Sri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam, Dakshinamanaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri



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Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri

Bharat Ratna Dr. Abdul Kalam in Sringeri

 

February 27, 2009


Former President H.E. Dr. Abdul Kalam being blessed by the Jagadguru

Former President of India His Excellency Bharat Ratna Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam visited Sringeri on the 26th of February. The ex-President arrived at noon and was received at the entrance of the Peetham with full honours by the Peetham’s Administrator and CEO, Sri V R Gowrishankar. Dr. Kalam immediately had Darshan of Goddess Sharada.

Soon after, Dr. Abdul Kalam crossed the Vidyatirtha Sethu (bridge) and walked to Narasimha Vanam to have Darshan of Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji at Guru Nivas. Offering his respects to the Jagadguru, Dr. Abdul Kalam entered into a dialogue with the Jagadguru. Dr. Kalam expressed his amazement at the achievements of Sri Adi Shankaracharya in a lifespan of 32 years. The Jagadguru, citing parallels from Lord Krishna’s life, explained that it is the achievements of Sri Adi Shankaracharya drive us to revere Him as an incarnation. Dr. Kalam also enquired about the Sri Shankaracharya’s Vedanta Prakarana Grantha Vivekachoodamani. The Jagadguru informed Dr. Kalam about the unparalleled commentary on Vivekachoodamani by His Paramaguru, Jagadguru Sri Chandrashekhara Bharati Mahaswamiji and the availability of an English translation of the commentary. The Jagadguru conveyed His joy at Dr. Kalam’s humility and for inspiring the nation’s youth and blessed the former President copiously.


Vidyarthis and Adheekshaka of the Sringeri Pathashala with H.E. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

The Jagadguru accompanied by Dr. Abdul Kalam then arrived at the Peetham’s Sri Shankara Advaita Research Centre in Narasimha Vanam. At the Research Centre, in the Jagadguru’s divine presence, Dr. Kalam inaugurated a Project for building a Science Centre for the rural children at Sringeri under the Peetham, in association with the Indian Space Research Organisation. Dr. Abdul Kalam was then given a presentation by the Vidyarthis of Sri Sadvidya Sanjeevini Samskrita Mahapathashala that featured various scientific concepts depicted in our ancient Shastras. The former President expressed immense joy at the event and interacted with the Vidyarthis. Dr. Kalam also inaugurated a Science Exhibition at Jagadguru Chandrashekhara Bharati Memorial College.

Earlier, Dr. Kalam interacted with children in and around Sringeri as well as people with special talents in the Sringeri taluk. He also witnessed the Annadana offered at Sri Bharati Tirtha Prasada Hall.

At 3:30 PM, Dr. Kalam participated in a public function organized in Sringeri to honour the services of the Peetham’s Administrator and CEO, Sri Gowrishankar and to felicitate him. Sri Gowrishankar in his address attributed the recognition from the Central Government as a recognition to every citizen of the entire Chikmagalur district, and thanked Bharat Ratna Dr. Abdul Kalam for gracing the occasion. Dr. Abdul Kalam then presented a memento and shawl to Sri Gowrishankar.


Padmashri Gowrishankar being felicitated by HE Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

Dr. Kalam in his address expressed that his time with the Jagadguru Mahaswamiji was a rewarding experience. He also said that he was moved by the way in which knowledge is shining in the Sringeri Math. Addressing the thousands of school children who had assembled, Dr. Kalam explained that knowledge is obtained by a combination of courage, righteousness and creativity and shared accounts of great inspiring lives such as those of the mathematical genius, Srinivasa Ramanujan.

Dr. B N Suresh, Director, Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) in Thiruvananthapuram commended the Peetham for offering a site for the Science Centre at Sringeri to ignite the scientific spirit in the minds of the youth of Sringeri region.

Karnataka Assembly Chief Whip Sri Jeevaraj also participated and commended the efforts of Sri Gowrishankar and his ancestors, who have played a major role in the past 3 generations by serving the Sringeri Math and by helping to improve the lives of the people of the Malnad region.

 
  • Just as in this body, the embodied one passes through boyhood, youth, and old age, so does one pass into another body. With reference to this (birth, aging and death), the wise man is not disturbed. Bhagavan Sri Krishna on Significance of God
  • An object continues to be dear as long as one derives pleasure from it and it is detested for the duration that it causes pain. The same object cannot be always liked or disliked. Sometimes, that which is not dear may become dear. Moreover, that which was loveable can turn unpleasant. The Atma, towards which affection never wanes, is always the most beloved. Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankara Bhagavatpada on Shatashloki
  • Blessings are the monopoly of God and we must all pray for his gracious blessings. Jagadguru Sri Chandrashekhara Bharati Mahaswamigal on Significance of God
  • It is pitiful that when many of us are asked, “who are you?”, The first thought that arises is “I am a Keralite”, or “I am a Punjabi”, etc. The thought that should immediately stem is “I am an Indian”. If people first feel that they are Indians and only then think of divisions, the nation will have great prosperity and the divisive forces will not be operative as they are today. Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamigal on Significance of God
  • Instead of using the tongue for speaking futile issues, use it to chant the names of God. God shall then guide you along the right and beneficial path. Jagadguru Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamigal on Significance of God's Names