DOCSLIB.ORG

Varanasi: a Mega-Exploratory Project)

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Varanasi: a Mega-Exploratory Project) SANDHI www.iitkgpsandhi.org A Science-Heritage Initiative Sponsored by the Ministry of Human Resources Development, Government of India ALL PROJECTS PROGRESS OVERVIEW REPORT & BOOK OF ABSTRACTS (Inclusive of a blueprint for Varanasi: a Mega-exploratory project) INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY KHARAGPUR October 2014 04 Preamble 06 PART-I: Section A: Progress and Review Report Advisor Prof. Partha P. Chakrabarti Director, IIT Kharagpur 40 PART-I: Section B: Progress and Review Report Monitoring Cell Prof. Sunando Dasgupta Dean, Sponsored Research and Consultancy Cell, IIT Kharagpur Prof. Pallab Dasgupta 56 Associate Dean, Sponsored Research and Consultancy Cell, IIT Kharagpur PART-I: Section C: Progress and Review Report Principal Investigator (overall) Contents Prof. Joy Sen 74 Department of Architecture & Regional Planning, IIT Kharagpur Vide order no. F. NO. 4-26/2013-TS-1, Dt. 19-11-2013 PART-II: Book of Abstracts (36 months w.e.f 15-1-2014 and 1 additional year for outreach programs) Professor-in-Charge 96 Documentation and Dissemination PART-III: Book of Abstracts (Varanasi) Prof. Priyadarshi Patnaik Department of Humanities & Social Sciences, IIT Kharagpur 110 PART-IV: A Blueprint: Bases of Action Plans for Varanasi | A Prologue www.iitkgpsandhi.org 120 VARANASI – An Eco-Design Blueprint ISBN: 978-93-80813-29-5 | 02 | SANDHI | A Science-Heritage Initiative Acknowledgements | 03 | Acknowledgements The opportunity and the certitude of being a part of Sandhi is a life-time blessing. Not guidance forwarded by Mrs. Smriti Irani, Honorable Minister-in-Charge, Ministry of 'The modern physicist experiences the world through an extreme specialization of the rational many are blessed like us. It is a platform which has given us the ways and means to serve Human Resources Development, Government of India, and also for her wonderful wishes mind; the mystic through an extreme specialization of the intuitive mind……to paraphrase an old our very Motherland – 'India' – the fountainhead of civilization. and support from her very first day. Chinese saying, mystics understand the roots of the Tao but not its branches; scientists understand its branches but not its roots. The freedom and the camaraderie that we enjoy under the portals of this great Institute, I particularly forward our sincere gratitude to Prof. Sunando Dasgupta, Dean, Sponsored which are built on the bedrock of the sacrifices of our great martyrs, are the first Research and Consultancy Cell, IIT Kharagpur, for his silent but uncompromising support Science does not need mysticism and mysticism does not need science; but men and women foundations of Sandhi. We feel further blessed to dedicate Sandhi to their hopes, and guidance. Particularly, I want to put on the Book of eternal records, the indispensable need both' aspirations and the purpose for what they had once stood for. friendship emanated by two of my esteemed colleagues, Prof. Pallab Dasgupta, Associate Dean of the same Cell and also a key person in Sandhi, and Prof. Priyadarshi Patnaik of our Our acknowledgements are due to many. Just to mention two from a countless list – One, Fritjof Capra Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. Much of what has been accomplished in recollecting a time more than a decade back, it was a rare patronage of Prof. Amitabha Epilogue: Tao of Physics Sandhi and much of what you see in this book are because of the two of them. Ghosh, our past Director, who had inspired many of us to go ahead with these kinds of holistic and syncretic efforts of inquiry and explorations, though they were just nascent or Finally, a note of deep gratitude has to be forwarded to all our Heads of the Concerned rather, in a seed form. During that period, i.e., in the year 1999-2000, we had floated an Departments, Centers and Schools; and most important of all, to our excellent team of exhibition cum publication called 'Madhu Vidya', meaning a ramification and a revelation Principal Investigators and their teamwork to shape 'Sandhi'.…. and last but not the least, on the Heritage of Indian Deep Ecological correspondences and complementarities, to the fulfilling contributions of their league of scholars, research associates and research which contained the first fruits. Many well-wishers and guardians had shared their assistants, in the making of this report. 