Bhagirathi Newsletter of The Center for Indic Studies at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Fall 2008

Upcoming Events 2009

Eighteenth International Congress of Vedanta July 16-19 Main auditorium, UMass Dartmouth

Bhagirathi Staff Editor Sukalyan Sengupta Assistant Editor Dr. William Hogan (far left) and Dr. Bal Ram Singh look on as Chancellor Jean F. MacCormack and Pandit Ramadheen Deepti Mehandru Ramsamooj, Director of Three Rs Foundation, finalize the foundation’s gift to the Center for Indic Studies. Photography D Confar UMass Dartmouth announces $1 million gift to “build a bridge to Indian culture and economy”

s the Indian community celebrated on during the celebration of Indian independence The editor August 15 India’s independence from which featured presentations by Indian apologizes for A British colonial rule, UMass Dartmouth students and a speech by Dr. Subramanian the delay of announced that the Three Rs Foundation had Swamy, visiting Harvard professor and this publication pledged $1 million to the university’s Center for president of Janata Party in India. Indic Studies to initiate an innovative and “Our university, our students, and our region educational pedagogy rooted in India’s Vedic are enriched by experiencing diverse cultures,’’ traditions. The donation will support the center’s Chancellor Jean F. MacCormack said. “The mission to connect the university, region, and history, art, music and religion of India hold Commonwealth to India’s growing economy and important lessons for all of us as we strive to world influence. be better citizens of our own community and The announcement was deliberately made (continued on page 2)

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$1 million gift (continued from pg 1) the world. On behalf of UMass Dartmouth, I thank the Malhtora said, “Today, the Three Rs Foundation is Three Rs Foundation for its exemplary generosity.” reviving that learning system from its source, and creating “We are excited to be part of this educational initiative a program which could be a breakthrough even beyond that will allow UMass Dartmouth students to learn about Lozanov’s. This deserves all our encouragement and India at a time when the information super highway and support.” global economy are creating important East-West Braham Aggarwal, general secretary of the Indic connections,’’ said Pandit Ramadheen Ramsamooj, director Governing Board, agreed: “This is a good beginning for the of Three Rs Foundation. “Among our highest priorities is to center.” develop innovative teaching strategies, rooted in Indian The center plans several major academic and scholarly culture.” initiatives in the coming years. In its meeting, Dr. William The Three Rs Foundation is the lead sponsor of the Super Hogan, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, suggested Accelerated Learning Theory (SALT), a school model that including graduate education as part of the Three Rs emphasizes whole brain education that integrates music, Foundation’s agenda in Indic Studies. He agreed with the suggestions, and childlike play to facilitate learning. board chairman’s suggestion to distinguish Indic Studies Preceding the announcement, the center’s Board of from South Asian Studies, the latter being adopted by many Governors unanimously approved the memorandum of US universities for a general area of study that impedes a understanding with the Foundation. Board Chairman Rajiv deeper understanding of Indic traditions and values. Malhotra said that the accelerated learning movements in “An endowment of this size to bridge ancient civilization the U.S. regard Georgi Lozanov, a Bulgarian educator and of India to the most modern civilization of United States neuroscientist, as their founding father. What is seldom through education is a most powerful statement to society,’’ considered is that Lozanov had studied traditional Vedic said Dr. Bal Ram Singh, director of the Center of Indic learning systems in India in the 1960s under UNESCO Studies. “I am thrilled at this opportunity and am looking programs, in order to determine how Vedic pandits were forward to facilitating the engagement of my colleagues in able to memorize and impeccably recite tens of thousands of this educational mission.”  verses.

UMass Dartmouth conference explores consciousness, mind, and time from various perspectives

