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Thu 26 May 2022

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM (UTC+5.5)

Event Type: Daily

3rd Global Festival of Oneness (GFO -22)

SPEAKERS

Indica Moksha (Advaita Academy) is pleased to announce the 3rd ‘Global Festival of Oneness’ (GFO2022) celebrating one of the foremost thinkers and socio-cultural-spiritual architects in the history of mankind from the Indian sub-continent – Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya (Shankara).

For the last two years, we have been hosting the Global Festival of Oneness on the occasion of Shankara Jayanti as a one-month-long online celebration of the life, works, and legacy of Adi Shankaracharya Bhagavadpada. The initiative has been conceived as our tribute and show of reverence towards the entire Advaita Guru-Parampara that starts with Bhagavan Narayana, has Veda Vyasa and Adi Shankaracharya at the middle, and is still continuing with our own Acharyas.

This year also we will be celebrating a month-long festival from May 06 till June 05 and we will feature around 50 Scholars, Sages, and Seekers to share Shankara’s life and works across multiple dimensions that include Philosophy, Oneness, Leadership, and more.

There will be two sessions per day.

The morning session (7:00am-8.30am IST) will focus upon a thematic treatment of Shankaracharya’s Prashtana-traya Bhashya and his other works aimed at benefiting serious seekers of Vedanta.

The evening session (7:00pm-8.00pm IST) will focus upon highlighting not only the life and contributions of Shankaracharya, but also on ‘Applied Vedanta’, how Advaita is useful today in negotiating with today’s problems in various fields.

Interested should register separately for morning and evening sessions.

Register For MORNING SESSIONS

Register For EVENING SESSIONS

::Schedule::

 

Date Day Guest Name Topic
Day 01,
06th May 2022, Friday
Morning (07:00AM to 08:30AM)
Nithin Sridhar Opening Remarks
Bheemashankar Vedic Chanting
Chief Guest Dr Chirravuri Srirama Sharma Inaugural Address on ‘शङ्कर वाङ्मय’ in Sanskrit
Jayaraman Mahadevan summary in English
Evening (07:00PM to 08:00PM) Madhusudan Penna Nonduality outside Shankara Sampradaya with special reference to Jnaneshwari
Day 02
07th May 2022, Saturday
Morning (07:00AM to 08:30AM) Neema Majmudar Prashnottara Ratnamalike
Evening (07:00PM to 08:00PM) L Ramaswamy Practical Spirituality: Advaita Vedanta & Self-Management
Day 03
08th May 2022, Sunday
Morning (07:00AM to 08:30AM) Neema Majmudar Prashnottara Ratnamalike
Evening (07:00PM to 08:00PM) Advocate Venkatraman Shankara as epitome of Compassion
Day 04
09th May 2022, Monday
Morning (07:00AM to 08:30AM) Swamini Svatmavidyananda The Salience of Pramana in Advaita Vedanta
Evening (07:00PM to 08:00PM) Swami Tyagananda What Is Really Real?
Day 05
10th May 2022, Tuesday
Morning (07:00AM to 08:30AM) Swamini Brahmaprakasananda The doctrine of Alatashanti in Gaudapadacarya’s Mandukya Karika
Evening (07:00PM to 08:00PM) Deepa Bhaskaran Teaching Vedanta for Children
Day 06
11th May 2022, Wednessday
Morning (07:00AM to 08:30AM) Anuradha S Shankara’s enunciation on Apasthamba Dharmasutra Adhyatma-Patala
Evening (07:00PM to 08:00PM) Swamini Sadvidyananda Advaita in the context of Peace & Conflict
Day 07
12th May 2022, Thursday
Morning (07:00AM to 08:30AM) Jammalamadaka Srinivas सर्वापेक्षाधिकरणम्- Role of karma in brahma vidya (Sanskrit Talk)
Evening (07:00PM to 08:00PM) Jataayu Advaita vision of Harmony amidst Theo-diversity: Harihara Abheda, Panchayatana and Shanmata
Day 08
13th May 2022, Friday
Morning (07:00AM to 08:30AM) Dr. Ganesh Ishwar Bhatt वेदान्ते उपासनानां स्थानम् (Sanskrit talk)
Evening (07:00PM to 08:00PM) Prasad Kaipa Shankara as an Entrepreneur & Visionary Leader
Day 09
14th May 2022, Saturday
Morning (07:00AM to 08:30AM) Neema Majmudar Prashnottara Ratnamalike
Evening (07:00PM to 08:30 PM) Mridula Ashwin, Dr. Duddu Radhika, Carthik Panel Discussion: Advaita in Carnatic Clasical Music
Day 10
15th May 2022, Sunday
Morning (07:00AM to 08:30AM) Dr. Aravinda Rao Shankara Digvijaya
Evening (07:00PM to 08:00PM) Subhash Kak Special Interview on ”Vedanta & Science: Points of Convergence & Divergence”
Day 11
16th May 2022, Monday
Morning (07:00AM to 08:30AM) Satyan Chidambaran The Nature of Moksha and its Means
Evening (07:00PM to 08:00PM) Swami Brahmavidananda Advaita & Modernity
Day 12
17th May 2022, Tuesday
Morning (07:00AM to 08:30AM) Swamini Paraprajnananda The Self has Four Quarters: A perspective from Mandukya Upanishad’
Evening (07:00PM to 08:00PM) Swami Satchidananda Why is Shankara’s Vedanta relevant in Modern India and the World
Day 13
18th May 2022, Wednessday
Morning (07:00AM to 08:30AM) Rammohan Subramaniam Creation and Causality in Advaita
Evening (07:00PM to 08:00PM) PV Rajaraman Purvamimamsa in the works of Shankaracharya
Day 14
19th May 2022, Thursday
Morning (07:00AM to 08:30AM) Jammalamadaka Suryanarayana महद्दीर्घाधिकरणम् from Brahmasutras: The logical explanation of Satkaryavada
Evening (07:00PM to 08:00PM) Swamini Brahmaprajnananda How technology can help/hinder the Vedanta pursuit?
Day 15
20th May 2022, Friday
Morning (07:00AM to 08:30AM) Swami Nikhilananda Saraswati Turiya as per Mandukya Upanishad
Evening (07:00PM to 08:00PM) Ravishankar Gundlapalli Lessons from Adi Shankara’s life for modern day entrepreneurs and youth
Day 16
21st May 2022, Saturday
Morning (07:00AM to 08:30AM) Neema Majmudar Prashnottara Ratnamalike
Evening (07:00PM to 08:30 PM) Yogananda CS, Surendranath, Prof. Venugopalan Panel Discussion: Role & Function of Traditional Mathams in Contemporary Hindu Society
Day 17
22nd May 2022, Sunday
Morning (07:00AM to 08:30AM) Dr. Aravinda Rao Madhaviya Shankara Digvijaya
Evening (07:00PM to 08:30 PM) K Giridhara Sarma Special Interview on “Advaita & Srividya: Two Intertwined Paths to the Ultimate”
Day 18
23rd May 2022, Monday
Morning (07:00AM to 08:30AM) Vinay Varanasi Exploring Dhyana murthis of different devatas in Adi Shankaracharya’s works
Evening (07:00PM to 08:30 PM) Prof Arvind Sharma Towards an Advaitic Theory of Beauty
Day 19
24th May 2022, Tuesday
Morning (07:00AM to 08:30AM) Bheemashankar N अद्वैतवेदान्तस्य मूलतत्वानां परिचयः –
An outline of Advaita Philosophy (Sanskrit talk)
Evening (07:00PM to 08:30 PM) Prof Vishwa Adluri & Dr. Joydeep Bagchee Text-Historicism and Advaita
Day 20
25th May 2022, Wednessday
Morning (07:00AM to 08:30AM) Jayaraman Mahadevan भगवद्गीतोक्ताः विचार-शृङ्खलाः -The Thought Chains in the Gita in the Light of Sri Sankara Bhagavatpada Bhashya (Sanskrit Talk)
Evening (07:00PM to 08:30 PM) Srinath Mohandas Advaita as key for upholding unity amidst nurturing diversity
Day 21
26th May 2022, Thursday
Morning (07:00AM to 08:30AM) Karthik Sharma ब्रह्म सत्यं जगन्मिथ्या जीवो ब्रह्मैव नापर: -Justification of Nondual nature of Brahman (Sanskrit talk)
Evening (07:00PM to 08:30 PM) Swami Samarpananda Advaita as the ultimate strength giver
Day 22
27th May 2022, Friday
Morning (07:00AM to 08:30AM) Subramanian Chidambaran Subrahmanya bhujangam of Acharya and works of Arunagirinathar : A Comparison
Evening (07:00PM to 08:30 PM) Shanthi Rammohan Shankara as Unparalleled Devotee
Day 23
28th May 2022, Saturday
Morning (07:00AM to 08:30AM) Neema Majmudar Prashnottara Ratnamalike
Evening (07:00PM to 08:30 PM) Deepa Bhaskaran Vedanta Demystified for Youth- An Interactive Workshop for Youngsters between 14 & 25.
Day 24
29th May 2022, Sunday
Morning (07:00AM to 08:30AM) Dr. Aravinda Rao Madhaviya Shankara Digvijaya
Evening (07:00PM to 08:30 PM) Deepa Bhaskaran Vedanta Demystified for Youth- An Interactive Workshop for Youngsters between 14 & 25.
Day 25
30th May 2022, Monday
Morning (07:00AM to 08:30AM) Nrithya Jagannathan Tatah Kim? A meditative practice integrated exploration of the Gurvastakam
Evening (07:00PM to 08:30 PM) Swami Swatmananda What can Youth learn from Shankara’s life and works
Day 26
31st May 2022, Tuesday
Morning (07:00AM to 08:30AM) Dr. Gauri Mahulikar ईक्षत्यधिकरण: a critical study
Evening (07:00PM to 08:30 PM) Swami Shuddhabodhananda You Create The World
Day 27
01st June 2022, Wednessday
Morning (07:00AM to 08:30AM) Swami Chidrupananda One & Many as per Advaita
Evening (07:00PM to 08:30 PM) Dr. Vinaychandra Banavathy Shankara: An Embodiment of Synthesis
Day 28
02nd June 2022, Thursday
Morning (07:00AM to 08:30AM) Swami Tattwamayananda Jagan Mithyatvam-The Advaita doctrine that Jagat is Mithya
Evening (07:00PM to 08:30 PM) Richard Miller Six Inquiries to Embody Your Essential Nature of Wholeness
Day 29
03rd June 2022, Friday
Morning (07:00AM to 08:30AM) Swamini Satyavratananda The Unreality of the World as per Advaita
Evening (07:00PM to 08:30 PM) Vijaya Jayaraman India’s wisdom of non-duality
Day 30
04th June 2022, Saturday
Morning (07:00AM to 08:30AM) Neema Majmudar Prashnottara Ratnamalike
Evening (07:00PM to 08:30 PM) Prof. V Krishnamurthy Innermost Dialogue from God to Man
Day 31
05th June 2022, Sunday
Morning (07:00AM to 08:30AM) Dr. Aravinda Rao Madhaviya Shankara Digvijaya
Evening (07:00PM to 08:30 PM) Swami Advayananda Valedictory Session: Many Problems
One Solution
Speakers
speaker

