An Anthology On Aspects of Indian Culture

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Publisher’s Note

It gives me great pleasure to write this note in connection with the publication of my revered father, Dr. V. Raghavan, consisting of his writings on different aspects of Indian Culture.

Dr. Raghavan was one of a rare blend of tradition and modernity. His writings reflect his deep committment to the propogation and protection of the noble treasures of Indian Heritage. Dr. Raghavan’s scholarship in the rich realms of Sanskrit language, expanded and extended into the multi- dimensional paths, that converge into the glorious heritage of India.

This present collection reveals, in essence, the multi- faceted approach of Dr. Raghavan, as a true and sincere torch- bearer of the best of our cultural values. This volume would certainly be of great interest to the young and the old, and to the lay and the learned alike.

From 1980, The Dr. V. Raghavan Centre for performing Arts (Regd), Chennai, has been engaged in bringing out his works. The world of scholarship knows the magnitude of his works, many of which remain to be published. On this auspicious occasion of Rama Navami, which happens to be Dr. Raghavan’s 23rd death anniversary, I wish to acknowledge my mother Smt. Sarada Raghavan, the author of the Trust, for her unfailing support, enthusiasm and encouragement in making every endeavour of the centre possible. My brothers Sri R. Kalidas, Dr. R. Charudattan and my sister Smt. Priyamvada have always stood by my efforts. To them I owe my gratitude.

Dr. C.S. Sundaram, Sastra Choodamani Professor, Madras Sanskrit College, and a long time associate of my father, has been kind enough to help me through the over-all supervision of the work and guide me at different stages of this publication. I owe my deep gratitude to him for his continued association with the works of Dr. Raghavan.

Sri Kannan of Kayveekay Letter Prints, Chennai, is to be acknowledged for printing the work in a fitting manner.

Foreword

I am thankful to Mrs. V. Raghavan and her daughter Mrs. Nandini Ramani, for according me the privilege of writing a Foreword to this posthumus collection of papers by the late Professor V. Raghavan. Professor Raghavan’s wide-ranging interests are known to all who have delved into his writings on Indian Culture and the varied aspects of Indology. This volume gives further testimony to his deep scholarship in respect of a variety of subjects and his zeal to restore faith in fundamental features of Indian thought and the Indian way of life.

This Anthology which commences with Mother worship comprises appropriately of a title on ‘Variety and Integration in the pattern of Indian Culture’ - a theme that has special relevance in the present day, when the tolerance which characterised the Indian approach to life is so sadly lacking. This theme is supported by another paper on ‘Religious Harmony’ which begins with an apt quotation form the Mahabharatha:

Dr Raghavan’s thoughts on ‘Gandhiji’s concept of Ramarajya’ and the ‘Traditional Roots of Some Leading Gandhian Ideas and Ideals’ are also significant in this context.

Other papers cover such interesting topics as Beauty, Cultural Films, The Creative Arts, The Lotus in India, Adult Education, and so forth. Both lay-people and scholars will find this publication of great interest and value.

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