n interdisciplinary group of scholars assembled at a Yogatmananda of the Vedanta Society of Providence. He UMass Dartmouth symposium, organized by the Center summarized the views of consciousness from a variety of A for Indic Studies, to exchange views on consciousness, disciplines (cosmology, mathematics, arts, social sciences, mind, and time. One continuing issue was the definition of physical and life sciences, aesthetics, etc.) and implored the consciousness itself. Views ranged from “any attempt to speakers to enter into a multilogue. define it would be limiting it,” to upanishadic sayings Professor R. P. Singh of Jawaharlal Nehru University, (satyam, jnanam, anantam or sat-chit-ananda), to India, outlined the ideas of various philosophical schools as “consciousness is the witness of intentionality,” to “even related to consciousness: dualists (Descartes, Kant, etc.), elementary particles such as photons, electrons, etc. display monists (Spinoza, Hegel, Shankara, etc.), and pluralists aspects of consciousness in a rudimentary way,” to “we can (Hume, Russell, Ayer, etc.). Dr. V. V. Raman, emeritus study neural correlates of consciousness to identify its professor, Rochester Institute of Technology, stressed the role presence.” of consciousness in this cosmos, saying “without Speakers also emphasized that one should explore efforts consciousness, the universe would be like a stage where there to qualify consciousness (individual, universal, material, is action, but in an empty auditorium.” non-empirical, etc.) for a better understanding of any Prof. Subhash Kak of Oklahoma State University attempt to create a grand theory. highlighted how an artist’s vision of transcendence and The introductory lecture was delivered by Swami freedom relates to a scientist’s fundamental principle of

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causality. Using examples, he demonstrated the intriguing presentation left a substantive impact. parallels between the insights of the early Vedic theory of Dr. Sengupta, the main organizer, noted enthusiastically consciousness and those of quantum mechanics and that the conference achieved its main objective—to neuroscience. facilitate an environment encouraging cross-fertilization Dr. Diane Powell, a practicing psychoanalyst, among many areas. “I am glad to see that all speakers summarized many case studies of anomalous experiences forcefully and convincingly presented their viewpoint, but (out of body experience, near death experience, telepathy, at the same time displayed an open-mindedness and respect psychokinesis, remote viewing, precognition, autistic savant for opinions that were varying or sometimes even contrary. syndrome, and mystical The entire gathering agreed that this subject area is such experiences) that defy the current model of understanding that any tangible progress in understanding these topics of consciousness and the brain. can be obtained only after each one of us is aware of Prof. Lothar Schafer of the University of Arkansas vigorous inquiry being conducted by serious scholars in presented many examples from quantum mechanics to fields other than ours.” convince the audience of a new way to understand “reality” Many speakers said they would revise their theses based and thus consciousness from a non-empirical framework. on the new insights gained from the audience and other Another major area of exploration was the concept of speakers. Many listeners said that while their previous time. Swami Tyagananda of the Vedanta Society of understanding of consciousness and mind was limited to Massachusetts presented the vedantic view of time and one framework, the conference convinced them to broaden space as they relate to levels of consciousness. their perspective to better grasp the subject matter. In a numerical model to measure consciousness as a Gary Sottile of Quincy said, “As Columbus set out to find function of time, Professors Bal Ram Singh and Sukalyan a passage to India, it seems as if India has set out to find a Sengupta, along with Rishi Bal Singh of Dartmouth High passage to me, and I have never been so close to India. And School, used the kinetic theory of gases to demonstrate how now, the work of the Center for Indic Studies has found me each individual can manipulate consciousness coefficient and I feel I am among friends.” and achieve mental time dilation. The Center for Indic Studies plans to compile the pro- Both audience and speakers represented a variety of ceedings of this conference into a book in the near future.  backgrounds, and the intense discussions after each

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Deepening the Hindu contribution to American religious life