Nithin Sridhar

Chief Curator, INDICA MOKSHA

Nithin Sridhar has a degree in Civil Engineering, and having worked in the construction field, he passionately writes about various issues from development, politics, and social issues, to religion, spirituality, and ecology. He is currently Editor of IndiaFacts- a portal on Indian history and culture; He is Chief Curator of Advaita Academy dedicated to the dissemination of Advaita Vedanta. He is a Consulting Editor to Indic Today Magazine. He is based in Mysuru, Karnataka. His first book "Musings On Hinduism" provided an overview of various aspects of Hindu philosophy and society. His latest book 'Samanya Dharma' enunciates upon general tenets of ethics as available in Hindu texts. However, his most widely read book is "Menstruation Across Cultures: A Historical Perspective" that examines menstruation notions and practices prevalent in different cultures & religions from across the world. His upcoming book is an English commentary on Ishavasya Upanishad. He tweets at @nkgrock.

speaker

Bheemashankar

Coordinator at Indica Yoga & Indica Moksha

Bheemashankar N has undergone the Gurukul system of education for 13 years, first at Prabhodini Gurukulam at Sringeri and then at Veda Vigyana Gurukulam at Bengaluru. Later, he did his Masters in Yoga from SVYASA and another Masters in Advaita Vedanta from Karnataka Sanskrit University. Presently he is working as a coordinator at Indica Yoga and Indica Moksha

speaker

Mahamahopadhyaya Brahmasri Avadhani Chirravuri Srirama Sarma Ji

Vedic scholar

Acharya Mahamahopadhyaya Brahmasri Avadhani Chirravuri Srirama Sarma Ji is an erudite Vedic scholar, multilinguist, prolific author and distinguished academician. He has performed more than 100 Ubhaya Bhasha Ashtavadhanas in both Telugu and Sanskrit languages, across the nation. An exceptional orator, Dr Sarma’s discourses and Purana Pravachanams are the most sought after by devotees and spiritual seekers in both Telugu states. Dr Sarma’s expertise on various subjects includes Meemamsa, Vyakarana, Krishna Yajurveda, Telugu and Sanskrit Literature, Vedas, Shastras and Smaarta to name a few., Dr Srirama Sarma has served as an examiner of Vedas, Shastras and Smaarta at Sri Godavari Mandala Veda Sastra Pravardhaka Sabha in Amalapuram, since 1990. He served as an NSS program officer for the unit of Sri Gowtami Vidyapeetam and also delivered lectures as a visiting professor at the Sanskrit Department at the University of Poona and Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeetam, Tirupati as well. Dr Sarma has served as a board member of the Studies Board at Sampurnanand University in Varanasi for Meemamsa, as a member of the Studies Board at Andhra University and continues to serve as a member of the Studies Board at Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeetam, Tirupati. An exceptional litterateur, Dr Sarma’s Sanskrit works include . ‘Sastra Deepika Bhatta Deepikayoh Towlya Vicharah’ a book written on Poorva Meemamsa for Ph.D published in 1998, Srowta LaxicanWork’ a book on ‘Srowta Paaribhashika Padakosha’ published by the University of Poona in 2001, Yagna Paatra Parichaya – a script prepared in Sanskrit and Telugu, Published by Rashtriya Samskruta Vidyaapeetham, Deemed University, Tirupati in 2007

speaker

Jayaraman Mahadevan

Director of Textual Research (Yoga), INDICA

Dr. Jayaraman Mahadevan earned his PhD in Sanskrit from the University of Madras. His undergraduate degree was in Education, Philosophy, and English literature, and his MA degree was in Sanskrit. He underwent traditional Gurukula education in the Vedas and Shastras at the Veda Vijnana Gurukulam in Bengaluru under the guidance of Pracharya Kotemane Ramachandra Bhat. Dr. Jayaraman Mahadevan now serves as the Director of Textual Research (Yoga) at INDICA

speaker

Madhusudan Penna

(MA, PhD, ) D. Litt. (Hon), vice chancellor Professor and Dean, Dept of Indian philosophy, Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University, ramtek, maharashtra.

He specialises in Yogashastra, nyaya, yoga and vedanta philosophy. He has been awarded the Sahitya Academy award last year for his महाकाव्य on Gulabrao maharaj. He has 2 mahakavya, 10 laghukavya and 30 translations and edited books to his credit. Prof. Penna is honoured with honorary D.Litt by National Sanskrit University, tirupati AP. for his unique contribution in Indian Philosophy. He has travelled in the Netherlands and was member of the Indian delegation to Canada in World Sanskrit Conference 2018. He knows six languages including German and has made DVDs so far on yoga, Indian philosophy and sanskrit literature. The Tirumala peetham established by Bhagavad ramanujacharya in the 10th century conferred shastraratnakara on him. he has received Maharashtra govt sadhana award, pt. satwalekar award, pt. Latkar shastri award, pt. Ghatate award, Somnath trust award with gold medal and title of best scholar, sribhashyam national award and many other. mspenna67@gmail.com

speaker

Neema Majmudar

Inspiring Writer & Teacher of Indian Philosophy

Neema Majmudar has a unique combination of personal background, international exposure, education and depth of spiritual knowledge which makes her an inspiring writer and teacher of Indian Philosophy. She has studied Indian Philosophy with Swami Dayananda Saraswati, a well-known contemporary teacher of Advaita Vedanta (Non Duality) in the tradition of Adi Sankaracarya and a scholar in Sanskrit. In addition to the traditional Vedic studies, Neema Majmudar has number of years of experience as a professional with the United Nations in field of economic and social development in New York, Thailand and Fiji. She also has Masters Degree in International Affairs from Columbia University, New York. Since 1999, Neema has been giving conferences, conducting seminars and retreats across the world in the domain of Personal Development and Philosophy. The seminars and retreats she conducts with her husband Surya Tahora incorporate concepts of Indian Philosophy with Western Psychology, Ethics, Physics, Neurobiology and Management. These activities are aimed at guiding individuals and leaders of various organizations to be more objective, dynamic and compassionate in an increasingly interconnected and complex world. They have created a bilingual website in French and English https://wisdomofrishis.com/ which explains in a modern style the vision of the traditional teaching of Advaita Vedanta with numerous links to articles and videos of their talks. She and her husband have co-authored the book ‘Living the Vision of Oneness’, which expounds the ways in which the vision of Bhagavad Gita and Veda can be utilized in daily life. Recently, Neema and her students Nandini & Saloni have published a beautifully illustrated book titled ‘Finding meaning in life with the Bhagavad Gita’. This book gives profound insights into the teachings of Lord Krishna by explaining, analyzing and elaborating on forty-five key verses of the Gita especially chosen for their logic, wisdom, and practicality.

