Kerala - Thrissur

Research the Vedas: Kalam

— Photo: By Special Arrangement

Hearty welcome: Former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam at a function in Thrikkur, near Thrissur, on Monday

Thrissur: Former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam has stressed the need for research into Vedas, especially the Atharva Veda. He was addressing a function to inaugurate the Vedic Research Centre of the Brahmaswom Math here on Monday. “Research into Vedas will yield valuable information on science and technology, medicine, flight sciences and material sciences. I understand there is a wealth of knowledge available in Sanskrit. Cryptology liberally uses Sanskrit language.”

He recalled his association with Sanskrit scholars. “Siva Subramania Iyer, a science teacher of mine in primary school, and Thothathri Iyengar, who taught me mathematics in college, were Sanskrit scholars. Mr. Iyengar taught me complex numbers and the number theory. While both the teachers dealt with science and mathematics, their lives were shaped by ancient Sanskrit wisdom. Recently, I came across a great scholar, M.A. Lakshmi Tathachar of Sanskrit Academy at Melkote in Karnataka, who has been carrying extensive research in Sanskrit, including issues related to agriculture and organic farming."

He urged the Vedic Research Centre to initiate efforts to preserve palm-leaves manuscripts, digitise them and launch a website containing details of Vedic studies. Therambil Ramakrishnan, MLA, and N. Prasad, Corporation councillor were present on the occasion.

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