Raja Veda Kavya Patasala, Kumbakonam, is celebrating its 473 annual day on Sunday, May 10, 3-7.30 p.m . It was founded in 1542 by Sri Govinda Deekshitar, an illustrious statesman and Chief Minister for the Nayak kings of Thanjavur.
The three sects – Smartha, Vaishnava and Madhwa – are covered without any discrimination at the Patasala. In 1972, under the guidance of Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati, a society called Advaitha Vidyacharya Maharaja Saheb Sri Govinda Deekshitar Punya Smarana Samithi was formed and registered. The first donor was M.S.-T. Sadasivam couple.
“It was founded by Govinda Deekshitar and nurtured by Mahaswamigal. Not a surprise that this institution for the Vedas has been flourishing for the past 470 years, a miracle of sorts,” says Krishnamoorthy, administrator, when contacted for his views in the context of the landmark.
“As many as 150 students are enrolled in this residential school, where English, math and science are also taught,” he informs. Some of them sat for the ESLC exams conducted by the Government and passed creditably. A few chose to write the tenth standard and got through with merit.
Thirty-eight students are graduating on Sunday and they will be given an award of Rs. 10,000. The deserving ones among the others will also be suitably rewarded. Sunday’s events include sports in the morning (9-11.30 a.m.). “Yes, we encourage the students to pursue physical training and activities too,” says the administrator.
Is the future bright for the graduates? “Sure. The demand for qualified Vedic pandits is perennial and hence there is no dearth of opportunities,” says Krishnamoorthy. “The infrastructure here is excellent. Another building is coming up on the sprawling campus (No. 29-30, East Iyen Street, Kumbakonam), to create more facilities for the residents. More and more people should make use of this wonderful institution and keep the tradition alive, as the founder and his descendant Mahaswamigal envisaged.
The chief guest for the Annual Day celebration, on May 10 will be Sri Sarma Sastrigal, author and speaker of Chennai.
A passionate teacher of the Vedas, it was Sri Sarma Sastrigal, who alerted the Desk about the happy milestone of this glorious institution.
For details contact (0435)2401789, 2425948 and 2423777. Email: rajavedapatasala@ gmail.com