he increasing visibility and impact of in the religious American life was the topic of a presentation by Prof. developments, there is T Francis X. Clooney, SJ., during the Patanjali Lecture danger of disorientation, Series, sponsored by the Center for Indic Studies. with a loss of direction The Roman Catholic priest, a member of the Society of and depth. So there is a Jesus, joined the Harvard Divinity School in 2005. He was need for some new previously professor of comparative theology at Boston thinking about our College, and earned his doctorate in South Asian languages religious possibilities, and civilizations from the University of Chicago. Dr. with more imaginative Clooney received his master’s in divinity degree from resources for Weston School of Theology and a bachelor’s degree from considering religion and Prof. Francis X. Clooney, SJ. Fordham University. theism today, and Dr. Clooney has written extensively on the Jesuit achieving a new and appropriate sense of tradition, missionary tradition, particularly in India, and is interested commitment, and religious practice for our time. There is a in the dynamics of dialogue in a postcolonial world. He is general need for a conversation on tradition and openness, on numerous editorial boards; was the first president of the and a commitment within pluralism--how to manage being International Society for Hindu-Christian Studies; and was American and religious, and with a particular interest in coordinator for interreligious dialogue for the Society of theistic commitments. Hinduism has much to offer to this Jesus from 1984 to 2004. conversation. We need the wisdom and intellectual acuity According to Clooney, Hinduism has in various ways of the Hindu traditions as we shape religious life and been part of American life for a century and more, but it is identity in the next several generations. only now that the growing Hindu population, the increasing As with any opening of new areas for reflection, number of temples and educational institutions, and the vulnerable to questioning, a Hindu community in America greater availability of Hindu wisdom and practice predict a that engages the intellectual life here more vigorously will larger Hindu influence in the United States. It is all the more have many challenges. The community’s self-conception is important then for Hindus in America to draw intelligently likely to change in this new intellectual climate. on classic texts, philosophies, devotions, and ways of life, to But the fruits of this effort are also potentially great for contribute to the building of American religious identity in both Hindus and all Americans. The Hindu community the 21st century. Among the points which Prof. Clooney can make a fuller contribution to American life for the sake made: of a richer intellectual life for all of us. It can model, for the The U.S. needs the wisdom of the Hindu community sake of Christians and others, an intelligent interreligious today. We are passing through a time of religious ferment, learning, and remind Americans, who pride ourselves on a and we need to reflect on the state of religion in America history of tolerance, of other time-honored ways of today, on where we are religiously. We are still strongly retaining personal and communal religious identity while religious, but our relationships to our religious traditions engaging pluralism properly. are changing. Some interesting features of the changing Dr. Clooney believes that, because the U.S. is still very religious scene include: declining institutional membership; Christian, Hinduism, with its rich theistic theological shifting loyalties; a preference for spirituality, not religion; traditions, has much to say to all Americans. If the patterns of crisis and renewal among Christians; the appropriate education takes place, and intellectual inquiry tendency of religious people in all traditions towards is pursued honestly, then this will add up to a more learned tolerance of others. exchange, made fresh in this American context, and In other words, America is religiously in transition. There resulting in a deepening of the spirituality of all of us. are many positive features about our current situation, but we seem also to be losing our grounding and our sense of Dr. Clooney online at: www.hds.harvard.edu/faculty/clooney.cfm traditional loyalties. Despite the exciting nature of some of

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World Association for Vedic Studies calls for empowering youth with Vedic ideas to provide global solutions

he seventh international At the Intergeneration Dialogue Excited with the participation of conference of WAVES, held at session, contemporary issues of young scholars, she said, “I am willing T the University of Central Hindus in America included the need to mentor them to become strong Florida, Orlando, called upon Hindu to establish one’s Hindu identity. scholars of Hindu philosophy.” youth to study the traditions of Vedic While defining Hindu identity, Aditi Banerjee, a young attorney in knowledge and apply those values to measures must be taken on dealing Manhattan, discussed the contents of provide comprehensive solutions to with those who do not understand or the book, , global problems. appreciate the world-view of dharma, highlighting several issues of bias in The conference was highlighted by the global, eternal ethic. academia such as Hinduphobic works the participation of Hindu youth in Issues such as inter-religious that resemble earlier American workshops jointly organized with the marriage and Hindu value were literature in depicting non-whites as Hindu American Foundation and Hindu discussed fiercely with many points dangerous savages needing to be Student Council. These well-attended and counterpoints. The interactive civilized by the West. Prof. Nathan sessions were the most lively of the sessions among youth and Hindu Katz of Florida International conference. Hindu youth, sitting on Vedic scholars reiterated the University referred to the historic panels at the plenary session, felt heard imperative of detailing and Hindu-Jewish Summit declaration of and empowered, as they considered disseminating sources of knowledge February 2008 by the Chief Rabbi of their heritage and its impact on their related to Hindu culture and heritage. Israel and Swamy Dayananda lives, as well as those of future Thus, younger generation Hindus Saraswati, founder of the Hindu generations. living in America and countries other Dharma Acharya Sabha. While the discussion was mostly for than India can benefit. Prof. Katz emphasized the need for Indian-American youth, students born Shobana Daniel, a local media diasporized religious communities, and raised in India pointed out that personality, said, “Being married to a both Hindus and Jews, to preserve issues are similar for them, due to a lack non-Hindu, I can say that it is not tradition while adapting to new of Vedic instruction in their educational easy when there is an attempt to circumstances. system. “We want to be listened to and convert you, or your in-laws think you Another aspect of Hindu portrayal heard by our parents so that together we are going to hell.” was presented by Dr. S. Kalyanaraman can incorporate our heritage in our Nikhil Joshi of HAF “enjoyed my who spoke on the ongoing attack on lives”, said Jaya Goswami, past president time at the conference,” and looked Hindu symbols: Sarasvati, Vedic of the university’s Hindu Student forward to future gatherings. language, and cultural traditions. Council chapter. Another major topic of discussion of Infinity Foun- “By being included in the WAVES included portrayal of Hinduism in the dation made a keynote presentation on Conference, we feel empowered,” said Western world. At the inauguration, how the study of India by Europeans Ruti Dwivedi, a junior at UCF. Professor Francis Clooney of Harvard was dominated by Germans, British Professor Madan Goel, general University presented a keynote address and French in the colonial era. secretary of WAVES and an organizer outlining a series of values, including Individual scholars came with positive of the youth session, said, “The the intellectual tradition of Hindus that as well as negative designs and attendance was great. . . . The dialogue can benefit the religious life in agendas, and different European was lively and intense between the America. national interests played a key role. youth and the senior generation.” Professor T.S. Rukmani, chair of Based on a combination of a Vajay Pallod, a young professional at Concordia University, thorough research in history, and the other organizer of the youth set the tone of the conference at the literature, and politics, and a brilliant session, felt satisfied with the delib- inaugural session by outlining what multivariate analysis, Malhotra has erations. “I am glad that the organizers Hinduism can offer for social and derived a new comprehensive theory gave plenty of time this year.” environmental issues facing the world. (continued on pg 6)

