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Year (May 2013-April 2014)::Year (May 2013-April 2014)

12-13 April 2014

AYOS ORGANISED

NATIONAL VEDIC CONFERENCE ON

"BRAHMANA LITERATURE"

     The Academy of Yoga and Oriental Studies, Bhubaneswar organized National Vedic Conference on “Brahmana Literature” in the SC ST RTI Campus, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar on 12th and 13th April 2014. The inaugural function started at 10.00 AM on 12th April in the Auditorium of the SC ST RTI with lighting of lamps and floral offering at the feet of Lord Jagannatha. Prof. Alekha Chandra Sadangi, former Vice Chancellor, Sri Jagannatha Sanskrit University, Puri, Prof. Nilakantha Pati, former Vice Chancellor, Sri Jagannatha Sanskrit University, Puri and Sri Akhila Bihari Ota, Director, SC ST RTI were the guests of the occasion. The inaugural session was presided over by Dr. Indulata Das, Director, Academy of Yoga and Oriental Studies. Sri Mihir Kumar Mishra delivered the welcome address and anchored the whole session.
In his speech Prof. Alekha Chandra Sadangi said Brahmanas are a significant part of the Vedas. These are mainly the ritualistic part of the same. But there are many other aspects of the Brahmanas. We get a social and cultural picture of the ancient India in the Brahmanas.
    Prof. Nilakantha Pati said Brahmana literature is very important. Brahmanas teach us the does and don’ts of life. Every Veda has its own Brahmanas. But the numbers vary from Veda to Veda. Brahmana Literature should not be confused with “Brahmana” caste he said.
    For two full days there were serious discussions about various aspects of the Brahmana Literature. Scholars from Viswa Bharati, Santiniketan, Andhra Pradesh, Agartala and various other parts of the country and of the state participated in the Conference. Deliberations were focused on topics like “Swadhyaya in Brahamana Literature”, “ Significance of Various Legends and Myths in the Brahamanas”, “Nature and Science of Brahmana Literature”, “Encyclopaedic Nature of the Brahamanas”, “The Concept of Samvatsara in Brahamanas”, “ Importance of Rigvedic Brahamanas: A Study”, “Aswini Kumars and the Brahamanas” “Musicology in the Brahamanas” etc. In addition to the scholars who presented their papers many eminent citizens and lovers of culture from various parts of the country were present throughout the seminar to take part in the deliberations.
       The valedictory session was observed on 13th April at 4.00 PM. Renowned scholar Prof. Brajakishor Swain, Dharma Sastra Vibhaga, Sri Jagannatha Sanskrit University and former Head of the Department, Sanskrit, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar were the guests of the occasion. The meeting was presided over by eminent Sanskrti scholar and Retd. IAS Officer Sri S. Sundar Rajan. Sri Mihir Kumar Mishra anchored the session. The meeting ended with Vedic Santi Patha.

Date 8.3.2014

AYOS organised Monthly (Second Saturday)lecture on

“Universal Appeal of Ramayana”
Also
Felicitates noted painter and writer Prafulla Mohanti

