A one-day online lecture series was organized by the Department of Sanskrit at Sona Devi University, Ghatsila, on April 25 at 3 PM. The theme of the lecture series was “Supreme Life Values Embedded in Indian Knowledge Tradition and the Vedas.” Dr. Shailesh Kumar Mishra shared his thoughts as the chief speaker.
In his address, Dr. Shailesh stated that in ancient India, students from various countries used to come to Indian universities to acquire knowledge. The purpose of the Indian knowledge tradition was not merely to gain information, but to learn the art of living. Here, the ultimate aim of life was the attainment of bliss (ānanda). He emphasized that life originates from bliss and ultimately merges into it.
Explaining the objective of education in the Indian knowledge system, Dr. Shailesh said that knowledge is not dependent on a degree; rather, we must protect and uphold life values. The Indian knowledge tradition is vast and ancient, preserved over centuries by the Sanskrit language. Through the Vedas, this knowledge tradition has been safeguarded. The Vedas were orally preserved for thousands of years through the recitation in Sanskrit.
Dr. Shailesh mentioned that to repay the debt of education received from a guru (teacher), a person could only achieve liberation by educating the next generation. Speaking on linguistic research, he said that modern thinkers are increasingly using Sanskrit as the foundation for their studies. Citing scholars like Pāṇini, Patañjali, Charaka, and Suśruta, he elaborated on the depth of the Indian knowledge tradition.
He also provided deep insights into the concept of the Muladhara Chakra and discussed various levels of speech. Linking the ancient contemplations of sages with modern linguistic thought, he explained that this knowledge originated from the Vedas. The oral tradition (śruti) kept the knowledge alive, which was later preserved in scripts like Brahmi, Kharosthi, and others.
Dr. Shailesh spoke about the science of sleep and wakefulness. Referring to the Suśruta Saṃhitā, he discussed various sleep states and connected them to the qualities of Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. By linking the findings of modern medical science with Indian traditions, he highlighted the significance of sleep in Indian medicinal practices.
He emphasized that without Sanskrit, there is no existence of Indian history. The history from Kalhaṇa’s Rājataraṅgiṇī to Bāṇabhaṭṭa and Emperor Harṣavardhana has been recorded in Sanskrit. Similarly, Indian political science, law, and economics — such as Kauṭilya’s Arthaśāstra — are written in Sanskrit.
Speaking on life philosophy, he said the Bhagavad Gītā is also composed in Sanskrit and teaches the art of life management. In the field of arts and literature, Bharata Muni’s Nāṭyaśāstra, which discusses all aspects of emotions and aesthetic expressions, is in Sanskrit. The richness of Indian literature stems from Sanskrit literature. Great epics like the Rāmāyaṇa and Mahābhārata were also composed in Sanskrit.
To understand the great values of life, knowledge of Sanskrit is essential. Dr. Shailesh stressed the need for welfare-oriented qualities that benefit humanity. He pointed out the richness of Sanskrit grammar, which has preserved the purity of the language without any change to this day.
He spoke about the crucial role of life values in shaping society, distinguishing humans from animals. He explained the significance of the Vedas, Brāhmaṇas, Āraṇyakas, Upaniṣads, and Purāṇas.
Dr. Shailesh emphasized that in the current times, it is necessary to reflect on humanity and life values. Life should be based on truth. The Vedic sages honored their deities by calling them embodiments of truth. He highlighted the importance of truth in human life.
Discussing non-violence, he said that the Vedas mention Ahimsa Paramo Dharmaḥ — non-violence is the highest duty. He also spoke about the importance of Yama, Niyama, Asana, and Pranayama. He highlighted the need for purity (śucitā) in life as mentioned in the Vedas. Explaining the balance between diet, sleep, and celibacy (brahmacarya), he said that imbalances are the root cause of many illnesses.
Emphasizing the vital role of education in human life, Dr. Shailesh said that one must never deviate from self-study (svādhyāya), as it refines one’s personality. The Vedas convey the message: “Sā vidyā yā vimuktaye” — true education is that which liberates.
He also mentioned that prayers for world peace have existed in the Vedas for thousands of years. Dr. Shailesh discussed numerous topics related to human values in the Indian knowledge tradition and highlighted their references in the Vedas for the benefit of all listeners.
The Registrar of Sona Devi University, Dr. Gulab Singh Azad, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing that listening to such discussions could go on endlessly. He emphasized that Sanskrit holds immense importance in all areas of life. The Vedas, Purāṇas, and Upaniṣads all emphasize the protection and promotion of human values. Life has no meaning without Yama and Niyama.
The program began with a Vedic invocation. Dr. Saikat Chakraborty, Head of the Sanskrit Department, and Dr. Sangeeta Chaudhary, Head of the Music Department, performed the traditional invocation. Dr. Kanchan Sinha, Head of the History Department, delivered the welcome speech, and Assistant Professor Kumari Nikita from the Sanskrit Department conducted the program.