'The seer-wisdom realizes that supreme solar world in the form of a Asswattha (pippal) tree, where blessings – the names of Swami Pravananda, General Secretary, Ramakrishna Math and On the behalf of a 'friendship with values' called 'Sandhi, I sincerely seek your continued the branching of the rays of the sun carrying the immortalizing waters (the madhu) reverts back to Mission, Belur Math; Artist-Engineer Sri Arunendu Banerjee; and most significantly, blessings and support. its roots at night and resurges again to flood the universe with the day light Swami Ramananda of Sadananda Ramakrishna Mission, Dakshineswar are to name a few only. From there we have treaded to our recent times, forerun by the leadership of PPC – This is the eternal truth and they all, who know the truth, are one with their 'Father in the (Prof. Partha P. Chakraborti), who is our present director. He has been the 'heart and supreme heaven'' mind'- the master-drive and a perpetual friend in our efforts to capture and shape Sandhi. Joy Sen We particularly owe a lot to Ms. Amita Sharma, the past Additional Secretary (Technical Principal Investigator, SANDHI Seer Dirgha-tama Education), Ministry of Human Resources Development, Government of India, for her October 2014 Rig Veda: Mandala one, 164:20 unparalleled support and guidance. Without her, IIT Kharagpur could not have initiated Sandhi. Other IITs followed. In this connection, we sincerely acknowledge an overarching | 04 | SANDHI | A Science-Heritage Initiative Preamble | 05 | Preamble SANDHI is a major 'Science-Heritage' initiative. It means a 'Scientific Approach to Ancient Classifications of Indian Ragas and b: Audience Response to Indian Classical 1. To conduct a re-explorative geo-archaeological –architectural – iconographical SANDHI aims at putting forth a new order, a greater order in thought and action – by, of Networking and Designing of Heritage Interfaces'. SANDHI is a recovery and recognition Music Classification study of: Chandraketugrah, East of Kolkata: as a potential site of current and future and for the students. It is not an 'either or' but essentially an integration of science and of our heritage through the 'lens of science'. SANDHI is also the augmentation of scientific The two iconographic projects will: excavation for re-interpreting the chronology of Indian history (500 BC – 500 AD) tradition – assimilating the analytical and deep intuitive sectors of human thinking and methodology by incorporating and absorbing inputs and processes embedded in our based on the textual insights by a) Megasthenes b) Ptolemy and c) Huen Tsang & action. That always has been the life of India – a very ancient and yet a modern and ever- Indian and global traditional knowledge systems. It is the 'Sandhi', - the spirit of a) establish a scientific correlation between 2-D footprints of Ecologic-Climatic others growing all-assimilating civilization. The spirit of SANDHI comes out best in the following assimilation and integration of the two –Science and Heritage that matters. construct and anthropocentric patterns & 3-D systems of iconographic patterns or words: 'footprints' (Mandala) as evident in design of Temple, Sacred Precincts and General 2. To conduct a re-explorative geo-archaeological –architectural – iconographical SANDHI is sponsored by the Ministry of Human Resources Development, Department of study of Vajragiri-Lalitagiri-Pushpagiri belt of Coastal Orissa: a potential site of Settlement forms in Indian architecture and also beyond India It is probably true quite generally that in the history of human thinking the most Higher Education, Government of India. It is an inter-institutional and people and ground current and future excavation for re-connecting the historic connections between fruitful developments frequently take place at those points where two different centric approach. One of the main objectives is to arrive at a holistic process of design [Breadth structure across periods] apparently diverse thought-systems like Kashmir Shaivism, Tibetan Buddhism and lines of thought meet. systems and pedagogy, by involving students right from the first day and positioning them b) establish linkages between iconographic re-interpretation of architecture and others movements in the extended South East Asia/ Indonesia in real-life piloted projects through the 16 SANDHI projects. IIT Kharagpur is exploring -Werner Heisenberg engineering