           The Academy of Yoga and Oriental Studies organized lecture on ‘Universal Appeal of Ramayana’ on 8.3.2014 in the Conference Hall of SC ST RTI, CRP With floral offerings on the portraits of Goddess Saraswati and chanting of Mangala Charana by Pandit Dhupal Sharma the guests occupied their chair in the dais. It was a unique session as AYOS felicitated the noted writer and artist Prafulla Mohanti for his contribution to the field of Art, Culture and Literature. Sri Mohanty heartily reciprocated after being felicitated by Sri Sanjib Chandra Hota the chief Guest. Mr. Mohanti talked of his inspiration, his life and made an appeal to protect the sanctity of Indian villages from being tarnished and devastated. Shri Sundarajan presided over the session and Shri Mihir Kumar Mishra coordinated the entire programme with introductory address and vote of thanks. Many members from the impressive gathering participated in the question answer session. Dr. Indulata Das, Director, AYOS placed her views candidly on Ramayana the great epic from the dais. Shri Sundarajan in his Presidential address threw some insight in the popular notions associated with Valmiki Ramayan. As brief note on the speech delivered by Shri Sanjib Chandra Hota follows;
He delivered his lecture on Universal Appeal of the Ramayan. Dr. Taradutta, Shri Sugyan Choudhury from the pioneer and former principal of Maharshi College Mr. Bijaya Kumar Swain participated in the discussion and Shri Sanjib Hota answered all question diligently and convincingly to persons have present among the audience.
Speech by Shri Sanjib Hota
            Ramayan composition was inspired by the lovemaking cranes and of which one was shot-dead. Ramayan is written in Anustup Chhanda and controversy arises with regard to the Kandas.
Universal appeal
            The vast nature and its manifold manifestation inspired Valmiki to write the Ramayana so it transcends time and space. It is an immortal creation inspired by an inner urge with advent love for expression on poetic terms. Shri Hota referred to Bala Kanda and highlighted the commitment that Dasarath and Shri Rama Chandra had. A promise is a sanctified statement which led Ramachandra to honour the commitment of sovereign King. It is the universal appeal that we find in Ramayana. Maharshi Viswamitra took Rama and his brothers and wanted them to choose a rough and uneven road. Rama preferred the path full of hurdles. Life itself is full of hurdles and choosing hurdles should be the basic principle of life that Ramayana teaches. There is difference between arrogance and self pride. Shri Hota referred to Parsuram who later became victim of pride and arrogance. He had vanquished the arrogance of Kshatriyas. Love of people living in jungle has been depicted in the story of Guhak a Nisada king. Bondage with the tribals by a king is the essence of greatness that goes beyond material allurements. The golden deer that enchanted Sita is another episode of allurements and sheer greed. The Laxman Rekhas are barriers and these barriers are there for every one in every age. Beyond some limit disaster follows. He refers to biodiversity and environmental sustainability and these are found in Ramayana in Chitrakuta. All types of birds and animal having interaction with human beings is seen and it reflects a collective synthesis on environmental sustainability and the principle of co-existence. The squirrel coexists with the mighty Hnuman in building the Setu Bandha. Arrogance dominated the wisdom in case of Ravana while Vibhisana was quite different. One became vanquished and the other (Bibhisan) became the victor finally. It is the set of attitude that defines you and your fate. This appeal is universal. Characters are unreasonably maligned in Ramayana for three reasons: (1) Killing Bali for no fault, (2) Punishment awarded to Sita finally to go into earth, (3) Killing of Sambhuka.
            Mr.Hota refuted all these allegations with valid arguments and established that Ramayan is the greatest of epics. Rama did those things to establish Grahyastha Dharma, safeguarded the trust of people which is vital in democracy in asking Sita to test her chastity. The case of killing of Sambuka is for establishing order. Hence Ramayana has a Universal appeal.

Date 8.2.2014

Monthly (Second Saturday) Lecture on

“SAMUDRA MANTHAN: A DISCUSSION”

       The Academy of Yoga and Oriental Studies organized a lecture on “Samudra Manthan: A Discussion” on 8.2.2014 in the Conference Hall of SC ST RTI, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Sri Arun Upadhyaya, renowned scholar and writer was the speaker in the occasion and the meeting was presided over by Sri S.Sundar Rajan.
The programme started with offering of flower at the feet of goddess Saraswati with simultaneous Mangalacharana. Sri Mihir Kr. Mishra, member, AYOS delivered the welcome speech.
          Sri Upadhyaya said Samudra Manthan or the churning of the ocean is a great event described in various Indian literature. The story is that the gods and the demons together churned the milky ocean for their mutual benefit. The churning benefitted the world in various ways. In fact, the churning of the ocean is an allegory of what exactly happened. In fact mining and irrigation was done jointly by the inhabitants of various parts of the country. It benefitted the country-men in various ways.
          A question-answer session followed the speech in which many scholars appreciated the novel interpretation of the story where as some put various questions pertaining to the topic which were clarified by the speaker.
In his presidential address Sri Sundar Rajan said the Samundra Manthan is a great Puranic event described in almost all Indian literary works. Such interpretations are always welcomed. But the enquiries of scholars have to be replied to their satisfaction.
          Sri Mihir Kumar Mishra expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Academy. The meeting ended with Vedic Santipatha.

