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Traditional Vedic learning and computers and multimedia! At first impression, one might think they do not go together. But the vision of the current Acharyas of Kanchi is such that they, realising the importance of combining "loukikam" with "vaideeham", have decided to encourage the setting up of educational institutions that inculcate the importance of both.
The Sri Sankara Veda Samskruta Patashala, managed by the Sri Kamakoti Ghatikashramam, is being set up on a five acre plot at Kilambakkam village near Chennai on the Chennai-Tiruchirapalli Highway. A residential school for boys, it will impart Vedic learning in the mornings and evenings while during the day the children will attend a CBSE school run by an associated trust, located nearby.
The Patashala is all set to open this June, and around 20 children have already registered. The aim of the management is to enrol around 60 in the first year and increase intake progressively. While poor children will be given boarding, lodging and tuition free, nominal fees will be collected from those who can afford it. While this institution is exclusively for boys, one for girls, where appropriate ancient texts will be taught, is being thought of.
According to Mr S K Sreedharan of the Vivekananda Educational Society, who is closely associated with several activities of the Kanchi mutt, this Veda Patashala would be totally different in conception and execution from other existing ones. For one thing, while certain practices like "Sandhyavandanam" would be followed, there would be no restrictions on food, hair style, etc. The emphasis would be on learning Brahmanical values, which were on the decline, rather than on mere ritual. In other words, Vedic learning without the associated rigours, instead structured to keep up to date with modern trends.
 "Concerned with the loss of identity for their traditional Vedic heritage, Brahmins now have a place to go and study their rituals without having to forgo modern English education", Mr Sreedharan says.
Boys would be taken in at the age of 7 or 8 and initiated into Vedic learning, and the fundamentals of Brahman karmanushtanas. By the time he comes to school leaving stage, he would be well versed in one Veda Sakha, karmanushtanas and pooja kramas. Knowledge in temple Shastras would be imparted through visits to important temples.
The "vidyarthis" would be secured a seat in the nearby CBSE English medium school and would have to pursue their studies scrupulously. This school has the best facilities like a laboratory, library and playground. Apart from this, the Patashala would have modern computers with multimedia facilities, its own web site and e-mail facility and computer input on both contemporary subjects and ancient literature. A specialised multimedia visual education project is under preparation.
The aim is to look after the physical and mental wellbeing of the children. The boys would receive the benefit of medical attention from the Hindu Mission School Hospital in Chennai. Mr Sreedharan pointed out that the Kanchi mutt and associated bodies had a lot of experience in education. Several schools were being run by trusts set up with the Acharyas’ blessings and the Kanchi University (deemed) and School of Management were big successes.
In the present instance too, the Patshala would be administered by a trust comprising people eminent in different walks of life. Erudition in Vedic learning, good financial management and competence in school administration would be the hallmarks of these people. "The ethos of the complex will reverberate with serenity, spiritually uplifting mind and soul".
Ambujam Anantharaman
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