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(Vedic Studies continued from pg 5) the goal of a better understanding of Thakur, Dr. Shashi Tiwari, Dr. Lothar that many of the ills facing the Indian Hindu traditions and India. Schaefer, Dr. Shivamurthy sub-continent, including today’s At the conference, there were Shivacharya, and Jeffrey Armstrong. Dravidianism, the Sri Lankan civil plenary sessions and workshops on Young scholars included Dr. Kundan war, as well as US-based South Asian various topics. Yogi Amrit Desai Singh, Dr. Sunita Chandak, Dr. Sampada Studies, are the legacies of this presented a workshop on Amrit Yoga Savardekar, Dr. Falguni Zaveri, Kalyan colonial Indology. and demonstrated the effectiveness of Viswanathan, and others pursuing Dr. Subramanian Swamy expounded Yoga in experiencing the reality of Vedic Studies for their careers. in his valedictory address on the consciousness. WAVES President Dr. Surendra framework of Hindu religious thought “This was so effective that I could Dwivedi, said “Dharmo rakshati and philosophy that has evolved as experience how to feel no pain”, said rakshitah,” and was heartened by the Sanatana Dharma. He encouraged exuberant Koyel Ghosal, a student. new generation of scholars willing to scholars to continue scholarly A session on usimg Hindu mandirs promote these Vedic values. deliberations at forums like WAVES to to disseminate Vedic values was The University of Central Florida, advance intellectual approaches and chaired by Swamy Jyotirmayananda University of Louisiana, UMass recognize traditions. and Nachiketa Tiwari of Hindu Mandir Dartmouth, and Indian Council for Prominent community leaders such Executive Conference in USA, and was Cultural Relations sponsored the as Braham Aggarwal, Anil Deshpande, attended by local Hindu temple conference. The next WAVES and Subas Razdan actively committee members. conference will be held in Trinidad participated in the conference. In his The session highlighted the impor- and Tobago, August 6-8, 2010, in welcome address, Aggarwal, one of tance of networking among temples, coordination with the Saraswati the founders of the International resource material for and training of Mandiram Foundation and University Hindu University of America, lauded the Hindu priests, and youth education of West Indies. the local communities in which on the significance of symbols and Hindus were living in harmony. metaphors of a Hindu temple. For more information, please contact John Bersia, assistant to the Other prominent scholars at the Dr. Bal Ram Singh at 508.999.8588 or bsingh@ president of the University of Central conference included Professor Satya umassd.edu. Florida, announced formation of the Prakash Agarwal, Dr. Kosal Vepa, Dr. India Studies Program, started with Sannidhanam Sudarshan sharma, Dr. the support of Anil Deshpande, with Vinod Deshmukh, Er. Himendra