Date 26.1.2014

AYOS organised Open Seminar on

"Homosexuality" and "Live-in Relationship"

          The Academy of Yoga and Oriental Studies organized a day-long open seminar on “Protection of Indian Culture from Perversion” the Conference Hall, SC ST RTI, CRP Square. The discussion was focused on two current topics viz. “Homosexuality” and “Live-in Relation”. The seminar was inaugurated at 10.00 AM by the chief guest Sri Sanjib Chandra Hota, Retd. IAS. Prof. Alekh Chandra Sadangi, former Vice-Chancellor, Sri Jagannath Sanskrit University, Puri was the guest of honour. The meeting was presided over by Dr. Indulata Das, Director, AYOS.
          The programme started with lighting of lamps and offering of flowers to goddess Saraswati by the guests which was followed by Vedic Mangalacharana. Dr. Indulata Das delivered the preliminary speech and spoke about the purpose of the seminar. India has a rich and healthy tradition of marriage, she said. Unnatural relations like homosexuality and unsocial relations like staying together without marriage would ruin our society. It is our moral and social duty to speak against such social and moral ills.
          Prof. A.C.Sadangi said a society survives on some moral values. There are some provisions of the society which may be temporary and can change with the time. But there are some eternal principles from which no deviation is desirable. Deviations from such principles would result in havoc. Sri Sanjib Chandra Hota said marriage is one of the strongest institutions of our society. All the relations like father, mother, brother, sister, uncle, grandfather etc. are determined because of the family system. When people live together without marriage there will be no family and there will be no relation at all. Human beings will live like animals in the forest.
          There were many sessions and many speakers discussed about the topics. Prof. A.K. Mohanty said there is a difference between what is desired by a person and what is desirable for him. Human being is different from an animal in the sense that an animal is not capable of going against the nature where as a human can do so. This psyche development is a double edged sword for man. A man can become a god by using it or become a demon by using the same. Prof. Madhab Chandra Panda, Sri Jagannatha Sanskrit University, Puri said our Dharmasastras are the torch bearers of our society. India has a strong, moral and healthy society because it is protected by the rules of our Dharmasastras. When we go against the rules of Dharmasastras the society is destined to perish. Dr. Harmohan Mishra, former HOD, Sailabala Women’s College said such matters are beyond the purview of law and constitution. A matter of moral, social and spiritual importance cannot determined by a judgment of the court or by a law passed in the Parliament. Dr. Indulata Das said living together without marriage will increase the exploitations against women. Marriage is a big shield of protection for women. By the institution of marriage they are tied with many bondages which save her from being used and thrown by a man.
          Scholars from various quarters of the society participated in the seminar and expressed their views. The programme ended at 5.00 PM with Vedic Santipatha.

Date 12.1.2014

Ayos observed

Vivekananda Jayanti

organises

one- day seminar on "Swami Vivekananda"

The Academy of Yoga and Oriental Studies organized a day- long seminar on Swami Vivekananda on 12.1.2014 in its own Extension Building A/52 Rameswara Patna, Ratha Road, Near Mausima Square, Bhubaneswar. The meeting started at 10.00 AM with floral offering to Lord Jagannatha and Swamij Vivekanda with simultaneous chanting of Vedic Mangalacharana. The meeting was presided over by Dr. Indulata Das, Director, AYOS. Prof. V.B.Sastri, retd. Principal, Radhanath Training College, Cuttack was the chief guest of the occasion where as Prof. Bharati Mahapatra retd. PrincipalNalini Devi College, Bhubaneswar was the guest of honour in the same.
Dr. Indulata Das delivered a long speech on Swami Vivekananda covering all aspects of his life, his philosophy and his great works. Prof. Sastri called Vivekananda the incarnation of Sankarachary who had descended on the earth to finish the former’s unfinished work. Prof. Bharati Mahapatra highlighted the views of Swamiji on “Women of India”.
Many other speakers who spoke on various aspects of Swamiji’s personality and philosophy. The students of Academy of Yoga and Oriental Studies participated in the seminar whole-heartedly. The seminar ended with Vedic Santipatha.