patterns of Vedic and Buddhist periods based on: 3. A multi-dimensional exploratory study of the 'Heritage City' of VARANASI for the various SANDHI projects through an Apex body, which consist of Prof. P. P. ŸIdentification of underlying common patterns: built-forms; shape grammar; studying the patterns of: Cosmological-Historic footprints (A), geo-morphological Chakraborti, Director, IIT Kharagpur; Prof. Sunando Dasgupta (Dean) and Prof. Pallab 'India of the ages is not dead nor has she spoken her last creative word; she lives principles of design; styles and continuity embedded in the two layers footprints (B), habitat of educational systems, ancient physical and social Dasgupta (Associate Dean), Sponsored Research and Consultancy Cell (SRIC) of IIT and has still something to do for
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Varanasi Municipal Corporation’S Proposal for the Indian Smart Cities Challenge Phase-II #Smartkashi - Smart City Proposal
    Varanasi Municipal Corporation’s proposal for the Indian Smart Cities Challenge Phase-II #SmartKashi - Smart City Proposal © [year] [legal member firm name], a [jurisdiction] [legal structure] and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative, a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.. 1 Document Classification: KPMG Confidential EXECUTIVE SUMMARY “To rejuvenate the oldest Indian living city of Varanasi as a great place to live Intro: Varanasi’s proposal for Phase 2 of and visit by conserving and the Smart Cities Challenge was drafted showcasing its enriched heritage, by putting our citizens right in the culture, spirituality and traditions middle of all discussions. Varanasi through innovative social and financial Municipal Corporation’s (VMC) inclusion solutions.” outreach to the residents, involved a massive awareness and discussion From the vision, we derived six key campaign which leveraged: pillars of Varanasi’s future.Citizens indulged in animated discussion on — Print-media: 60 articles their preference of ABD area. Our — Radio: 9 lakh secondage citizens identified the following across 3 channels parameters as crucial to selection of — Advertising: 165 hoardings the best fitted ABD area: — Tableau vehicles: 6,000 km — Social Media (reach):2 lakhs i. Citizen priorities ii. Impact assessment Citizen connect: A multi-pronged iii. Ease of execution approach was adopted across 175 iv. Revenue generation potential. workshops, which bucketed diverse groups representative of key Our deliberations resulted in the demographics selection of the iconic Old City area adjoining the Kashi Vishwanath temple — Renowned personalities from and serene riverfront ghats as the Area Arts & Culture Based Development area.
    [Show full text]
  • Jhansi - Gwalior - Agra - Jaipur - Pushkar - Udaipur - Aurangabad - Mumbai
    Duration: 16 Nights / 17 Days Places Covered: Delhi - Varanasi - Khajuraho - Jhansi - Gwalior - Agra - Jaipur - Pushkar - Udaipur - Aurangabad - Mumbai Day 01: Arrive Delhi Arrive at Delhi international airport. After warm receiving and greeting by our representative transfer to hotel for check-in. Delhi a bustling metropolis, and the capital city of India, successfully combines in its folds the ancient times with modern times. In fact, more mythological cities are believed to be here, like the city of Indraprastha from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, founded around 5000 BC. Numerous monuments were built over several centuries by different rulers like Qutub-ud- din Aibek, Alauddin Khilji, Tughlaks, Humayun & Shah Jahan, who built the Walled City Shah Jahanabad. Later in first half of 20th century much of New Delhi was planned by Sir Edwin Lutyens, who laid out a grandiose central administrative area as a testament to British rule in India. The division in walled city & New Delhi also marks the division in life styles. Rest of the day at leisure or walk around the city by your own. Over Night stay at hotel. Day 02: Delhi After Breakfast, we will visit the city. Visit “Old Delhi” with its narrow dirt roads, its myriad people and inexpensive and colorful bazaars that keep alive the traditional workmanship for which Delhi has always been famous. The first stop is Raj Ghat, the cremation ground of Mahatma Gandhi), The “Father of the nation”. Drive past the Red Fort, the red sandstone walled fort made in Mughal era by Emperor Shah Jahan. We end up at the Jama Masjid, the largest Muslim mosque in India.
