In the latest episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi mentioned about the Chennai Mylapore based nonagenarian agile and active Sanskrit Scholar, publisher, writer and priest Azhichur T Srinivasachariar.
Prime Minister Modi has been addressing the nation through his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat on last Sundays of every month. Yesterday, it was its 72nd edition and this was the last Mann ki Baat of the year 2020.’
In this episode, he spoke about a lot of things, praised people who achieved something in life. He also mentioned about 95 years old T Srinivasachariyar Swami. For him learning and keeping updated with fast-changing technological innovations is not a problem. Even at this advanced age, he types himself in computer, proofreads, writes and publishes books on Sanskrit. PM Modi said, “His inquisitiveness, self-confidence is still the same as his younger days. A Sanskrit and Tamil scholar, he has written 16 spiritual books”. Saying further, he said “realising that the process of writing and printing books has undergone a sea change, he felt computer is in-quo-non for that. He learnt using computers and necessary softwares at age of 86 years. His life is a clear example of fact that life remains full of energy till the time inquisitiveness and urge to learn does not fade away”. “ This zest for perfection in life of proofreading each page of Sanskrit books even at 96 years of Srinivasachariyar will be a great inspiration message for our children today” Prime Minister Mody underscored his efforts.
Kozhiyalam Raghavan told the author “my maternal grandfather was born on 21st February 1926, graduated from Madras University with Nyaya Siromani title. He is owning a printing unit in the name of Sri Raghavasimhan Press in Chennai. He served as Chief Archakar (priest) at Sri Vdeantha Desiaka Devasthanam in Chennai for 30 years. He is specialized in Pancharatra, dharma sastras. My grandfather studied under His Holiness 42 and 43rd Jeers of Sri Ahobila Mutt. As a teacher, he taught Vedanta, Darma, Sastras and Panchatantra to many students. He has written several books that include Sri Padmatantra Prayogam, Sri Jayakhya Thiruvaradhana vidhi, Sri Pancharatra Ratna Petika, Parameswara Bhagwat Aradhana Vidhi, Aalaya Prayachitta Vidhi, Taittareeya Upanishad etc. He also translated and compiled several books. The temple rituals prose of him is being used all over the world which is in simple lucid Sanskrit language. It helps them to follow the temple rituals in a traditional manner with proper guidance. This books triggered interest in the Sanskrit language for the betterment of society”.
His visiting card says “Nyaya Vedantha, Agama Vidwan, Shiromani, Sri Ahobila Mutt Asthana Vidwan, Pancharatra Panchanana, Pancharatra Mathanda, Vedantha Agama Vachaspathi,Smruthi Bhaskara, Dharma Sastra Visarada, Dharma sasthra Vichakshana, Kainkarya Sreeman, Ramunja Seva Rathnam, Vaishnava Rathnam, Vaishnava Agama Rathnam T Srinivasa Chariar”.
Raghavan said “my grandfather did research on Ahirbudhnya Samhita by decoding Samhita slokas and converting them into pictorial representation. This is used to draw mandala pooja and describe the Sudarshana Homa procedures at temples. A couple of his temple pooja books is referred by TN HR and CE department. The books mentioned by PM are composed, proofread and printed by him. He knows Sanskrit, English, Tamil and Grantham. He has been conferred several titles and he attended a lot of seminars. My grandfather has a vision only in one eye. Despite this handicap, he is doing all himself. Former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, after coming to know of this works, called him to her chambers for discussion. She has ordered that his works are treasure for future generations and efforts should be made to reach everyone. Following her orders, his book is prescribed for young Archakas (priests). He is being looked after by his grandchildren but he wants to continue his avocation passionately. My grandfather never makes any compromise in doing trikala Sandya vandhana, Pranayama, doing daily rituals and reciting slogas, divya prabhandams. These keep him hale and healthy”.
Srinivasachariar was not the first one to find mention in Prime Minister’s Mann ki baat. Earlier this year he appreciated Madurai School girl Nethra, daughter of salon owner, spent over 5 lakhs, saved for higher education, to pandemic people by distributing provision kits. In October this year, he praised school dropout Thoothukudi barbar Pon Mariappan for maintaining a library in his salon with more than 800 books and offers discount to customers who brows the books. In September Modi mentioned Chennai based Srividya Veeraraghavan, mother of a 10-year-old, for her storytelling avocation. She has been telling stories at various libraries and after lockdown through her facebook page called Story Train Chennai. These live sessions are on every Wednesday. She also sends stories as voice messages to friends and family as she thinks that stories have the power to change. PM Modi helped TN girl Rakshita, who now become “Modi Rakshita” to secure free seat in Kendriya Vidyalaya school and paying her school fees.
On 25th this month, PM Modi spoke to a farmer in Krishnagiri through video conferencing. MC Palli based farmer Subramanian was elated to speak to the Prime Minister. PM asked him, “is there any water ( for irrigation) scarcity in your area?” Replying to his query, Subrmanian said “I have four acre of land of which I have raised tomato in 2 acres, Button rose in 1 acre. Last year without sufficient water, I cultivated in one acre and earned a profit of Rs. 40,000. This year with the 100 percent subsidized drip irrigation method, I have earned a profit of one lakh after all expenses.” To this Prime Minister said, “using drip irrigation, you have saved water and made profit. Due to drip irrigation, the acreage under irrigation and production has increased many fold. Why don’t you spread it to with other farmers in the state”.