speaker

L Ramaswamy

Senior Disciple of Internationally Eminent Philosopher Swami Parthasarathy

Shri L Ramaswamy is a senior disciple of internationally eminent philosopher Swami Parthasarathy. He devoted himself to intense study and research of Vedanta philosophy at Vedanta Academy.

speaker

Advocate Venkatraman

Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India

N Venkataraman was born on 26th August 1965, completed law in the year 1989 at the Madurai Kamaraj University and Commenced practice the same year under Late Mr. C. Natrajan, Senior Advocate and worked under him for 14 years before commencing independent practice in June 2003. He was designated Senior in the year 2006 by the Madras High Court. Fondly known as NV among the legal fraternity, Shri N Venkataraman has completed 31 years of professional practice in the fields of Indirect taxes, Direct taxes, International Taxation and in the last ten years has been doing extensive work in Constitutional law, various Regulatory matters (TRAI, Competition law, Gas and Electricity matters), negotiations and finalization of commercial disputes, framing and settling contracts and arbitration besides intellectual property laws and has involved in matters of substantial public importance such as Sabarimalai, Article 370, CAA, Child Sex Abuse and similar such issues. Besides the Hon’ble Supreme Court, NV is appearing before 23 High Courts spread over various States, various Tribunals (State and Center), Advance Ruling Authorities and Securities Exchange Board of India, Securities Appellate Tribunals and other forums. NV is serving as a Legal Counsel for the major International Accounting Firms in India.

speaker

Swamini Svatmavidyananda Saraswati

longtime disciple of Paramapujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati

Dr. Swamini Svatmavidyananda Saraswati has taught at several universities nationally, including UC Berkeley. She is widely recognized as a scholar of Advaita Vedanta, and is a disciple of Pujya Sri Swami Dayanandaji Saraswati, an internationally known Acharya of the Advaita Vedanta tradition, interfaith leader, and scholastic author of Vedanta, responsible for the inception of the All India Movement for Seva (AIM for Seva), a non-profit enabling rural Indian children to receive a proper education. She is widely in demand for lectures and seminars, in the USA and internationally, for her expertise in interreligious engagement, and in-depth training and scholarship on Advaita Vedanta. Dr. Saraswati is the Acharya of Arsha Vijnana Gurukulam, which was founded in 2004 and has centers in Atlanta, GA, Eugene, OR, Washington DC, Detroit, MI, Milwaukee, WI, and Fort Meyers, FL.

speaker

Swami Tyagananda

Swami Tyagananda joined the Ramakrishna Order at the monastery in Mumbai in 1976 after graduating from the University of Mumbai in India. He received spiritual instruction (mantra-dīkṣā) from Holy Mother’s disciple Swami Vireswarananda and his monastic vows (sannyāsa) from Swami Gambhirananda. Besides Mumbai (1976–80), Tyagananda served in the monasteries at Belur Math (1980–82), New Delhi (1982–83) and Chennai (1983–1997) and was sent to Boston in 1998 to assist Swami Sarvagatananda. He is the Hindu chaplain at Harvard and MIT since 1999 and, after Sarvagatananda’s retirement in 2002, he was appointed head of the Vedanta Society in Boston. Tyagananda was editor of the English journal Vedanta Kesari for 11 years (1986–97) and has written, translated and edited fourteen books. He writes a fortnightly blog and his talks are available as audio podcasts. He has presented papers at academic conferences and he gives lectures and classes at the Vedanta Society as well as at MIT, Harvard and, on invitation, other colleges and religious groups in North America.

speaker

Swamini Brahmaprakasananda

Disciple of Pujyasri Swami Dayananda Saraswati, the founder of Arsha Vidya Peetham (Rishikesh) and Arsha Vidya, group of institutions

Swamini Brahmaprakasananda Saraswati is a disciple of Pujyasri Swami Dayananda Saraswati, the founder of Arsha Vidya Peetham (Rishikesh) and Arsha Vidya, group of institutions present all over the world . She came to be the disciple of Pujya Swami Dayanandaji from a very young age. In her poorvashrama she had many years of clinical practice after her M.D. in Obstetrics & Gynaecology. She also pursued the study of Paniniyam Vyakaranam and other texts for nearly 12 years from Shri. Bhandari, a Sanskrit scholar from Dahanu - Maharashtra. She joined Arsha Vidya Gurukulam, Anaikatti - Coimbatore, for a long term course in 1990. She was also a Sanskrit teacher in this course. After that, she continued to teach Vedanta and Sanskrit and administrator the following courses at the Anaikatti Gurukulam, under the guidance of Pujya Swamiji and the Acharya Swami Siddhabodhanandaji. In 2001 when Pujya Swamiji started a Gurukulam at Vedapuri, Nagpur - Maharashtra, at the request of Dr. Shrikant Jichkar, she was sent as the main teacher and as administrator of the place. Since then, she is the Chief Acharya of Dr. Shrikant Jichkar Memorial Arsha Vijnana Gurukulam. She has conducted three long term courses in Vedanta and Sanskrit with three years of duration each, in the Nagpur Gurukulam. The fourth long term course in Vedanta and Sanskrit is going towards the end of the third year. She was also awarded the title of Mahamahopadhyaya by Kavikulguru Kalidas Sanskrit University, Ramtek.

speaker

Deepa Bhaskaran Salem

Advaita Vedanta student and sadhaka

Deepa Bhaskaran Salem is an Advaita Vedanta student and sadhaka. She speaks and writes on Hindu dharma and parenting, and conducts Hindu workshops for parents and youth. Professionally, she is a technology marketing executive. She has learnt about teaching dharma and Vedanta to children by experimenting on her 3 children and on many youth whom she mentors as a life coach. Her workshop information can be found in lifethehinduway.wordpress.com.

speaker

Anuradha S

Financial Journalist

Anuradha is a Singapore-based seeker in the Advaita Vedanta tradition. She has obtained Mantra Diksha from Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati and learnt Advaita Vedanta from Kathirasan K. She has edited a lecture series on the Hatha Yoga text ‘Shiva Samhita’. The book titled “Advaita Vedanta in Shiva Samhita” was published by Motilal Banarsidass in 2018. Anuradha has also written a novel in English titled “The Friendless God”. The novel explores the conflict between an atheist mother and a religious son against the background of the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid conflict. Anuradha is a financial journalist by profession

speaker

Swamini Sadvidyananda

Disciple of Pujya Swami Dayananda Sarswati

Swamini Sadvidyananda Sarswati is a disciple of Pujya Swami Dayananda Sarswati, a great exponent of Vedanta and Hindu scriptures. She is teaching Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads in Gujarati in different towns of Gujarat like, Navasari, Bardoli, Valsad, Bilimora, Vyara and Bhavnagar for the last 25 years. Under the banner of her Trust – Arsha Vidya Tirhta, Navsari she has translated and published more than 37 books of her Revered Guru Swami Dayananda Saraswatiji into Gujarati. And from 1998 to 2003 she also translated voluminous book of 2000 on Bhagavad Gita “Gita Home Study” into Gujarati for the benefit of those who can understand it better in one’s own mother-language. She has also attended and presented papers in various conferences such as National Education conferences in Pune and Gwalior, Sri Vidya International Conference, Mysore, Namami Shankar, (Bhashya-parayanam) Kanyakumari, Vedanta Conference, Rishikesh, etc.

speaker

Jammalamadaka Srinivas

Assistant professor in School of Shastric Studies, Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University, Ramtek, Maharashtra