    [Show full text]
  • ANSWERED ON:20.07.2016 Metro Rail Projects Kambhampati Dr
    GOVERNMENT OF INDIA URBAN DEVELOPMENT LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO:672 ANSWERED ON:20.07.2016 Metro Rail Projects Kambhampati Dr. Hari Babu;Mohammed Shri Faizal P.P.;Senguttuvan Shri Balasubramaniam;Somaiya Dr. Kirit;Thomas Prof. Kuruppassery Varkey;Venugopal Dr. Ponnusamy Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state: Will the MINISTER OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state: (a) the details of metro rail proposals received by the Government during the last three years and the current year, stretch and State/ UT-wise along with the estimated cost of each stretch; (b) the details of proposals cleared and lying pending stretch and State-wise, the reasons for pendency along with the time by which pending proposals are likely to be cleared; (c) the funds sanctioned, released and utilized during the above period for various projects, stretch and State/UT-wise; (d) the present status of various under construction and sanctioned metro rail stretches, stretch and city-wise and the time by which these are likely to be completed and operationalized; and (e) Whether various metro rail projects are going behind schedule and if so, the details thereof, stretch and city-wise and the details of cost escalated as a result thereof along with the steps taken/being taken to complete these projects within a reasonable period of time? Answer THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT (RAO INDERJIT SINGH) (a)& (b) : The details of metro rail proposals received/ cleared/pending during the last three years and the current year along with the names of stretch and the estimated cost stretch wise, State/UT-wise are given in Annexure-I & IA.
    [Show full text]
  • Sri Chakra the Source of the Cosmos
    Sri Chakra The Source of the Cosmos The Journal of the Sri Rajarajeswari Peetam, Rush, NY Blossom 23 Petal 4 December 2018 Blossom 23, Petal 4 I Temple Bulletin 3 N Past Temple Events 4 T Upcoming Temple H Events 6 I 2019 Pocket NEW! S Calender 7 Steps Towards Our I Granite Temple 8 S S Aiya’s Vision 9 U What does Japam do? 11 E The Vedic Grove 13 The Science of the Breath 16 Ganaamritam 18 Gurus, Saints & Sages 22 Naivēdyam Nivēdayāmi 27 Kids Korner! 30 2 Sri Rajarajeswari Peetam • 6980 East River Road • Rush, NY 14543 • Phone: (585) 533 - 1970 Sri Chakra ● December 2018 TEMPLETEMPLETEMPLE BULLETINBULLETINBULLETIN Rajagopuram Project Temple Links Private Homa/Puja Booking: As many of you know, Aiya has been speaking about the need for a more permanent srividya.org/puja sacred home for Devi for a number of years. Over the past 40 years, the Temple has evolved into an important center for the worship of the Divine Mother Rajagopuram Project (Granite Rajarajeswari, attracting thousands of visitors each year from around the world. Temple): It is now time to take the next step in fulfilling Aiya’s vision of constructingan srividya.org/rajagopuram Agamic temple in granite complete with a traditional Rajagopuram. With the grace of the Guru lineage and the loving blessings of our Divine Mother, now is Email Subscriptions: the right time to actively participate and contribute to make this vision a reality. srividya.org/email The new Temple will be larger and will be built according to the Kashyapa Temple Timings: Shilpa Shastra.
    [Show full text]
  • Sri Ramakrishna & His Disciples in Orissa
    Preface Pilgrimage places like Varanasi, Prayag, Haridwar and Vrindavan have always got prominent place in any pilgrimage of the devotees and its importance is well known. Many mythological stories are associated to these places. Though Orissa had many temples, historical places and natural scenic beauty spot, but it did not get so much prominence. This may be due to the lack of connectivity. Buddhism and Jainism flourished there followed by Shaivaism and Vainavism. After reading the lives of Sri Chaitanya, Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother and direct disciples we come to know the importance and spiritual significance of these places. Holy Mother and many disciples of Sri Ramakrishna had great time in Orissa. Many are blessed here by the vision of Lord Jagannath or the Master. The lives of these great souls had shown us a way to visit these places with spiritual consciousness and devotion. Unless we read the life of Sri Chaitanya we will not understand the life of Sri Ramakrishna properly. Similarly unless we study the chapter in the lives of these great souls in Orissa we will not be able to understand and appreciate the significance of these places. If we go on pilgrimage to Orissa with same spirit and devotion as shown by these great souls, we are sure to be benefited spiritually. This collection will put the light on the Orissa chapter in the lives of these great souls and will inspire the devotees to read more about their lives in details. This will also help the devotees to go to pilgrimage in Orissa and strengthen their devotion.