Date 11.1.2014

AYOS ORGANIZED

Monthly (Second Saturday) Lecture on

“KAMASUTRA OF VATSYAYANA”

         The Academy of Yoga and Oriental Studies organized lecture on “Kamasutra of Vatsyayana” on 11.1.2014 in the Conference Hall of SC ST RTI, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar. The speech was delivered by Prof. V.B.Sastri, Retd. Principal, Radhanath Training College, Cuttack. The meeting was presided over by Dr. Indulata Das, Director, AYOS.
          The programme started with Vedic Mangalacharana and offering of flowers at the feet of goddess Saraswati. Sri Mihir Kumar Mishra, member of AYOS welcomed the audience , the speaker and the chairman.
          Prof. Sastri, in his speech said Indian tradition believes in four Purusarthas viz. Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksa. Kama is the desire of human being which has to be fulfilled within the boundary of morality and social sanction. Kamasutra is a great work authored by Vatsyayana, who was a sage. It describes healthy sex practices and denounces unhealthy and immoral sexual behavior. Varieties of sex practices belonging to various parts of India are well knitted in the work, he added.
          There was a question-answer session after the speech in which many scholars participated.
          In her presidential address, Dr. Indulata Das said all our desires should be backed by morality. Sex, devoid of morality is fatal and even criminal. A healthy society is not possible if the sexual practices in the society are not healthy.
          Sri Mihir Kumar Mishra, on behalf of AYOS expressed gratitude to the gathering. The meeting ended with Vedic Santipatha.

Date 14.12.2013

AYOS ORGANIZED

Monthly (Second Saturday) Lecture

"Odishi India, the Erstwhile Centre of Mankind"

     The Academy of Yoga and Oriental Studies organized lecture on “Odishi India, the Erstwhile Centre of Mankind” in the Conference Hall of SC ST RTI, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar on 14th Dec. 2013 at 6.00 PM. The speaker of the occasion was Sri Bhanu Padmo, famous social worker and orator.
The programme started with lighting of lamps, offering of flowers to goddess Saraswati and chanting of Veda Mantras. The meeting was presided over by Prof. V.B.Sastry, former Principal, Radhanath Training College, Cuttack. Dr. Indulata Das, Director, Academy of Yoga and Oriental Studies welcomed the guests.
In his speech Sri Bhanu Padmo said what we are reading as history is not the true one but the interpretation of the westerners. Puranas have remarkable evidences which may change the present history of India in totality. For example there is the mention of two Gangas in the Puranas viz. the Gautami Ganga and the Bhagirathi Ganga. The Bhagirathi Ganga is also known as Brahmi Ganga. In fact the Brahmani river in Odisha is Brahmi Ganga. Mahanadi is the Bhagirathi Ganga. The Himalaya depicted in the Puranas indicates to the mountains of Odisha not to the mountain now marked as Himalaya. In ancient India there were three powerful nations viz. Magadha, Kalinga and Kosala. There are hundreds of evidences to show that Odisha was the real Aryavarta and the residents of Odisha were the real Aryas.
The discussion was followed by a question answer session in which many matters were discussed. Many scholars present in the meeting like Sri Sugyan Chaudury, Swami Mahamedhanathananda Saraswati, Prof. V.B.Sastri, Dr. Trinath Hota, Smt. Jayashri Routray ventilated their views by corroborating or contradicting the speech.
          In his speech the president of the session Prof. V.B.Sastri said the speech may be called easternisation of Indian history. Of course Odisha has not got the proper place in history as it deserves. But culture is not to quarrel, he said.
          Dr. Indulata Das proposed vote of thanks. The meeting ended with Santipatha by Dr. Trinath Hota.