Srinivas Jammalamadaka (जम्मलमडक) Studied Nyaya/tarka Shastra under Br. Sri. Ambadipudi Radhe Shyama Shastri Studied Advaita Vedanta under Br. Sri. R. Mani David's Sastrigal Studied Vyakarana (till siddhanta koumidi) under Br. Sri. Ganti Dattatreya Murthy Completed Tenali exams in Tarka Shastra Appearing Tenali exams in Advaita Vedanta Conferred awards - tarka-Ratnam & vidwan Mani by Sri Kanchi shankaracharya Shastrakalanidhi by Madhya pradesh state governer Two PGs, one in samskritam & another in Nyaya shastra Completed MPhil. Persuing PhD in Nyaya shastra Currently working as Assistant professor in School of Shastric Studies, Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University, Ramtek, Maharashtra

speaker

Jataayu

Scholar

Jataayu has been writing and speaking on cultural and social themes and Hindutva since 2005, both in Tamil and English. The range of his topics include Hindu philosophy, especially Advaita Vedanta, Hindu history, scriptures, literature and arts. He is active on social media and regularly expresses his opinions on contemporary Hindu issues and controversies, often indulging in constructive debates. He is a scholar of Tamil literature, especially Kamba Ramayanam and Bhakti poetry and delivers traditional literary discourses on these subjects. A collection of his Tamil essays has been published as a book Kaalamthorum Narasingam (2015). He is among the founders and editors of the website tamilhindu.com and the Tamil monthly magazine Valam. An Electronics Technology professional by vocation, he is currently a resident of Bengaluru. His real name is Sankara Narayanan.

speaker

Dr. Ganesh Ishwar Bhatt

Associate Professor in Advaita Vedanta, Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan(Deemed University) Rajiv Gandhi Campus, SRINGERI

Dr Ganesh Ishwar Bhat is the Associate Professor in Advaita Vedanta, Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan(Deemed University) Rajiv Gandhi Campus, SRINGERI. Born in Sirsi, North Kanara Dist. Karnataka. He had his Krishna Yajurveda adhyayana at Swarnavalli Mutt. After studying Advaita Vedanta under HH Sri Gangadharendra Saraswati Swamiji, he has qualified in the title examination Vidwan (M.A) from Karnataka Sanskrit University and M.A. in Sanskrit from Karnataka State Open University, Mysore. He received vidyāvāridhi (Ph.D.) degree from the Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeetha Tirupati, for the thesis namely A Critical Study of Advaita Philosophy in Vishnupurana on the basis of Sridhariya Commentary. He completed his Shikshashastri ( B Ed) in Rajiv Gandhi Campus Sringeri. He has edited 7 books and has written several research articles in Sanskrit and Kannada language. He has delivered lectures in several religious programs & participated in many Vakyarthasabhas and Kavigoshthis in different parts of the country.

speaker

Prasad Kaipa

Prasad Kaipa was a thought leader and a top Management Thinker of Indian origin till 2019. Prasad’s unique approach was in integrating business approaches with brain research and spirituality / wisdom models. In addition to having advised and coached 130+ C-level executives at Fortune 500 companies, he used Bhagavad Gita framework and several interviews with CEOs to co-author a bestselling book “From Smart to Wise” in 2013. He founded the Center of Leadership, Innovation, and Change (CLIC) at the Indian School of Business (ISB) as well as co-founded TiE Silicon Valley's Entrepreneur Institute, with 13,000+ participants over 10 years. Since his retirement, he is working with several non-profits (focused on education and youth) and enjoying reflecting on his learnings from Indian spiritual wisdom and focusing on inner transformation.

speaker

Dr. Mridula Ashwin

Smt Mridula received her initial training in Carnatic music (Vocal and Veena) from her mother Dr Smt Radhika Ramachandran. She was fortunate to come under the tutelage of Kalaimamani Maharajapuram Sri Nagarajan at the tender age of six. She also came under the able guidance of Sangita Mahamahopadhyaya (Late) Brahmasri Kollegal Subrahmanyam. Presently she is undergoing advanced training from Sangeetha Choodamani Sri Neyveli Santhanagopalan. She is also M.A. (Sanskrit Vyakarana), Ph.D. (Sanskrit); B.A. Honours in Carnatic Music.

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Dr. Duddu Radhika

Born to Smt. M Sarada and Sri Mylavarapu Venkata Rao, Dr. Duddu Radhika come from a family where music is life. The seeds of music were sown right in her childhood and her concert playing career began in her teens. She acquired Masters Degree in Music (Carnatic Classical -Vocal) from Andhra University, and the Doctoral degree in Music from Sri Padmavathi Mahila Visva Vidyalayam (Women‟s University), Tirupathi. She is an ‘A’ Grade Artiste of the AIR and Doordarshan, Hyderabad.

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Carthik Shankar

Although an MBA graduate in International business from a Premier institute in Hyderabad ; Arts , music textiles and spirituality has always interested me and the influence of one over the other has set me searching/ questioning. I was fortunate to learn CarnaticMusic from Smt. Tara Prasad and Saraswati Veena from Duddu Seetaramaiah garu. . I've written many posts on my blog - DavaraTumbler Arattai. Have given lecture demonstrations on topics like "Ekadantam Bhajeham- Ganapati Kritis of Muthuswamy Deekshitar ", " Chintaye Mahalinga Murtim- Tiruvidaimarudhur through Muthuswamy Deekshitar's eyes" , "Vimochana- series" and many more videos that are available on YouTube. Have written research article titled " Navavidha Bhakti through the eyes of Muthuswamy Deekshitar" that was published in the Pranav Journal of Fine Arts. With the blessings of my Guru and the Divine, I pray to continue contributing in my areas of interest.

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Dr. Aravinda Rao

Retired Director General of Police (Andhra Pradesh)

Dr. Karanam Aravinda Rao is a retired Director General of Police (Andhra Pradesh), who studied Sanskrit under Maha Mahopadhyaya Padmasri Dr. Sri Pullela Sriramachandrudu and studied Vedanta under Maha Mahopadhyaya Swami Tattvavidananda Saraswati. He has authored many books on Hindu philosophy.

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Vinay Varanasi

Practitioner of Sanatana Dharma

Vinay Varanasi is a keen practitioner of Sanatana dharma. Based on his research and fascination, he has been exploring and presenting different indic works, in unique formats. He believes that our itihaasas and puranas have stories and symbolism of great relevance to each of us. He has a special interest in the epics, and the myriad messages present there. He uses the power of storytelling to highlight different aspects of dharma. He does this through individual talks and lectures, as well as collaborations with musicians. Individually, he has given talks on Lalitha, Bala Tripura sundari, Sita, Sundara Kandam, Rama Mahima, and so on. He has given talks to audiences world wide. He has collaborated with musicians and conceptualized thematic productions, focussing on the intersection of music and spirituality. He has worked with musicians such as Ramakrishnan Murthy, Vivek Sadasivam, Sumesh Narayananan, and organizations such as Madrasana, Aalaap, Indica Soft Power. His collaborations have explored themes such as nature in music,Shiva conciousness, Rama and Devi, Prana and Anjaneya, and so forth. He is a lyricist by passion, and writes pallavi lyrics, tuned and sung by musicians such as Vidushis Ranjani & Gayatri. He has co translated the kritis of Yogi Nareyana of Kaiwara. The confluence of Sangeeta, sahitya and sanatana dharma are seen in his talks and collaborations. Vinay is an architect by training, and is currently working in the environmental sector.

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Subhash Kak

Regents Professor at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, USA.

Subhash Kak is Regents Professor at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, USA. His research is on artificial intelligence, quantum computing, history of science, and Vedic studies. Nearly thirty years ago, he made the surprising discovery that the ancient Indians knew that the sun and the moon are approximately 108 times their respective diameters from the earth. This knowledge was coded into temple architecture, in the 108 poses of Indian classical dance, and the 108 prayer beads of the japa mālā. He was the editor for the Indian Subcontinent Area for the UNESCO project on archaeoastronomy sites around the world. His work has been showcased in the popular media including Discovery and History channels, PBS, Public TV in Europe, and in several documentaries on science and art. He is the author of twenty books that include his autobiography The Circle of Memory.

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Dr. Nagaraj Paturi

Senior Director & Chief Curator, INDICA

Dr Nagaraj Paturi trained in Sanskrit and Advaita Vedanta by his hyper-polyglot, polymath and spiritually accomplished sakala-shaastra-paarangata father, late Sri Paturi Sitaramanjaneyulu garu, he is seriously committed to the transmission of Vedic sciences to the present generation. He designed a very big number of courses of contemporary applications of Vedic Sciences and has been successfully teaching them and getting them taught. Presently he is Presently he is Director, Indic Academy And Distinguished Professor, Curriculum Designer, Executive Committee Member and Member, Board of Studies, MIT School of Vedic Sciences, Pune. Member, Board of Studies for Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth, Kavikulaguru Kalidasa Sanskrit University, Veda Vijnana Gurukula. Formerly Senior Professor of Cultural Studies FLAME School of Communication and FLAME School of Liberal Education Former Visiting Professor, University of Chicago, US) In his PhD (1998, UoH) Developed Indic Model of Myth Criticism of Literature. MPhil (1987, UoH) Brought out Vakyapadiyam as theoretical foundation of Ashtaadhyaayee Around 50 publications, around 60 conference /seminar/ workshop papers. Consultancy to numerous culture research and theater and dance innovation projects. Scores of creative writing works for Classical Dance, Modern Theater and magazines. Several series of talks and other programs on Radio and Television channels.