    [Show full text]
  • Thursday, July 11, 2019 / Ashadha 20, 1941 (Saka) ______
    LOK SABHA ___ SYNOPSIS OF DEBATES* (Proceedings other than Questions & Answers) ______ Thursday, July 11, 2019 / Ashadha 20, 1941 (Saka) ______ SUBMISSION BY MEMBERS Re: Farmers facing severe distress in Kerala. THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI RAJ NATH SINGH) responding to the issue raised by several hon. Members, said: It is not that the farmers have been pushed to the pitiable condition over the past four to five years alone. The miserable condition of the farmers is largely attributed to those who have been in power for long. I, however, want to place on record that our Government has been making every effort to double the farmers' income. We have enhanced the Minimum Support Price and did take a decision to provide an amount of Rs.6000/- to each and every farmer under Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana irrespective of the parcel of land under his possession and have brought it into force. This * Hon. Members may kindly let us know immediately the choice of language (Hindi or English) for obtaining Synopsis of Lok Sabha Debates. initiative has led to increase in farmers' income by 20 to 25 per cent. The incidence of farmers' suicide has come down during the last five years. _____ *MATTERS UNDER RULE 377 1. SHRI JUGAL KISHORE SHARMA laid a statement regarding need to establish Kendriya Vidyalayas in Jammu parliamentary constituency, J&K. 2. DR. SANJAY JAISWAL laid a statement regarding need to set up extension centre of Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari (Bihar) at Bettiah in West Champaran district of the State. 3. SHRI JAGDAMBIKA PAL laid a statement regarding need to include Bhojpuri language in Eighth Schedule to the Constitution.
    [Show full text]
  • K.P. Aleaz, "The Gospel in the Advaitic Culture of India: the Case of Neo
    The Gospel in the Advaitic Culture of India : The Case ofNeo-Vedantic Christologies K.P.ALEAZ * Advaita Vedanta is a religiqus experience which has taken birth in the soil of our motherland. One important feature of this culmination of Vedic thought (Vedanta) is that it cannot be tied down to the narrow boundaries of any one particular religion. Advaita Vedanta stands for unity and universality in the midst of diversities.1 As a result it can very well function as a symbol of Indian composite culture. Advaita has "an enduring influence on the clutural life of India enabling people to hold together diversities in languages, races, ethnic groups, religions, and more recently different political ideologies as well. " 2 It was its cultural unity based on religion that held India together historically as one. The survival of the political unity of India is based on its cultural · unity within which there persists a 'core' of religion to which the senseofAdvaitaor'not-twoism'makesanenduringcontribution.3 Advaita represents a grand vision of unity that encompasses nature, humanity and God.4 Sociological and social anthropological studies have shown that in Indian religious tradition the sacred is not external to the secular; it is the inherent potency ofthe secualr. There is a secular-sacred continuum. There is a continuum between the gods and the humans, a continuum of advaita, and this is to be found even among the primitive substratum of Indian population. 5 So the point is, such a unitive vision of Advaita is very relevant for an Indian understanding of the gospel manifested in Jesus.