Ayurveda wellness workshop is a mixture of matter and energy, and this energy, along with the mind and soul, is of utmost importance. yurveda is an old medicinal practice from ancient Ayurveda emphasizes that elements in the universe are India encompassing an understanding of the human also present in man. The universe comprises the five A body and mind. A therapeutic system that uses herbs elements of earth, water, fire, air, and space, all of which in their natural state, Ayurveda has been beneficial to the are found in man also. According to Ayurveda, if one masses since ancient time. knows the composition of the body, and the relation of the The Ayurveda Wellness Workshop at UMass Dartmouth body to individual foods, no secrets remain. An Ayurvedic was conducted by Dr. Avinash Lele, BAMS, MASc, a skilled approach to medicinal herbs requires a thorough knowledge practitioner of Ayurvedic herbology and pharmacology and of various herbs as well as an understanding of various a specialist in Panchakarma and Rasayan. He operates a body types and the best match of herbs to a body type. school and clinic in Pune, India. Each being is different, and healing must be based on the In his full-day workshop, Lele shared his insights on the individual and not solely on the disease. Ayurveda respects human body, mind, and diet from the Ayurvedic the individual and provides medical care to the patient perspective. The functioning of the human body, rather according to the individual disease. than anatomy, is the focus of Ayurveda. The human body The approach calls for understanding body type and

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constitution by listening to patients in order to administer body and the life force, making control of the mind easier. the correct treatment. To bring about balance in the body, The mind has a dual nature. The first is the outward Ayurveda seeks to understand and treat the energies of construction of reality based on what the senses perceive, movement, metabolism, and lubrication. The body’s an outer world of enjoyment which becomes the basic constitution plays a large role in determining the health of purpose of life. The second is the inward state of mind or an individual. The human system is inter-related; in pure consciousness that is assumed to be real. We learn to understanding the relationship of the human senses to the perceive directly and comprehend objectively the nature of sense of the mind lies the solution to a problem. things. It is the inward state of mind that leads us back to The science of Ayurveda arouses curiosity. The mind is the cosmic principles, to our true self and spirit, where subtle and certain areas of the mind impact various body wisdom and enlightenment lie. Ayurveda is based on both parts. The relationship of the mind with the body is integral experience and theory. Although modern medicine is and both health and disease have their place in the body basically an empirical science, it clearly favors theory, and and mind. Mind is the prime matter or the structural thereby creates a greater distance between medicine and component of the universe. man. Ayurveda looks to tradition and the long-standing Ayurveda deals with cleansing the human body; in doing experience of many generations. Ayurveda teaches us all to so, we are respecting and understanding it. The essence of do the right thing at the right time. There is a right time to Ayurveda is the understanding of the human mind and the meditate, eat, exercise, and sleep. When we follow this channeling of thoughts towards the positive in order to natural cycle, we achieve the best in life.  become healthy. Ayurveda aims at harmonizing the human

Democracy and pluralism in India

he Center for Indic Studies’ Coast, with concurrent accreditation panel discussion on to Sierra Leone, Niger, and Guinea. T “Democracy and Pluralism in Prior to her New York assignment, she India” featured a presentation by was head of the Bangladesh, Sri Lanka Neelam Deo, Consul General of India and Myanmar Division in the Ministry and distinguished scholar. The panel of External Affairs, New Delhi, also included scholars Dr. Vanita dealing with India’s overall relations Shastri, president, Meru Education with these countries. Deo has also Foundation and Center for Indic worked in India’s Diplomatic Missions Studies adjunct faculty, and Dr. in Washington DC, Bangkok, and Michael Baum, chairman of the UMass Rome. Neelam Deo, Consul General of India Dartmouth Political Science India has been a home of Department. multiplicity over a long period of time. path for its citizens, one that is Deo became Consul General in the Diversity is almost a second nature of becoming a model for many other Consulate General of India, New York, India. Consequently, a democratic countries. in October, 2005. She has a master’s political structure suits India very India is a multi-religious, multi- degree in economics from the Delhi well. India has 18 official languages, linguistic, multi-ethnic country like School of Economics and taught at with hundreds of local dialects, the U.S. A unique culture, enriched by Kamala Nehru College, Delhi varying religious practices and new ideas and by new people, evolved University. ethnicities, a wide variety of in India. During European She is a career diplomat of the philosophical thoughts, and extensive colonization, racism was created with Indian Foreign Service with over three variations in food and dress. The the advent of the Britishers; although decades in the Indian Diplomatic pluralistic approach modern India they came in as traders, they still Corps, and has been India’s adopted after its independence in 1947 considered themselves rulers. ambassador to Denmark and Ivory has provided a stable yet progressive (continued on pg 8)