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Satyan Chidambaran

Full-time student of Vedanta and Sanskrit

Lakshminarayanan Satyan Chidambaran is a full-time student of Vedanta and Sanskrit based in Chennai. He has been studying Vedanta under his Guru, Pujya Swami Paramarthanandaji, since 2003. A graduate of IIT Madras in Computer Science and a post-graduate from the University of Michigan, Satyan served at a global software firm for 26 years in various technical leadership roles before leaving his job to focus on his Vedanta and Sanskrit studies full-time. Satyan was first introduced to Vedanta in 1996 at Chinmaya Mission when he was in the US. Subsequently, Satyan came across the teachings of his Parama Guru, Pujya Swami Dayanandaji, who opened his eyes with regards to how Vedanta is a Pramāṇa for Ātma Jñānam. Satyan then studied for almost a decade under Shri Vijay Kapoorji, a senior disciple of Pujya Swami Dayanandaji. At the Arsha Vidya Center in California, Satyan also helped organize public talks and retreats by Pujya Swami Viditatmanandaji and Pujya Swami Tattvavidanandaji. Satyan also started listening to Pujya Swami Paramarthanandaji’s classes on various Vedantic texts when he was in the US. Over a decade ago, Satyan moved to Chennai to continue his Vedanta studies directly under his Guru, Pujya Swami Paramarthanandaji. For the past couple of years, Satyan has also been studying Pāṇinīya Vyākaraṇam based on Laghu Siddhanta Kaumudī under Dr. Sowmya Krishnapur from Vyoma Saṃskṛta Pāthashālā.

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Swami Brahmavidananda

Traditional and Contemporary Teacher of Vedanta

Swami Brahmavidananda Saraswati is a traditional and contemporary teacher of Vedanta. Having lived his life as a sadhu for many than 30 years, he has facilitated the growth of many students in different parts of India. Formerly a marine engineer, Swamiji as a youth was inspired by H. H. Swami Chinmayananda. Swamiji studied Vedanta under H. H. Swami Dayananda Saraswati in Sandeepany, Mumbai 1976-78. Later, he spent seven years at Rishikesh in the Himalayas, doing advanced studies in Vedanta under various traditional teachers like Swami Tarananda Giri and Swami Hari Hara Teertha. Since 1985, he has been based in Mumbai, unfolding the vision of Vedanta in his regular classes. Swamiji conducts programs for private and public sector companies, including some multinational and Fortune 500 companies. His corporate programs include personal spiritual coaching and workshops on the Indian Ethos in Management, personal empowerment and other human resource development issues based on a contemporary and pragmatic understanding of universal spiritual principles. Many companies are testimony to the powerful personal transformation that takes place in people who attend these programs. Unassuming and pragmatic, Swamiji effortlessly facilitates participants to maximize their potential in all areas of their lives.

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Swamini Paraprajnananda

Resident Sannyasini of Adhyatma Vidya Mandir

Swamini Paraprajnananda Saraswati is an erudite Sannyasini well versed with the knowledge of the Scriptures-Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Brahmasutra and other Vedantic texts. Swamini Paraprajnananda Saraswati is the student of revered Swami Viditatmananda Saraswatiji, President of Arsha Vidya Gurukulam, Saylorsburg, P.A. (U.S.A.). Swami Viditatmananda Saraswatiji is also the Founder Acharya of Adhyatma Vidya Mandir, Ahmedadabad , Gujarat , India. Adhyatma Vidya Mandir is an institute of learning and disseminating the knowledge of Vedanta. Swamini Parprajnananda is the resident Sannyasini of Adhyatma Vidya Mandir. Swamini Paraprajnananda Saraswati has been teaching Vedanta for the past 20 years in Ahmedabad and different cities of Gujarat. In 2016, Swaminiji conducted talks on Vedanta in different cities of USA – Saylorsburg, New Jersey & Dallas. Swaminiji abides in the knowledge of the self and is also expert in imparting this knowledge to others. The depth of Swaminiji’s wisdom and her art of teaching which is at once profound and lucid make her an expert teacher from whom learning is a joy. Swamini Paraprajnananda Saraswati’s experience as a professor of English in the past facilitates her to adeptly handle the subject at hand and communicate it to the audience. Besides being a gifted teacher, Swaminiji is also very simple, loving and compassionate as a person.

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Swami Satchidananda

Vedantic Acharya of Advaita Vedanta

Swami Satchidanananda is a Vedantic Acharya following the traditional methods of Advaita Vedanta. He comes in the parampara of Swami Sivananda Saraswati and is the grandson of Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, a direct disciple of Swami Sivananda. In his purva-ashrama, he was educated in management and finance and was one of the earliest propogater of Quality Management. He is the Founder of Shivananda Sadhana Kutir Welfare Trust.

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Rammohan Subramaniam

Sri Rammohan Subramaniam completed the Vedanta Course (2011-2013) at Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, Mumbai. Presently, he conducts and coordinates various activities at Chinmaya International Foundation such as Vedanta Courses and evaluation of Home Study courses answers, responding to queries raised by students related to Vedanta study and he also conducts Webinar classes on Upanishads and Prakarana Granthas.

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PV Rajaraman

Shri PV Rajaraman has a Masters in Engineering, and currently teaching in an Engineering college at Chennai and pursuing his doctorate. He has studied Vedanta and Nyaya sastras under eminent scholar and Acharya Shri God Venkateswara Sastry from 2009 to 2013. He was the receipient of Bagavatha Bhaswan Brahmasri Anja Krishan Nambooduri Memorial Award. Blessed by Sri Sringeri Acharya, and as per his directions, he is following the sastric life and lecturing regularly on sastras and puranas.

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Suryanarayana Jammalamadaka

Assistant professor in School of Vedic Sciences, MIT-ADT University, Pune, Maharashtra

Suryanarayana Jammalamadaka (जम्मलमडक) Studied Nyaya/tarka Shastra under Br. Sri. Ambadipudi Radhe Shyama Shastri Studied Advaita Vedanta under Br. Sri. R. Mani David's Sastrigal Studied Vyakarana (till siddhanta koumidi) under Br. Sri. Ganti Dattatreya Murthy Completed Tenali exams in Tarka Shastra Conferred awards - tarka-Ratnam & vidwan Mani by Sri Kanchi shankaracharya Shastrakalanidhi by Madhya pradesh state governer Two PGs, one in samskritam & another in Nyaya shastra Completed MPhil. Persuing PhD in Nyaya shastra Currently working as Assistant professor in School of Vedic Sciences, MIT-ADT University, Pune, Maharashtra

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Swamini Brahmaprajnananda Saraswati

Teacher

Swamini Brahmaprajnananda Saraswati has dedicated her life to sharing the timeless teachings of Advaita Vedanta and Dharma. She conducts Vedanta courses, podcasts and retreats for groups in Mumbai and for people across the world, online. Her teachings seamlessly flow from areas of self growth to self discovery. A disciple of Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati, she has studied Vedanta and Sanskrit in a full time residential three year and was a part time student of Swami Brahmavidananda. Swamini is a former psychologist and in her last leadership position as the Country Head of an international organisation impacted the lives of more than fifteen thousand street children annually. For more www.discoveratma.com

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Swami Nikhilananda Saraswati

Master of Advaita Vedanta and the disciple of Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda & Swami Paramananda Bharati

Swami Nikhilananda Saraswati, is a master of Advaita Vedanta and the disciple of Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda Ji and Swami Paramananda Bharati Ji. He was born in Mumbai and grew up strongly influenced by the lives and teachings of many saints. It was whilst studying for a Master’s degree in Geology, that he developed an interest in studying the scriptures. After completing the traditional course in Vedanta at Sandeepani Sadhanalaya Mumbai, he served in Chinmaya Mission teaching this ancient wisdom in various centres of the Mission in India and abroad for 33 years. Since July 2019 he is working independently not associated with any organisation from New Delhi guiding seekers in their spiritual pursuits. People like his satsangs because he de-mystifies this Knowledge and presents it in a very simple and rational manner. His knowledge is vast. All those who interact with him – be they students, householders, professionals or corporate leaders, are attracted to his subtlety of thought and his vast experience in sharing this ancient wisdom. A true teacher, he is always available to any questions put to him from any age group or background. Swamiji has been a regular participant at inter-faith panel discussions in and outside Delhi and abroad. He was invited to the prestigious World Economic Forum (WEF) at Davos, in January 2011 and to the Indian Economic Summit, in Mumbai, also in the same year. He was also invited to the White House in 2015 by the US Department of Education Center for the Fifth Annual ‘President’s Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge. The program was initiated by the US President Obama to build understanding between different faiths. He participated at an International Conference on ‘Hospitality in Anatolian and Asian Cultures’ at Bangkok, Thailand in April, 2014. His video talks on Bhagavat Gita, Upanishads, Patanjali Yoga Sutras and Prakarna Granthas are available on his You Tube Channel. His regular classes happen on Facebook Live. Presently he is giving discourses on the Upanishads on his Facebook page live.

