islamic motifs, interspersed with writings on Ramayana. Prof. Shafi Shauq, Srinagar 14 Sri. Suhas Mahesh FOLK EPICS OF CENTRAL ASIA & MIDDLE EAST King Gesar, the oral epic of central Asia, is narrated in the champu mode of Sanskrit poetics, with a distinct influence of the Ramayana visible in some, and later, Buddhism, yet studded with Sanskrit and Pali words. Manas, another oral epic, gradually came under the influence of Islam. Prof. C. N. Ramachandran Prof. Shafi Sahuq
Children participate in the inaugural programme BVB book exhibition 15
JUSTICE B.N. SRIKRISHNA VISITS BHAVAN-BBMP PUBLIC SCHOOL ON JUN 18, 2016 Justice Srikrishna with the school children Group Photo : Staff, faculty, and children pose for a pic with Justice B.N. Srikrishna 16
JUSTICE SRIKRISHNA VISITS THE BHAVAN BENGALURU KENDRA OFFICE ON JUN 18, 2016 Justice Srikrishna being felicitated by Sri. Raghavan Smt. H.V. Gayathri, Manager, Bhavan- BBMP School interacting with the Justice B.N. Srikrishna 17
BHAVAN-INFOSYS FOUNDATION PROGRAMME AT INDIAN INSTITUTE OF WORLD CULTURE, BASAVANAGUDI, BENGALURU ON JUNE 10, 2016 Sugama Sangeetha by Smt. Vani Mardur Salimath & Party 18
Sat 5.30 p.m. - 02. BVB -Infosys Foundation and Ananya Outreach programme : Carnatic Vocal Music : Vid.Pavan Rangachar accompanied by Violin : Vid B Raghuram Mridanga : Vid. Anoor Anantha Krishna Sharma Khanjira : Vid. Anoor Sunaad A D Venue : Indiranagar Sangeetha Sabha, Purandara Bhavan, 8th Main HAL II Stage, - 560038 Sat 11.00 a.m. - KRG Hall 09. Book Launch Rich Tradition, Richer Heritage authored by Bhavan s President Sri Surendralal G Mehta. Launch by : Dr. K Radhakrishnan, Advisor, DOS / ISRO and Former Chairman, ISRO Introduction of the book : Prof. M H Krishnaiah former Chairman, Karnataka Sahitya Academy Sri. N. Ramanuja, Chairman, BVB, Presides Sat 6.30 p.m. - Khincha Hall 09. Horizon series - Dance programme Shivakami under the direction of Guru Revathi Narasimhan (in association with Indian Council for Cultural Relations) Thu 6.00 p.m. - Khincha Hall 14. BVB Sai Grace Foundation presents Sri Yadalam Nanjaiah Setty Memorial Endowment Lecture Speaker : Dr. Gururaj Karajagi Educationist and Chairman Academy for creative teaching. Topic : Pleasure in giving 19 PROGRAMME : JULY- 2016 Fri 6.00 p.m. - 15. Thatva Padagalu by Vocal : Sri K M Ramaiah Ekadaari Tala : D Narayanamma Shruti : Mahalingaiah Damadi : Prakash Kanjira : Ratnamma (in association with Infosys Foundation) Venue : Indian Institute of World Culture, Basavanagudi, Tue 6.00 p.m. - KRG Hall 19. BVB Jyothy charitable Trust present Vyasa Jyothy Award to Prof. G. Shivaram Agnihotri. Award presented by Hon ble Justice Dr. M.N.Venkatachalaiah former Chief Justice of India Lecture on Importance of Guru Poornima by Dr. T V Satyanarayan renowned scholar Thu Khincha Hall 28. 10.30 a.m. to 12 Noon and 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. BVB and Aatmalaya Academy presents Wings of Fire a thematic dance by the students of the academy to commemorate President Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam s first death anniversary. Sun 6.00 p.m. - Khincha Hall 31. Kuchupudi Arangetram by Dr. N.R.Chandrika Disciple of Guru Dharani T Kashyap.
BOOK POST July - 2016 20 JYOTHI RAGHURAM