Date 9.11.2013

Monthly (Second Saturday) Lecture

"DHANVANTARI: THE FOUNDER OF INDIAN MEDICAL SYSTEM"

The Academy of Yoga and Oriental Studies organized lecture on “Dhanvantari: the Founder of Indian Medical System” on 9.11.2013 in the Conference Hall of SC ST RTI, at 6.00 PM. Dr. Indulata Das, Director, Academy of Yoga and Oriental Studies was the speaker of the day. The programme started with offering of flowers to Goddess Saraswati and chanting of Mangalacharana. The meeting was presided over by Sri Mahamedhananda Natha Saraswati. Sri Mihir Kumar Mishra delivered the welcome speech.
In her speech Dr Das said India is the land where even gods are tempted to take a human birth. Numerous great personalities were born in this country. Almost all branches of knowledge came to light in India. When the world was in the darkness of savagery India had a highly developed civilization. So it would have been natural that in the history of any branch of knowledge the name of India would have come first. But what is happening in reality is very shocking. We Indians start reading every branch of knowledge with some foreigner’s name as the founder.
Medical Science is one such branch of knowledge. The Indian Medical System, meaningfully known as Ayurveda or the knowledge of longevity is the oldest system of the world. Dhanvantari, the king of Kashi, the human incarnation of god Dhanvantari is revered as the founder of it. The division of Ayurveda into eight branches is also attributed to him. Divodasa Dhanvantari, the great grandson of the first Dhanvantari is respected as the greatest propounder of surgery. India is the country where plastic surgery (like restoration of severed body parts) was being practiced as a very common treatment. In the year 1772 it was observed by a British doctor who published the fact in the “Madras Gadget”. The same was published in the “Gentlemen’s Magazine” later. The Britishs came to India to study the fact and took 20 long years to learn it. Later on in 1815 the first plastic surgery was done in England. But nowhere in the history of surgery the name of India gets a place it deserves. Even Indians do not know that the concept of plastic surgery went to the west from India. Slavery of one thousand years has killed our self assertion. We are eclipsed by an unfathomable sense of inferiority complex, she added.
The time has come when we must bring the great contributions of our forefathers to light which the world deserves to know.
There was a question-answer session after the lecture in which many scholars participated and expressed their valuable views.
In his presidential address Sri Mahamedhananda Nath Saraswati said there are many other great personalities who have made remarkable contributions to the field of Indian Medical Science. We must also make serious studies about them.
The programme ended with Vedic Santipatha.

Date 17.10.2013

AYOS organised Monthly (Second Saturday) Lecture on

"Chandi Saptasati and its Message"

The Academy of Yoga and Oriental Studies organized lecture on “Chandi Saptasati and its Message” in the Conference Hall of SC ST RTI, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar at 6.00 PM on 17.10.2013. Sri Rajkishor Mishra, former Secy, Odisha Sahitya Academy was the speaker of the topic. The meeting was presided over by great Sanskrit scholar Sri S.Sundar Rajan, IAS (Retd.).
The programme started with floral offering to goddess Saraswati and Vedic Mangalacharana. Sri Mihir Kumar Mishra delivered the welcome speech.
In his speech Sri Mishra said Chandi Saptasati is not an independent work. Thirteen chapters of Markandeya Purana (from 81 to 93) are known as “Chandi Saptasati”. The word “Saptasati” means “seven hundred” which suggests that there should have been seven hundred verses in “Chandi Saptasati”. But it is not so. There are 537 full verses (four line verses), 66 three line verse, 38 one line verses, 57 “Uvachas” and 2 repetitions. All these constitute 700 in total.
The thirteen chapters are divided into 3 anecdotes namely the “Prathama Charita”, “Madhyama Charita” and the “Uttama Charita”. The first Charita refers to the Swayambhuva Manvantara. Brahma, while designing the creation was attacked by two demons viz. Madhu and Katibha. For help he went to Narayana but found him in deep sleep. Bhrahma prayed the Adisakti to remain away from his eye-lids to wake him up. Narayana woke up and fought with the demons for five thousand years and finally killed them. Thus the divine force destroyed the evil.
In “Madhyama Charita” there is another fight between the divine force and the evil force. Mahisasura, the great demon dispossessed the gods from the heaven and the gods failed to resists him. So they created the warrior goddess Durga by contributing their powers. Durga fought with the demon for one hundred years and ultimately killed him. Whereas Narayana took five thousand years to kill the two demons, the woman power could kill the demon in just one hundred years.
In the “Uttama Charita” there is the emergence of goddess Saraswati (different from the goddess of learning). There are many evil characters in the “Uttama Charita” like Sumbha, Nisumbha and Raktabija etc. There is the description of 23 forms of the goddess. There is the description of the goddess Chamunda, who was so known because she killed the demons Chanda and Munda. There is the introduction of goddess Kali who is described to have emerged from the eyebrows of goddess Saraswati . Kali is so called because she controls the time. There is the description of 7 Matrikas who are the energy forces of seven gods.
In the Chandi Saptasati there are four important Stutis viz. Devi Stuti, Sakradi Stuti, Aparajita Stuti and Narayani Stuti.
Demons represent the evil forces which are present in every age and cannot be ignored. Chandi Saptasati is the message of optimism that these evil forces are always encountered and eradicated by the divine forces.
The “Chandi Saptasati” glorifies the Sakti, the dynamic and maternal power. It represents empowerment of woman and is a testimony to what a height a woman can rise.
Now a days there are several “Manavasuras” committing crimes against the society, against the innocent and against women. May the Chandi emerge again to eradicate these destructive demons from the society, said the speaker.
The lecture was followed by a question answer session in which many scholars participated. Sri Sundar Rajan, the chairman said Chandi Saptasati is a sacred book like the Gita and Bhagavata. It should be thoroughly and repeatedly studied with seriousness.
The meeting ended with expression of gratitude by Sri Mihir Kr. Mishra and Vedic Santipatha by Dr. Trinath Hota.