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Ravishankar Gundlapalli

Founder of MentorCloud, Author

Dr. Ravi Gundlapalli deeply values his roots in Sanatana Dharma, and considers Jagadguru Adi Sankara as his mentor, and works closely with Brahmasri Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma garu. Ravi is a technology entrepreneur (Founder of MentorCloud), Author and Global Keynote Speaker on the topics of Mentoring, Entrepreneurship & Bhagavad Gita. Ravi helped create the Global Festival of Oneness as a month-long conference starting on Sankara Jayanthi to spread the life and works of Adi Sankara. Ravi also founded ‘KnowYourRoots’ Foundation with his wife Vani to rejuvenate and spread the essence of Sanatana Dharma among the modern generation. Ravi is an IITM alumni with a PhD from U Michigan. He is from Vijayawada and currently resides in Silicon Valley.

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Yogananda CS

Dr. C S Yogananda got his B.Sc., M.Sc.(Mathematics) degrees from Bangalore Univ. He obtained his Ph.D. (Mathematics ) in 1990 from the Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai, (University of Madras), working under the guidance of the renowned number theorist, Prof. R. Balasubramanian. After his Ph.D, he spent two years in the Panjab Univ., Chandigarh. Dr. Yogananda's research interests are in the areas of number theory, especially, algebraic number theory, modular forms and elliptic curves. He is interested in mathematics teaching at all levels - scool to advanced level. He was active in the Mathematical Olympiad programme in India from 1989 - 2003 and was involved in the training and selection of the Indian team to International Math Olympiads. In 2005 he moved to Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering, Mysore to pursue his passion for teaching in the Undergraduate programme. He is very interested in the interface of Mathematics and Technology and has contributed to many IT tools for Indian languages. He is involved in the creation and maintenance of the portals: Advaitasharada.sringeri.net and kymyogavaisharadi.in, among many such archives. He was a founder editor of Samasya, a triannual journal for school students and was a member of the Editorial Board of Resonance, a journal for Science education published from the Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore. He is the author of several research and survey articles in various journals. Besides Mathematics, he is interested in classical music and mountaineering.

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Surendranath

Columnist and Speaker

Surendranath Chandranath is a columnist and speaker on various topics relating to India's History and specifically the traditional knowledge systems. He is the Consulting Editor at Indic Today. Surendranath has run workshops on the 6 vedangas, written on issues of cultural encounters that India has had in the past several centuries, received basic training in Vedic chanting and is an avid student of ritualism across cultures. Surendranath has been a software engineer for 25 years and has Undergraduate and Master's Degrees in Technology from IIT, Bombay. He lives in Chennai with his wife of 22 years and two children.

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Prof. Venugopalan

Professor, Kanchipuram University

Prof S.Venugopalan is basically a Vedaadhyayin. He had learnt Krishna Yajurveda taittiriya sakha upto the level of Kramantham. Leter he joined Siromani degree course of Madras University run by Madras Sanskrit College, Mylapore. He pursued M.A.Sanskrit from same Madras University & learnt German language for 5 years. He pursued research in Sanskrit Vyakaranam & awarded the PhD degree in 2002. He taught Sanskrit for students of Ayurveda at Sri Jayendra Saraswathy Ayurveda college, dept of health sciences of SCSVMV University, Kanchipuram. Currently he's professor at Kanchipuram University & guides several research scholars in Sanskrit. Has presented more than 30 research papers on various subjects like Vyakaranam, Ayurveda & Yoga. Member in several professional bodies & examiner for various universities

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K Giridhara Sarma

Professional qualification: BE Electronics and Communication from the University of Madras Finished engineering in 1989 and did one year PG diploma in electronics design from CEDT Srinagar. Working as an electronics engineer since then. Currently employed as a principal design engineer in Urjita Electronics, a subsidiary of Mini-Circuits NY, USA.

Training on Sastram:

  • Yajur veda adhyayanam under Brahmasri Ganesha Dikshitar- Chennai
  • Advaita vedanta, Mimamsa, basics of Nyaya and vyaakarana from (late) Br. Sri. Goda Venkateswara Sastri, Chennai.
  • Studied Prasthana trayam and several other advanced vedanta texts in traditional manner under Sri Sastrigal for 25+ years. Was instructed in Kashmira Saiva philosophy and Srividya agama.
  • Regularly participate in several vaakyaartha sabhas conducted by Kanchi Shankara mutt and other institutions.
  • Regularly participate in Dvaita-Advaita vichaara sabhaa
  • Annually conduct Vidwat sabha with other disciples of Sri.Sastri on the occasion of Paramaguru's birth anniversary
  • Contributed towards Sri. Sastri's translation and commentary works
  • Conducted workshop on Chandogya Bhashyam, Sanat Sujaatiyam and other vedanta texts
  • Continuing Mimamsa and Nyaya studies under U. Ve. Sri. Devanathacharya of Kendriya Vidyapeeth, Tirupati.
  • Continuing Vyaakarana adhyayanam under Brahmasri Dattatreya Murti of Kanchi Chandrashekarendra Vishwavidyalaya
  • Studying advanced Advaita texts under Brahmasri Mani Dravid Sastri, Sanskrit college, Chennai.

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Prof Arvind Sharma

Birks Professor of Comparative Religion at McGill University in Montréal, Canada

Prof. Arvind Sharma, formerly of the I.A.S., is currently the Birks Professor of Comparative Religion at McGill University in Montréal, Canada, where he has taught for the past thirty years. He had published extensively in the fields of comparative religion and Indian religions, as well as several books on Advaita Vedanta.

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Prof Vishwa Adluri

Professor in the Philosophy Department at Hunter College, New York

Vishwa P. Adluri is a Professor in the Philosophy Department at Hunter College, New York, and the author of over a dozen articles and essays on the Mahābhārata. His work mainly focuses on the reception of ancient thought—both Greek and Indian—in modernity. He is the author of Parmenides, Plato and Mortal Philosophy: Return from Transcendence (Bloomsbury), The Nay Science: A History of German Indology (OUP) and Philology and Criticism: A Guide to Mahābhārata Textual Criticism (Anthem) and has edited numerous volumes on the Mahābhārata, including Argument and Design: The Unity of the Mahābhārata (Brill). Vishwa has a PhD in Philosophy from the New School for Social Research, New York, a PhD in Indology from Philipps University, Marburg, and a PhD in Sanskrit from Deccan College, Pune. Prof. Adluri’s papers on the Mahābhārata are available here: https://hunter-cuny.academia.edu/VishwaAdluri

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Dr. Joydeep Bagchee

Core Doctoral Faculty at the Hindu University of America

Prof. Joydeep Bagchee is Prof. Adluri’s student and a Berlin-based researcher and intellectual historian. He has a PhD from the New School for Social Research, New York in Philosophy. He has studied Indian and Western philosophy and completed a PhD in German philosophy under Dr. Adluri’s guidance. He is a co-author of The Nay Science: A History of German Indology (OUP) and Philology and Criticism: A Guide to Mahābhārata Textual Criticism (Anthem). He has also co-edited the volume Argument and Design: The Unity of the Mahābhārata (Brill). Prof. Bagchee serves as core doctoral faculty at the Hindu University of America. Prof. Bagchee’s work may be downloaded here: https://independent.academia.edu/JoydeepBagchee

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Srinath Mohandas

Assistant Professor, School of Ethics Governance Culture and Social Systems (EGCS) of Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth

Srinath Mohandas is an Assistant Professor in Education at the School of Ethics Governance Culture and Social Systems (EGCS) of Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth. He teaches, writes, speaks and conduct workshops on themes related to Education and Indian Knowledge Systems. He is also a student of Advaita Vedanta. Srinath was introduced to Vedanta as a teenager through the writings of Swami Vivekananda and Swami Chinmayananda. Soon after, he started attending weekly Chinmaya Yuva Kendra (Chyk) study circles led by Acaryas including Swami Gabeerananda and Swami Mitrananda, which expounded the philosophy in a systematic manner. In a few years, he started leading many such study circles for youth and pre-teens, inspiring them to take up the study and practise.