    [Show full text]
  • Jagadguru Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamiji an Offering
    ॐ श्रीगु셁भ्यो नमः JAGADGURU SRI JAYENDRA SARASWATHI SWAMIJI AN OFFERING P.R.KANNAN, M.Tech. Navi Mumbai Released during the SAHASRADINA SATHABHISHEKAM CELEBRATIONS of Jagadguru Sri JAYENDRA SARASWATHI SWAMIJI Sankaracharya of Moolamnaya Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham Kanchipuram August 2016 Page 1 of 151 भक्तिर्ज्ञानं क्तिनीक्त ः शमदमसक्ति ं मञनसं ुक्तियुिं प्रर्ज्ञ क्तिेक्त सिं शुभगुणक्तिभिञ ऐक्तिकञमुक्तममकञश्च । प्रञप्ञः श्रीकञमकोटीमठ-क्तिमलगुरोयास्य पञदञर्ानञन्मे स्य श्री पञदपे भि ु कृक्त ररयं पुमपमञलञसमञनञ ॥ May this garland of flowers adorn the lotus feet of the ever-pure Guru of Sri Kamakoti Matham, whose worship has bestowed on me devotion, supreme experience, humility, control of sense organs and thought, contented mind, awareness, knowledge and all glorious and auspicious qualities for life here and hereafter. Acknowledgements: This compilation derives information from many sources including, chiefly ‘Kanchi Kosh’ published on 31st March 2004 by Kanchi Kamakoti Jagadguru Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamiji Peetarohana Swarna Jayanti Mahotsav Trust, ‘Sri Jayendra Vijayam’ (in Tamil) – parts 1 and 2 by Sri M.Jaya Senthilnathan, published by Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, and ‘Jayendra Vani’ – Vol. I and II published in 2003 by Kanchi Kamakoti Jagadguru Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamiji Peetarohana Swarna Jayanti Mahotsav Trust. The author expresses his gratitude for all the assistance obtained in putting together this compilation. Author: P.R. Kannan, M.Tech., Navi Mumbai. Mob: 9860750020; email: [email protected] Page 2 of 151 P.R.Kannan of Navi Mumbai, our Srimatham’s very dear disciple, has been rendering valuable service by translating many books from Itihasas, Puranas and Smritis into Tamil and English as instructed by Sri Acharya Swamiji and publishing them in Internet and many spiritual magazines.
    [Show full text]
  • RFP for Ghat Cleaning Works at Varanasi
    REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL for Cleaning/Sweeping / Washing with Collection & Disposal of Solid Waste from the Banks of River & Ghats at Varanasi State Mission for Clean Ganga Department of Namami Ganga & Rural Water Supply, Government of Uttar Pradesh Plot no 18, Sector-7, Gomti nagar extension, Lucknow: 226 010 Telephone No. 0522-2838108 Contents I. Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) ............................................................................... 4 II. Instructions to Bidders .......................................................................................... 6 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 6 1. General ................................................................................................................... 7 2. Number of Proposals ............................................................................................. 7 3. Due Diligence by Bidder ....................................................................................... 7 4. Right to reject any or all Bids ............................................................................... 8 5. History of Litigation and Criminal Record ......................................................... 8 6. Request for Clarification and Pre-Bid conference .............................................. 8 7. Amendments/modification to RFP Documents ................................................... 9 8. Language of Proposal...........................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • M.A. Indian Culture (Semester)
    Placed at the meeting of Academic Council held on 26.03.2018 APPENDIX - AU MADURAI KAMARAJ UNIVERSITY (University with Potential for Excellence) M.A. Indian Culture (Semester) CHOICE BASED CREDIT SYSTEM REVISED SYLLABUS (With effect from the Academic Year 2018-2019) STRUCTURE OF THE SYLLABUS 1. Introduction Unity in diversity is the basic principle of Indian Culture. The uniqueness of Indian Culture is its spiritual foundation. Satya, Dharma, Shanthi, Prema and Ahimsa are the cultural traditions of ours, through which Moral and Spiritual upliftment of humanity is achieved. The Post Graduate Course in Indian Culture will be focusing on the Cultural Traditions and will be shaping the younger generation with Human Values. 2. Eligibility for Admission: Any graduate of Madurai Kamaraj University or of any university duly recognized by the Association of Indian Universities. Order of Preference: 1) A Graduate of Indian Culture 2) An Arts Graduate 3) A Science Graduate 2.1 Duration of the Programme : 2 Years 2.2. Medium of Instructions : English 3. Objectives of the Programme : Infuse the younger generation - To known about the richer Tradition and Culture of India. To inculcating ethical Spirit and Human values. To understand Character is the most precious gift ofEducation. To realize Unity in Diversity nature of India To create Secularist mind To create awareness about the Cultural monuments. To prepare for the Competitive Examinations and preferably for the Executive Officers in the H.R. and C.E. (Admn) Department. 4. Outcome of the programme Students know the Past Glory of our nation ,which in return make them confident in the world.