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Democracy (continued from pg 7) status for tribal communities in India. to the global economy. Today, India’s India’s constitution has been contribution is only 4.5 percent, but English has become a language of flexible in incorporating the different last year we saw a historic growth of discourse for communication. As a interests that stem from linguistic and 9.6 percent and hope to sustain our result of colonization, India’s poor ethnic variations. India was relative growth between 8 to 10 economy affected the textile industry reorganized on the basis of linguistic percent. That would enable India to and agriculture; social instutions like states as people have spoken different become almost equal to the U.S. gross caste and dowry were attacked and languages according to the region in domestic product by 2050. As a result destroyed. The religious differences which they live. This resulted in more of this high rate of growth, the escalated into conflict. states than the Indian union began number of poor people in India has Willingly or not, India was brought with. Similarly, the large state of fallen to just below 20 percent of the into more contemporary times with Assam was divided based on major population. the British entry and changes such as ethnic groups, and there are now How has India achieved this higher the introduction of rail. There was seven sister states. This is the way in growth trajectory? In the first 30 also intellectual ferment and the which the Indian constitution reflects years of independence, India has influx of new ideas. and incorporates the differing followed the policy of import We can see that the struggle for aspirations of multiplicity of identity substitution of self- sufficiency which Indian independence was led mostly that people of India have. actually served us quite well. We had by lawyers who were trained in It is in this plurality of India that no industry, no educational Britain. They were influenced by ideas the constitution is flexible and is institutions for higher learning, and of European enlightenment, completely original. India approached no larger class of industrialists. parliamentary democracy, the the question of religion using its From 1991, during an economic American constitution, French ideas, secular tradition, and the constitution crisis, we began to reduce the import and old socialist movements in calls for equal respect to all religions. tariffs, dispense with the licensing of Europe. But the guiding principle of It recognizes the importance of the industry, and extend deregulation India’s independence was the Eastern religion to one’s identity. India has to attract foreign investment and principle of ahimsa or non-violence. given birth to religions other than technology and strengthen best Inspired by Gandhi, non-violence was Hinduism, including Buddism, business practices. Thus, the growth accompanied by a commitment to Sikhism, Muslim (the send largest rate has been able to reach today’s ruth, justice and love, and the belief religion), Christianity, and more. level. It is also important, and reflects that “truth is love.” India chose to be a constitutional the democratic structure of Indian The Indian constitution started to democracy. We have regular elections society, that growth has been take shape after 1946. The Indian every five years to elect a parliament propelled more by domestic demand Constitution parallels that of the U.S., of the center and legislators for each than by direct foreign investment. reflecting a belief in the concept “We state, as well as elections for Its a model quite different from the people,” and in equality regardless municipalities. This enables (that of) other countries and countries of gender, ethnicity, language, and the individuals to express their concerns. in Asia. There is a 35 percent rate of social system of “caste.” The broadening of political savings and approximately 36 percent It is quite interesting to see India representation in India’s institutions rate of investment, and the largest continuing as a traditional, has occurred simultaneously with the segment of the impetus for growth in patriarchal society, which is provided devolution of powers to state India is the domestic demand. by the constitution. There has been governments, municipal bodies, and But what remains in question is who progressive legislation to effect the village governing councils. So the are the big players (and) entrepreneurs equality that our constitution number of actors or players in India’s in India. Foreign direct investment has promises to the different castes, to development story has been constantly not played a significant role in India women, (and) to other disadvantaged increasing. even though it is important. We groups of India. This includes Recalling 250 years, before the welcome it and we know the affirmative action for castes and colonization by Great Britain, to the importance of technology, knowhow, women, and has brought equality present, we see India has contributed and best business practices. Indian

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companies and corporations have taken over, and in the deregulation of the economy, have made the largest Satish Kumar presented contribution to our growth. a seminar entitled Soil, India has become a young country. soul, and society . He The young people are influenced by is shown (left) with Dr. global trends, want to succeed, and Bal Ram Singh, director believe in succeeding. Young Indians of the Center for Indic Studies at UMass (are) connecting to technology and Dartmouth. linking up through the Internet; telephone services are cheap and are linked up to the young people of the world. Time is not a linear concept rather a circular one. 