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Karthik Sharma

Assistant Professor, School of Vedic Knowledge Systems

Karthik Sharma completed his traditional studies in Advaita Vedanta under Dr. K. S. Maheswaran Namboothiri’s guidance, completing all the 15 levels of exams followed by the Mahapareeksha in Advaita Vedanta at Kanchee Veda Vedanta Sastra Sabha, Tenali. Following this, he studied advanced Vedanta texts under Mahamahopadhyaya Dr. Mani Dravid Sastrigal. He also learned Tarka-Sastra in traditional style under Dr K. E. Devanathan. Karthik Sharma participates in traditional vakyartha sadas across India. Karthik Sharma was honoured with Golden Ring (Suvarnanguleeyakam) by Mahasannidhanam, Sringeri Mutt in the year 2019. He was also awarded with the title ‘Advaitavedantaratnam’ by Kanchi mutt and advaita-vedāntavidvanmaṇiḥ’ by Indic Academy.

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Swami Samarpananda

Monk/ Sannyasi, writer and teacher

Swami Samarpanananda is an author and a monk of the Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math. He came in contact with the monks of the Ramakrishna Order as a young student. Inspired by them, he joined the organization in 1980 at the age of twenty and became sannyasin (monk) at the age of thirty, as per the norm of the Ramakrishna Mission. Since his joining the order as a monk, he has worked at various centres of the Ramakrishna Mission, viz. Deoghar, Advaita Ashrama, Alo (Arunachal Pradesh), Narendrapur, Kanpur, Chapra (Bihar). He was Principal of Ramakrishna Mission Vidyapith, Deoghar, and was the head of Ramakrishna Mission, Chapra, Bihar. Presently he teaches ancient and modern scriptures at Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute. His work experience ranges from teaching to management through a lot of other responsibilities. He writes regularly for newspapers, journals and magazines like Prabuddha Bharata and Vedanta Kesari. He has been invited as guest lecturer at various institutions like IITs and IIMs. He is well known as an author and a speaker His first book, Tiya-A Parrot's Journey Home, was published in 2009. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam highly appreciated the book, and recommended it freely as one of the top five must-read books. It is a suggested read for English for Class XI-XII under CBSE Curriculum. (Circular No.03/2012, CBSE/ACAD/DIR (TRG)/2012 dated 11.04.2012). It is also available in Hindi, Bengali, Bhasa Indonesian and as an audiobook. The prime focus of his works is one's growth against all odds through struggle. At the beginning stage of his monastic life, he lived in Himalayas for many days.

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Subramanian Chidambaran

Director of Strategy for a leading MNC in India

Subramanian (commonly referred to as Subbu) hails from a family of Samavedic scholars in the Puthucode village of Palakkad district (Kerala). He is an electrical engineer by qualification and a postgraduate in management from IIM Lucknow. He has 13+ years of experience in management consulting & industry and is currently working as Director of Strategy for a leading MNC in India. He has published operations & strategy case studies/ articles in leading national and international management journals and delivered lectures at IIM Lucknow (Noida), IIM Indore and VJTI (Mumbai). He is an M.A. in Sanskrit (Specialization in Vedanta) and Diploma in Manuscriptology, both from the University of Mumbai where he has also been a visiting faculty of Vedanta, Itihasa, Puranas and Bhakti. He has formally studied Veda chanting for 8 years. He is currently pursuing his doctoral studies on ‘Indic perspectives for modern leadership’ from Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth. He has several papers and articles to his credit published in various national and international journals as well as presentations in various conferences & seminars. Subbu hails from a family of music connoisseurs on his maternal side. He was initiated into Carnatic music by his mother Mrs. Bhagyam (a trained Carnatic singer herself and direct cousin of Vidwan M.A. Kalyanakrishna Bhagavathar). He started his formal training at the age of 13 under Vidushi Smt. Vijaya Vishwanath until her demise in 2006. He then came under the tutelage of ‘Sangita Kala Acharya’ Vidushi Smt. Alamelu Mani under whom he has been learning for the past 15+ years. Both Smt. Vijaya and Alamelu Mani are among the senior most students and torchbearers of the Brindamma school. He has also learnt Tiruppugazh and Tevaram songs from Smt. Janaki Sundararajan and rare kritis of Mysore Sadasiva Rao, Veena Seshanna and Harikesanallur Muthaiah Bhagavathar from Vidushis T.S Satyavati and M.S Sheela. Subbu has been giving many lecture demonstrations and ‘Sangeeta Upanyasam’ (i.e. musical storytelling) combining his interests and skills of music and Indic knowledge. Subbu has also been hosting a channel on Youtube called ‘Subbu’s corner’ that comprises various kinds of sessions aimed at increasing awareness of our great Indic tradition and knowledge

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Shanthi Rammohan

Bharatanayam teacher

Post graduate in Commerce, a Bharatanayam teacher, took to the path of Vedanta in 2005 at Los Angles went on to Study 2-year Resident Vedanta Course at Chinmaya Sandeepany Mumbai (2011-13). Then posted for Seva at Chinmaya Mission (Alpharetta) 2013-14 and currently serving Chinmaya International Foundation since 2014. A sincere seeker took to Home study course administration at Chinmaya International Foundation, embarked on full time sadhana of sravana, manana and nidhidhyasana through svadhyaya and pravachana from 2016. This included conducting webinar courses on Sanskrit, foundation Vedanta, advanced Vedanta Bhagavad gita and Upanishads. Text based webinar conducted by Smt. Shanthi Rammohan are well received by student of various cultural background across the globe. A passion to communicate the highest knowledge in a simple and lucid manner covering complex Vedanta concepts are her strength.

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Nrithya Jagannathan

Director, KYM Institute of Yoga Studies, Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram

Nrithya Jagannathan is a senior yoga therapist from the Krishnamacharya tradition. With over 19 years of teaching experience, she is currently the Director of the KYM Institute of Yoga Studies, Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, Chennai India. This is the training and certification wing of the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram. She has traveled extensively around the world to teach Yoga and Vedic Chanting. Nrithya is a life member of the Indian Yoga Association and one of the experts on the Standing Academic Accreditation Committee of IYA. She is also one of the experts appointed to develop course content for Yoga Courses under the Healthcare Sector Skill Council of India. A classical bharathanatyam dancer and choreographer as well, Nrithya is passionate about Indian culture and yoga philosophy. She is also the Editor in Chief of Darsanam, the Quarterly Journal on Yoga and Yoga Cikitsa of the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram.

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Swami Swatmananda

Acharya, Chinmaya Mission

Swami Swatmananda is one of the most dynamic leaders of Chinmaya Mission. Currently posted at Chinmaya Mission-South Mumbai, he completed the Vedanta Course from Powai from 1998-2000 after his graduation in Commerce and software engineering. He has been serving in Chinmaya Mission Mumbai since 2000. He expounds the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta through talks on the Bhagavad Geeta, Upanishads and other texts of Vedanta & bhakti through camps, meditation retreats, interactive sessions and discussions for youth & adults. He has also taken the Youth Empowerment Programme(YEP) which is a value-based leadership programme for youth who want to serve the Nation & Culture, where the youth were trained for 3 months and the youth served the country for 9 months. He is also a playwrite and has written and directed two theatrical performances. “Adrshya – Quest for the Unseen” based on Saraswati Civilization & Developed India was written and directed by him in 2009. 9 shows of Adrshya have been performed by Chinmaya Yuva Kendra Mumbai in Mumbai, Pune, Allahabad and Chennai. “Just Like That”- A play based on the Bhagavad Geeta in the life of Anand-Family and how they discover harmony by applying the principles of Geeta was written and directed by him in 2015. 4 shows of the play have been performed in Mumbai, Chennai.

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Dr. Gauri Mahulikar

Academic Director of Chinmaya International Foundation, Ernakulam, Kerala, India

Dr. Gauri Mahulikar is Academic Director of Chinmaya International Foundation, Ernakulam, Kerala, India. She was previously Officiating Vice Chancellor, and Dean of faculty at Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth. She is also former Head of Sanskrit Department, Mumbai University and former Head of Gurudev Tagore Chair of Comparative Literature, Mumbai

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Swami Shuddhabodhananda

Vedanta Teacher

Swamiji has been teaching Vedanta in Mumbai for close to forty years & has published books in particular on 'BrahmasutraShankarabhashya', 'You Are Absolute Happiness' and 'Vedantic Ways to Samadhi' with translations to a number of Indian languages. He offers discourses in English, Hindi , Kannada & Marathi. More details can be accessed at rubhuvasishtha.wordpress.com Born in a highly religious family, Swami Shuddhabodhananda Saraswati had a spiritual bent of mind from his very childhood. He developed a keen interest in Vedanta and studied it from the age of 20 during his college days in 1961. He further underwent an intensive training course in Vedanta at the feet of his Gurus – Pujya Sri Swami Chinmayananda Saraswati and Pujya Sri Swami Dayananda Saraswati during 1976-78. Swamiji's research-oriented nature and mathematical bent of mind makes his teaching replete with in-depth analysis characterized by utmost simplicity and precision. He has taught most of the entire Prasthanatrayi and conducts annual Vedanta camps

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Swami Chidrupananda

Acharya of Chinmaya Mission Noida

Swami Chidrupananda ( वामी च प ू ान द) is presently working as the Acharya of Chinmaya Mission Noida. For more than 20 years he worked in different roles at the National Level in the Youth wing of Chinmaya Mission such as Secretary General and Director North Zone of All India Chinmaya Yuva Kendra. Chinmaya Yuva Kendra is the youth wing of Chinmaya Mission serving the youth all over India since its inception in the year 1975.