    [Show full text]
  • Daily Life in Varanasi the Land of Spirituality by Prof
    D’source 1 Digital Learning Environment for Design - www.dsource.in Design Resource Daily Life in Varanasi The Land of Spirituality by Prof. Sumant Rao, Prof. Nina Sabnani, Ruchi Shah and Piyush verma IDC, IIT Bombay Source: http://www.dsource.in/resource/daily-life-varanasi 1. About Varanasi 2. Daily Activities 3. Contact Details D’source 2 Digital Learning Environment for Design - www.dsource.in Design Resource About Varanasi Daily Life in Varanasi The Land of Spirituality The City of Temples or the Land of Spirituality - call it what you may. The intriguing city of Varanasi with its sanc- by tity, stimulated Mark Twain a prominent figure from the field of English Literature to write ‘Benares is older than Prof. Sumant Rao, Prof. Nina Sabnani, Ruchi Shah history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together’. and Piyush verma IDC, IIT Bombay Varanasi gets its name from the two rivers, Varuna and Asi, a small stream near Assi Ghat. It is also popularly known as Kashi or Benaras. It is believed to be one of the seven holy cities or Sapt Puri - that can bring you Mok- sha. This makes it the pulse of the Hindu Universe. Owing to its multifaceted character Varanasi unveils something different each time for each person. A devotee comes in the quest of - peace of mind, pilgrims remain unfettered in this little land full of temples, Source: students come to experience diverse cultures, while some families come for a vacation, some come together for http://www.dsource.in/resource/daily-life-varanasi/ a cremation, writers come hunting for the hidden stories, and historians unfold the many layered pasts of this about-varanasi place and locals live here for the livelihood.
    [Show full text]
  • Rethinking Neo-Vedānta: Swami Vivekananda and the Selective
    religions Article Rethinking Neo-Vedanta:¯ Swami Vivekananda and the Selective Historiography of Advaita Vedanta¯ 1 James Madaio Oriental Institute, Czech Academy of Sciences, Pod Vodárenskou vˇeží 4, Prague 18208, Czech Republic; [email protected] Academic Editor: Francis X. Clooney, S.J. Received: 10 April 2017; Accepted: 16 May 2017; Published: 24 May 2017 Abstract: This paper problematizes the prevalent model of studying the “Neo-Vedanta”¯ of Swami Vivekananda (1863–1902) principally in terms of an influx of Western ideas and nationalism. In particular, I demonstrate how scholarly constructions of “Neo-Vedanta”¯ consistently appeal to a high culture, staticized understanding of “traditional” Advaita Vedanta¯ as the alterity for locating Vivekananda’s “neo” or new teachings. In doing so, such studies ignore the diverse medieval and early modern developments in advaitic and Advaita Vedantic¯ traditions which were well-known to Vivekananda and other “Neo-Vedantins”.¯ Redressing this discursive imbalance, I propose that close attention to the way in which Swami Vivekananda drew from Indic texts opens up a wider frame for understanding the swami and the genealogy of his cosmopolitan theology. Keywords: Swami Vivekananda; Neo-Vedanta;¯ Advaita Vedanta;¯ Advaita; modern Hinduism 1. Introduction Reconsidering the study of Swami Vivekananda (1863–1902), perhaps the most influential architect of global Hinduism, is instructive for shedding light on certain problematic trends in the analysis of precolonial and colonial period advaita related movements. It also calls reflexive attention to the way in which interpretations of Vivekananda’s life and teachings can often be implicated in what H. White calls the “practical past” (White 2014); that is, readings of the past that are ideologically pursued in the service of the present.
    [Show full text]