THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, July 21: Dr Shailesh Kumar Mishra, a senior teacher at Rajkiya Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya in Ranchi, stated on Sunday that Guru Purnima, also known as Vyas Purnima, is a significant festival in Indian culture, emphasizing the importance of the Guru and the respect they deserve.
He highlighted that the festival teaches the value of education, knowledge, and morality, and stressed that the Guru holds the highest place in society, making it our duty to show them respect and reverence.
Dr Mishra was speaking as the chief guest at the Guru Purnima and Vyas Jayanti celebrations organized by the Sanskrit Department of Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University, Ranchi.
Contributions of Maharishi Ved Vyasa
Dr Mishra remarked that a Guru is a societal guide and discussed the contributions of Maharishi Ved Vyasa, stating that the pursuit of righteousness, wealth, pleasure, and liberation must follow the path laid out by Vyasa.
He noted that Ved Vyasa taught the practice of pursuing wealth and pleasure righteously. He emphasized that Vyasa is a spokesperson for Indian culture, and his works, the Mahabharata and the Puranas, are treasures of Indian heritage.
He pointed out that the ultimate aim of education is character building and expressed that Gurus wish for their disciples to reach the peak of progress, emphasizing that students should embody strength in their actions and speech. He also mentioned that Gurus play a crucial role in imparting practical knowledge and stated that adopting Indian values, traditions, and rituals can help overcome difficulties.
During the event, Dr Dhananjay Vasudev Dwivedi, the head of the Sanskrit Department at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University, Ranchi, chaired the programme.
Role of Gurus and Disciples
He highlighted Maharishi Ved Vyasa’s contribution to Sanskrit literature and emphasized that a Guru should possess gravity. He stated that Gurus and disciples play a significant role in the construction of society and the nation, and they must fulfil their responsibilities properly.
He described how a Guru cultivates the soul of a disciple and plays a significant role in their personality development. Dr. Dwivedi marked the day as one to express gratitude towards Gurus who have played significant roles in life. He defined a Guru as someone who understands dharma, acts according to it, is devoted to it, and can extract the essence from all scriptures.
Importance of lifelong learning
The special guest at the event, Dr Rahul Kumar, a professor in the Sanskrit department at Marwari College, emphasized the importance of lifelong learning. He mentioned that in Indian tradition, the position of a Guru is paramount and that all Gurus who dispel the darkness of ignorance are worthy of their position. He highlighted the necessity of a Guru for the proper continuation of the cycle of life.
Department teacher Dr Jagdamba Prasad stated that parents are the supreme Gurus and those who impart scriptural and practical knowledge are also Gurus. He discussed Maharishi Ved Vyasa’s contributions, noting his crucial role in preserving Indian culture and religion. He mentioned that Vyasa compiled the Mahabharata, the eighteen Puranas, and the Vedas, and because of his great contributions, he is revered as Vyasa.
Education is not just bookish knowledge
Department teacher Dr Shrimitra emphasized that the importance of a Guru has not diminished in today’s era. Despite changes in the education system and the means of acquiring education, the role of a Guru remains essential.
She stated that education is not just bookish knowledge but a process of complete personality development, in which the role of a Guru is extremely important. A Guru not only imparts knowledge but also acquaints disciples with moral values and ideals.
Amitabh Kumar stated that Guru Purnima inspires us to resolve to always follow the path shown by our Gurus and implement their teachings in our lives, making our lives meaningful and enlightened.
The event began with an invocation by student Shubham Pandey and included various performances such as Saraswati Vandana by Prerana Bharti, a welcome song by Tannu Singh, introductions by Shivam Narayan, a spotlight on the essence of Gurutattva by Sarvottama, a captivating dance by Anamika, and a Sanskrit song by Surendra Mahato, coordinated by Ayush Kumar and Shobha Munda.