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Dr. Vinaychandra Banavathy

Director, Indica Yoga

Dr. Vinayachandra Banavathy, is the Director of Indica Yoga, a platform that offers authentic, immersive and transformative yoga experiences across the world. He holds a PhD on psychological insights in the Vedas from Pondicherry University, besides Masters’ in Sanskrit, English, Yogic Science and Applied Psychology. Vinayachandra is a dedicated teacher who travels across the world conducting courses, lectures and workshops on a unique blend of Yoga, Psychology and Sanskrit. He is a guest faculty/resource person at various Universities and Yoga Associations including Ghent University, Belgium; Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland; Vedanta Academy, Belgium; Irish Yoga Association, Ireland; Yoga Pramiti, Italy; School of Philosophy and Economic Science, Ireland; VYASA Singapore, etc. He has had the privilege of being a tutor at the European Union of Yoga Congress, Zinal, Switzerland for the years 2013, 2014 and was the Guest of Honour at the same event in the year 2017 along with Dr. Anuradha Choudry. His publications include a report on Standardization of Yoga Terminologies for WHO; a book co-edited with Dr. Anuradha Choudry titled ‘Perspectives on Indian Psychology’, published by Jain University Press, another book co-authored titled ‘Happiness: Indic Perspectives’, published by Development Foundation, besides a few articles, papers, booklets on Yoga, Indian Psychology, Culture and Spirituality. In addition to his academic interests, he is deeply passionate to work with children and youth and is involved with several cultural and service organizations in varied capacities.

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Swami Tattwamayananda

Minister- in -charge of the Vedanta Society of Northern California, San Francisco

Swami Tattwamayananda, currently the Minister- in -charge of the Vedanta Society of Northern California, San Francisco, served in various centers of the Ramakrishna Order in India as editor, publisher,and teacher of Sanskrit and Indian philosophy before coming to the United States in January, 2012. He had traditional training in Hindu scriptures, Sanskrit and Vedic literature from his early days. He served in various centers of the Ramakrishna Order in India as editor, publisher, and teacher of Sanskrit, Advaitic texts such as Sri Shankaracharya’s commentaries on the Prasthanatraya and Indian philosophy.

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Richard Miller

Clinical Psychologist, Author, Researcher, Yogic Scholar, and Spiritual Teacher

Richard C. Miller, PhD, is a clinical psychologist, author, researcher, yogic scholar, and spiritual teacher who, for the past 54 years has devoted his life to integrating western psychology and neuroscience with the ancient wisdom teachings of Yoga, Tantra, Advaita, Taoism, and Buddhism. Developer of the research-based program, iRest Yoga Nidra Meditation, Richard is the founder of iRest Institute, cofounder of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, and former president of the Institute for Spirituality and Psychology. He is author of over 50 articles, books, and recordings including Yoga Nidra, iRest Meditative Practice for Deep Relaxation and Healing, The iRest Program for Healing PTSD (New Harbinger) and iRest Meditation. Richard leads retreats and trainings internationally emphasizing enlightened living in daily life. www.irest.org.

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Swamini Satyavratananda

Disciple of H.H Swāmī Dayānanda Saraswatī and H.H Swāmī Paramārthananda Saraswatī

Swāminī Satyavratānandā Saraswatī is the disciple of H.H Swāmī Dayānanda Saraswatī and H.H Swāmī Paramārthananda Saraswatī. She has studied Vedānta under these traditional ācaryas for over 12 years. She has also studied Sanskṛt, Nyāya, Mīmāṃsā, Sānkhya and Yoga under vedic scholars. Swāminī, after her vedāntic studies, took up the teaching of Bhagavadgītā, Upaniṣads and Prakaraṇa-granthas in English and Telugu for the past 20 years in Chennai. She has been propagating the vedic knowledge by following the footsteps of her Gurus based on vedic tradition.Jnana Yagnas have been conducted by Parama Poojya Swamini at Nellore, Guntur and Chennai.

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Vijaya Jayaraman

Author, Motivational Speaker, and Online Writer

Vijaya Jayaraman is a published author, motivational speaker, and online writer. Professionally, she was Regional Transportation Manager in a Food Distribution company in Los Angeles, now retired from a professional environment and focusing on Vedantic studies & teachings. She has completed a course on World Religion and a course on Vedanta from Oxford University. Then she studied Basic Vedanta, Advanced Vedanta, Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads courses from Chinmaya International Foundation in Veliyanad, in the Ernakulam District of Kerala. She also attended classes under the guidance of Swami Ishwarananda of Chinmaya mission in Los Angeles and Acharya Mahadevji. Since 2017, she has had the opportunity to speak on Vedantic topics in Interfaith churches in the US and has been conducting Vedantic classes since 2018. Her first set of students were Americans from Virginia. She conducts Vedantic classes and spends at least 12-15 hours a day on Vedantic studies, full focus by Adi Sankara's writings. For her, this is the way of life, everything else is secondary.

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Prof. V Krishnamurthy

Former Professor of Mathematics and the Deputy Director of BITS Pilani

Prof.V. Krishnamurthy is a former professor of mathematics and the deputy director of BITS Pilani with over two decades of association with that great institution. Born in 1927 into the family of an erudite Vedic scholar, Shri. R. Visvanatha Shastrigal, he has been systematically trained and has drunk deep of the Vedic tradition and Shastras from boyhood. This shines also in the present offering. He has lectured widely to both domestic and foreign audiences on our ancient scriptures like the Upanishads, Valmiki Ramayana, Shrimad Bhagavatam and Bhagavad Gita. He is a voracious writer with more than a dozen books on mathematics, Hinduism and Advaita Philosophy, making their public bow. His latest publication among others is Thus Spake Krishna. In addition, he is a recipient of half a dozen awards and honours for his distinguished thoughts and contributions, the latest being a Grateful2 Gurus Award by the Indic Academy.

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Swami Advayananda

Member | Trustee, CVV Trust | President, Chinmaya International Foundation

Swami Advayananda, of the Chinmaya International Foundation (CIF), began his spiritual journey with the Chinmaya Mission at the young age of 18. Inspired by Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda, he joined Sandeepany Sadhanalaya* and was bestowed dīkṣā by Pujya Gurudev himself in 1992. He was initiated into the holy order of sannyāsa in 2003 by Pujya Guruji, Swami Tejomayananda, the Head of the Chinmaya Mission. While he served the Mission initially at their Centres at Kodaikanal and Trichy, Swami Advayananda took charge of Spiritual and Cultural Education at the Chinmaya International Residential School (CIRS), Coimbatore in 1996. After sculpting the lives of a generation of young adults, he became Acharya of the Sandeepany Vidyamandir** in 2000 and conducted the Vedanta Course in Tamil and English for young monks. Since 2003, at CIF, the Research Wing of the Global Chinmaya Mission, Swami Advayananda has overseen a significant expansion in the research publications and Home Study Courses of CIF. An accomplished teacher of Vedānta, with many Gītā and Upaniṣad JñānaYajñas to his credit, Swamiji has authored several books such as the Holy Gītā Ready Reference, a course in Advanced Vedānta, and research articles titled‘Vedanta Unveiled’, a series of articlesin Tapovan Prasad. He has also edited Vedāntic works in English and Sanskrit including the Foundation Vedānta Course, a course in Bhagavad-gītā, Īśvara-darśanam and Sūktisudhā. Swami Advayananda was part of the team that researched and coordinated the Upanishad Ganga (a Doordarshan teleserial) produced by Chinmaya Creations. He also served as Ācārya of the 15th Vedānta Course at Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, Mumbai. Most recently, Swamiji has overseen and co-redacted the publication of the 2-volume Brahmasūtra-catussūtrī-śāṅkarabhāṣyam, a profound and student-friendly English translation of the Ādi Śaṅkarācārya’s commentary on the Brahmasūtra with a detailed exposition that is extensively footnoted from 10 sub-commentaries. * Sandeepany Sadhanalaya is the premier Institute of Vedantic Learning of the Chinmaya Mission in Mumbai. ** Sandeepany Vidyamandir is the Gurukula of the Chinmaya Mission at Coimbatore.