Soil, soul and society Abroad, given in November 2001. His countries (and) with human society autobiography, No Destination, and his but (also) peace with ourselves. If we he seminar “Soil, Soul, and three books--You Are, Therefore I cannot make peace within ourselves, Society,” presented by Satish Am—A Declaration of Dependence; The then how can we make peace with T Kumar, was a joint effort of Buddha and the Terrorist; and his others? UMass Dartmouth, The Center for Indic latest, Spiritual Compass--are A fundamental step in making Studies, Campus & Community published by Green Books. peace with ourselves is to understand Sustainability Office, and The Center The following is a synopsis of who we are. We must accept ourselves for Teaching Excellence. Kumar’s remarks. and pursue our path as it is given to When he was nine years old, Satish The French Revolution produced a us. The moment we realize that the Kumar renounced the world and joined famous slogan—“Liberté, Egalité, universe is inherent in us, then we can the wandering brotherhood of Jain Fraternité.” It was a great social see our connection to everything else monks. At 18, he left the monastic trinity. But it left out the natural in our environment. This total order and became a campaigner for world altogether. Also, it left out the interdependence comes through self- land reform, working to turn Gandhi’s spiritual and personal dimension. Then, realization of who we are and a vision of a peaceful world into reality. in the ‘60s and ‘70s, the New Age prerequisite for making peace with the Inspired by the example of Bertrand movement came up with another universe. Russell, he undertook an 8,000 mile slogan, a personal trinity: “Mind, Body, Human arrogance leads people to peace pilgrimage, walking from India Spirit.” This too was a great trinity. assume superiority over nature and to to America without any money, But, again, it left out the natural world exploit the environment. Today’s through deserts, mountains, storms, as well as the spiritual world. problems of global warming, climate and snow. In 1973, he settled in The need for a new trinity which change, resource depletion, pollution, England, and became the editor of integrates the personal, the social, and and population explosion are due to Resurgence magazine, a position he the natural arises. “Soil, Soul and disrespect and irreverence towards has held over 30 years. In 1991, he Society” could be that new, holistic nature. The soil, being the primary became the director of programs at trinity. In his lecture, Kumar elaborated source of our very existence, demands Schumacher College, a residential on the importance of these three of us a respectful and reverential international center for the study of dimensions for a sustainable future, a relationship for the hope of human ecological and spiritual values. In healthy planet, and a just society. survival. addition to two honorary doctorates Peace is more than an absence of Human consciousness needs to degrees, Satish Kumar is the recipient war, far more than a way of life undergo a change. Fear of disaster and of the Jamnalal Bajaj International among human beings. The making of the end of civilization is not conducive Award for Promoting Gandhian Values peace lies not only with neighboring (continued on page 10)

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Soil, soul, and society (continued from page 9) quantum gravitation. He completed explained gravitational waves and to environmental conservation. The his under-graduate education from the their role in astronomy. need for a different force and power is Indian Institute of Technology in He detailed the various the elevated power of love for the Kanpur, India, in 1995. He graduated observational projects that are related human heart, nature, life, humanity, a from Pennsylvania State University in to gravitational wave detection, i.e., love for everything. The moment we 2000 with a PhD in gravitational the National Science Foundation’s develop this sense of love, reverence physics and joined the faculty of Long LIGO project and NASA’s LISA and respect for humanity, then we can Island University in New York. In mission. Khanna concluded by transform our consciousness and our 2003, he moved to UMass Dartmouth, presenting some of his own theoretical lifestyle. where he is an assistant physics work in gravitational wave The compassion, the love, and the professor teaching both introductory astrophysics, and his novel use of unity of all life manifest themselves and graduate level courses. Sony Playstation 3 gaming consoles through many forms. Today there is In his lecture, Khanna discussed the for this research. great emphasis on individualism, but concept of a black hole which is based it is in harmonizing and creating a on Einstein’s theory of general For more information contact: Professor T.K. balance between the individual and relativity. He described these mystical, Roy, at 508.999.8497 or [email protected] the society that we understand that astrophysical objects as sources of they both belong to the one reality. gravitational waves. Khanna then There is no separation between you and me. If you and I are not con- nected, there is no life. Life cannot Holi, the Indian festival of spring exist without mutuality, inter- dependence, connectedness, and reciprocity—they are essential to existence. 