Date 14.9.2013

Monthly (Second Saturday) Lecture on

“MANU AND MANAVA DHARMA SASTRA”

The Academy of Yoga and Oriental Studies organized lecture on “Manu and Manava Dharma Sastra” in the Conference Hall of S.C. S.T. R.T.I, Bhubaneswar on 14th Sept. 2013 at 6.00 PM. Prof. V.B.Sastri, Former Principal, Radhanath Training College, Cuttack was the speaker of the occasion. The meeting was presided over by Swami Mahamdhananda Nath Saraswati.

The programme started with offering of flowers to Goddess Saraswati and Mangalacharana chanted by Dr. Trinath Hota. Sri Mihir Kumar Mishra delivered the welcome address.

Prof. V.B.Sastri, in his lecture said Manu is accepted as the son of Brahma and the father of mankind. Although much mythology has accumulated around Manu, he must be a living legal luminary of times gone. Manu Smriti is held in great respect. A Smriti, opposed to Manu is not approved in our social or legal tradition. Division of the society into four classes (Varnas) and division of human life into four Ashramas are the great contributions of Manu. In fact the four classes- Brahmana (intellectual), Ksatritya (fighter/ruler), Vaisya (businessmen) and Sudra (manual labourer) are always present in every society. No society can survive without any of these classes. The division of human life into four Ashramas is also equally important. One has to acquire knowledge in the first part of his life, discharge his social and filial duties as a house holder in the second part i.e in his youth, enter a life of detachment in the third stage and should be absolutely desireless and lead a life of Sannyasi in the fourth stage till death.

About women Manu views that women should be honoured and adorned; gods are pleased where women are respected. According to Manu one should have utter respect for the ruler. A king is god in the human form. The highest duty of a king is to protect his subjects and defend his kingdom. He has to protect the innocent from the rogues by awarding punishment to the guilty. Punishment keeps the society in order.

After the lecture there was a question-answer session in which many scholars participated. Dr. Indulata Das, expressing her view, said “Women are eternally indebted to Maharsi Manu because he has secured our lives from birth to death. He has ensured our food, clothing shelter and physical protection for all time to come. It is the greatest misfortune that this great benefactor of women is widely misinterpreted and misunderstood. Of course people who have a thorough study of the Manu Smriti and a deep knowledge of other Smritis understand the real spirit of the dictums of Manu”.

In his speech the chairman Sri Mahamedhananda Nath Saraswati said Manu Smriti is the greatest book of law. The laws of Manu are universal and have a permanent appeal cutting across time and space. Indian society is greatly indebted to Manu.

