Vedic Sangeetha Foundation took one more step forward by releasing Krishna Yajur Veda Kramam CD on Sunday last. A project that began in 2003 is inching forward and an anxious A.K. Ramamurthi made an impassioned plea for support to a monumental effort.
The Foundation was started with the aim of preserving in digital form whatever is available of the four Vedas.
“Nine years have passed and we have just scratched the surface,” said AKR in his speech at ‘Sudharma,’ where the CD was officially released in the presence of Sri Bharati Tirtha, head of Sringeri Sri Sarada Peetam.
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AKR’s words reflected the agony of a man who has embarked on a task that has not kept pace with his ambition. “‘It won’t,’ the Acharya would tell me whenever I went to Sringeri to speak of the slow progress of the project,” AKR revealed. “‘You carry on with the work. Don’t fix deadlines,’ would be his advice. After all, it is his project; it was his idea that steps should be taken to preserve the Vedas before we lose the wealth that has stayed with us,” Mr. Ramamurthi said.
The Foundation has earlier released the entire Sama Veda and Rig Veda (Samhita). AKR concluded with an appeal for support so that more can be done and the fruits of labour dedicated to the Sringeri Acharya when he is still in Chennai.
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AKR could not have expected a better endorsement than the words of the Acharya, whose Anugraha Bhashanam that followed centred on the subject. “There is nothing that the Vedas do not touch upon and whatever they don’t are not required,” he said succinctly. “They show us the path to peace, which we crave in these violence-ridden times. The Vedas lay stress on dedication, honesty and calmness as against indifference, dishonesty and anger. Cultivate these qualities, you will be a better human being and the world a better place,” he added.
“In those days, villages used to resonate with Vedic hymns, chanted by pandits. That is not the case anymore. It is our duty to treasure the Vedas. Both vaidikas (Vedic scholars) and lowkikas (common men) should join hands in the endeavour of Vedic Sangeetha Foundation that will benefit mankind,” he concluded.
The Foundation is located at 5, Jayashree, 42, Bheemanna Garden Street, Abhiramapuram, Chennai 600018. Phone: 24997422.