“Chandrasekhar’s legacy: black holes and gravitational waves”

his seminar, conducted by Dr. Gaurav Khanna, briefly T reviewed the life and contributions of the Nobel laureate, Subramanian Chandrasekhar, an Indian astrophysicist who made significant contributions in the areas of stellar evolution, such as the formation of neutron stars and black holes. The he Center for Indic Studies and the India Students Association joined hands remaining portion of the seminar to conduct the colorful event of HOLI , the Indian festival of spring. Holi included a basic introduction to black T means the triumph of good over evil and the conquest of sensual values by holes and gravitational waves. spiritual values. Holi has different mythological connotations in different parts of Dr. Khanna is an internationally India. Celebrated by throwing colors and colored powder into the air, the event recognized theoretical and serves to announce the arrival of spring and the passing of winter. It is a festival computational astrophysicist, who that establishes an atmosphere of social merriment. People “bury their hatchets” studies such phenomena as black with a warm embrace and throw their worries to the wind. Students, faculty, and holes, gravitational waves, and other members who participated presented a delightful, colorful sight.

The Indic Center • Knowledge Augurs Humility The Guest Writer — Professor Sukalyan Sengupta 11

A mini sabbatical at the University of Melbourne

recently returned from a 10-week Buddha’s native land. Whenever I Indonesian, and Singaporean students, mini-sabbatical at the University of provided examples of India’s strong it was very clear that there is a I Melbourne, Australia. My primary cultural links with this region - be it growing unease within these countries goal was to initiate collaborative that the national language of about increasing Chinese dominance. I research in environmental engineering Indonesia, Bahasa, is a variant of the heard repeatedly that China has a between the Chemical & Biomolecular Sanskrit word for language; or that strategic vision for economic and Engineering Department at the the ex-president of Indonesia, military superpower status in this University of Melbourne and the College Megawati Sukarnoputri (Sukarno’s region, but is attempting to achieve of Engineering at UMass Dartmouth. My daughter and of the clouds), was so this goal bluntly and clumsily. It stay at the University Graduate House named by Indian statesman Biju brooks no dissent and, more provided an invaluable opportunity to Patnaik at the request of her father importantly, does not appreciate the meet students and visiting faculty and Sukarno; or that the 11th century social, cultural, or linguistic scholars from many countries. I will Buddhist temple in Preah Vihar that is differences among countries, much focus on discussions with a group from at the heart of a recent border dispute less within each of these countries. South East and Far East Asia. between Thailand and Cambodia was And in this respect India has a Australian universities have been built by Indians—I was met with clear advantage. Historically, India very successful in attracting amazement and by a sincere desire by has always been inclusive and assimi- undergraduate and graduate students these students to enrich understanding lative, as expressed best by E. P. and post-doctoral fellows from the of Indic threads to their cultures. The Thompson: “All the convergent huge swath of neighboring countries best way to accomplish this is by influences of the world run through that are near the Pacific Rim and the staying and traveling in India while the [Indian] society.... There is not a Eastern Indian Ocean. Besides the studying for an undergraduate/ thought that is being thought in the expected—China and India—the graduate degree. In the past, higher West or East that is not active in some countries with the highest academic education was solely the preserve of Indian mind.” Thus, India can demon- population include Japan, South the central or state government, but strate through example how various Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, with private educational institutions influences can be synthesized and Thailand, and the erstwhile Indo- mushrooming all over India, this is an harmonized in order to build a modern, China. What was surprising to me was opportune moment for recruiting pluralistic, and syncretic society. In that a significant percentage of these foreign students, especially from the long run, this kind of “subscriptive students were self-financed, as Southeast Asia, if the quality of influence,” whereby groups of people opposed to being supported by education is comparable to inter- choose what pathway suits them best scholarships/assistantships. From their national benchmarks. I do not imply after evaluating the available options, stories and glimpses of their lifestyles, that this should be looked upon purely will be more lasting than the Chinese I am convinced that there is a as a business: that India has a product model of “prescriptive subjugation.” significant population of affluent that these potential students are Southeast and Far East Asians able willing to pay for. I sincerely believe Sukalyan Sengupta is a professor in the UMass and willing to spend substantial sums that if India can create the infra- Dartmouth Civil & Environmental Engineering on education in foreign countries. structure for recruiting students from Department and is also the editor of Bhagirathi. Students told me that they chose neighboring countries, the exposure of He can be reached at [email protected]. Australia because it was close to home, the students to India’s “soft power” The views expressed in this article are his safe, and friendly, and that they did not will reap handsome dividends toward personal ones, and do not necessarily reflect have to deal with onerous visa India’s foreign policy. And that brings the views of the Center for Indic Studies. restrictions. me to the second aspect. For this generation of students, The emergence of China as a knowledge of India is very superficial regional superpower is unquestionable. and does not extend beyond But from many conversations with Bollywood, IT services, and being Japanese, Korean, Thai, Malaysian,

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