Sri Mihir Kumar Mishra expressed gratitude to the speaker on behalf of the AYOS. The programme ended with Santipatha by Dr. Trinath Hota.

Date 9.9.2013

AYOS organised Ganesh Puja :

AYOS organised Ganesh Puja on 9.9.2013 with all religious ferver. The Puja was organised in the Academy office in 111, Nirmala Plaza-B, Forest Park, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. All the members of AYOS and the students of Yoga College worshipped the Lord with deep reverence.

Date 10.8.2013

Monthly (Second Saturday) Lecture on

“SCIENCE BEHIND YOGA”

The Academy of Yoga and Oriental Studies organized lecture on “Science behind Yoga” in the Conference Hall of S.C. S.T. R.T.I, Bhubaneswar on 10th Aug 2013 at 6.00 PM. Dr. Arpita, Associate Professor, S.C.B. Medical College, Cuttack was the speaker of the occasion.

The meeting was presided over by Dr. Indulata Das, Director, Academy of Yoga and Oriental Studies. The programme started with offering of flowers to Goddess Saraswati and Mangalacharana chanted by Dr. Narasimha Bharati. Sri Mihir Mishra delivered the welcome address.

Dr. Arpita in her lecture said human race can be divided into four categories viz. Yogi, Bhogi, Rogi and Drohi. He who takes food once is a Yogi. He who eats twice is a Bhogi. He who eats thrice is a Rogi. He who eats four times a day is a Drohi. Only a Yogi knows the importance of life and longevity. Yoga is a conscious evolution, she said. Yoga is not a nature but nurture, she added. Man is born with specific numbers of breaths. When it is exhausted he exhausts his longevity. So a person whose breathing rate is less lives longer. One can learn faithfulness from the dog and royalty from a lion, she said.

In her presidential address Dr. Indulata Das said Yamas are the “don’ts” for the Yogi where as the Niyamas are the “does” for him. In the beginning the Yogi has to restrain himself from certain things. This self-control is called Yama. These are five in number viz. Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy) and Aparigraha (non-hoarding). The Niyamas are culture of positive virtues. Niyamas are also five in number. These are Saucha (cleanliness of body and mind), Santosa (contentment), Tapas (penance) and Iswarapranidhana (surrender to Iswara). Yama and Niyama work as the ground for the higher steps of Yoga.

There was a question-answer session after the lecture. Sri S.Sundar Rajan, Prof. S. Sadangi, Sri Taradatt, Sri Sugyan Chaudhury and many others participated in the discussion and enriched it. Sri Mihir Kumar Mishra expressed gratitude to the speaker on behalf of the AYOS. The programme ended with Santipatha by Sri N. Bharati.

Date 21.7.2013

AYOS RELEASED BOOK “MAHARSI CHARAKA”

The Academy of Yoga and Oriental Studies, Bhubaneswar released book “Maharsi Charaka” on 21.7.2013 at 10.00 AM in the Conference Hall of SC ST RTI, Bhubaneswar. The book is a joint publication of Academy of Yoga and Oriental Studies and Central Council of Research in Ayurveda and Siddha, Dept. of AYUSH, Govt. of India. It is a compilation of 33 research articles and is edited by Dr. Indulata Das.
The book was released by the chief guest Sri S. Sundar Rajan former Member, Board of Revenue. Sri Sanjib Chandra Hot, Former State Election Commissioner and Sri Dhiren Kumar Pattnaik, Director, AYUSH, Odisha were the guests of honour.
            The function began with lighting of lamp and floral offering to Lord Patanjali who is traditionally identified as Charaka. Sri Lambodar Pattnaik recited the Vedic Mangalacharana. Sri Mihir Kumar Mishra delivered the welcome address. Dr. Indulata Das, Director of the Academy elaborated the motive of bringing out such a book.
            The chief guest and the guests of honour praised the endeavour of the Academy in promoting the culture of India. They also expressed their wish to see many more books being published by the Academy.
            The individual writers were introduced and copies of books were presented to them with honour. Sri Mihir Kumar Mishra expressed gratitude on behalf of AYOS and the function ended with Vedic Santipatha by Sri Lambodara Pattnaik.