Prof. M. A. Lakshmithathacharya - A Kaleidoscopic View

Asthyuttarasyāṁ diśi devatātmā himālayo nāma nagādhirājaḥ।
Pūrvāparau toyanidhī vagāhya sthitaḥ pṛthivyām iva mānadaṇḍaḥ॥

(Kumarasambhavam of Poet Kalidasa)

Prof. Lakshmithathachar a renowned scholar and elder brother of mine has had a momentous and rich journey through life, contributing to many knowledge domains, which is something to reckon with and worthy of a celebration. But for an individual of Prof. Lakshmithathachar's stature and charisma, - replete with unparalleled success in a vast array of domains and his steadfast devotion to cultivating, promoting and establishing knowledge bases in varied spheres - both traditional and modern, any big or loud tribute would only appear to be rather modest. As someone wisely said, “one need not add years to his life , but life to his years”, and this adage seems to rest very well with the rich scholarly life and admirable achievements of my illustrious "Bhraata" Shri Lakshmithathacharya. In fact, as one thumbs through the pages of his remarkable life journey, one would feel amazed at his vast range of knowledge domains conquered, his strong unflinching bedrock like belief and faith in Indian value systems of yore, the traditional beliefs and practices cultivated over millennia, and the altruistic way of life passionately practiced by him as endorsed by our forefathers for thousands of years etc.,. Thus, while visiting the landscape of Shri Lakshmithathachar, - Chami Anna to us, brothers and sisters, - a distinct, rich kaleidoscopic personality emerges, whose thoughts and deeds could be an inspiration to many, and act as a new beacon of light to those who may feel or appear to have drifted or lost their way in their life journey!. Truly a pioneer of our times, who can hold a torch of knowledge aloft for the benefit of the community, and help further the cause of nation building by nurturing the growth and application of Sanskrit and allied Indian Knowledge and value systems of great antiquity.

Many facets of his rich personality could strike anyone, who has had a chance of coming across Prof. Lakshmithathacharya; like for instance a great scholar, a pioneer, an adventurer, a crusader, a forward looking Sanskritist, a visionary, an unfatigued protagonist of Indian Knowledge Systems, Indian traditions, Indian value systems, traditional Indian Science and Technology, institution builder, ancient knowledge mining etc, for the benefit of the community and contemporary world . No tribute would be adequate for this valiant individual, for his untiring efforts to establish an “Academy of Sanskrit Research “at Melkote, - a pioneering achievement in those times. In the hallowed precincts of the Academy, he sought to give expressions to a vast range of programs including, bringing successfully to light many ancient manuscripts & their preservation- some of them on the verge of extinction, exhaustive commentaries on them and many other relevant and allied publications to reach out and disseminate to a larger scholarly audience. The academy has also transformed Melkote, - normally a sleepy pilgrim center, but a sacred town - a visiting hub for the large intellectual community within the country and also many from abroad. It is a landmark achievement and a “dream come true" for prof. Lakshmithathachar and more so for all Sanskrit scholars and admirers, both at home and from far.

The above Sanskrit Research Academy has been featured in many reports in the academic and popular media expressing genuine admiration and hopes that it would usher in a pioneering era in modern Sanskrit studies, besides helping to unearth invaluable treasures lying in store in the Indian Knowledge Systems. A google search also brings out the fact that among the many great Indian institutions engaged in Sanskrit studies, the Academy of Sanskrit Research is reckoned as an Institution of Advanced learning and Research in Sanskrit and allied knowledge systems .

While at the a academy, Prof. Thathachar also took considerable interest and studied ancient approaches to water management - inspired by the marvelous network of “kolas“ and “ Kalyanis”, wonderfully engineered by our forefathers at Melkote - traditional agricultural practices in harmony with nature besides preservation of local breeds of livestock with good success. In fact, in these areas prof. Thathachar has had considerable storehouse of knowledge and wisdom which he passionately shared with the pastoral community. Besides, he has had abiding interest in traditional water purification aspects using herbal approach and application of traditional silver and copper technology for bacteriological purification of water as a low cost, and as a home- spun purification methodology.

An active scientific bent of mind was evidently at work and I used to point out that,his passion for knowledge of whatever kind , old or new , extending to modern science and technology was admirable !. I often expressed to him that, had he pursued modern science and technology, - like some of us, he would have turned out to be a more pioneering scientist, than most of us! But he used to deny my appraisal. But later, in my inner most thoughts I used to feel genuinely that his unbounded dedication to Sanskrit and allied systems, is certainly a bigger asset and a more worthwhile contribution of lasting value to the community and the country than the supposed loss to matters of science. Undoubtedly, prof. Thathachar's highly impactful and milestone contribution to Indian Knowledge Systems and traditions, is worthy of emulation which could be further steered to greater heights by present day Orientalists and Sanskrit scholars.

In another context - I have heard Anna saying that our knowledge and intellectual traditions and Indian scholarship traditions, took a nosedive following the advent of the British Raj in India. In particular due to Macaulay's sinister introduction of the English language as the medium of instruction in the country and this laid the foundation for the systematic decline and near extermination of Indian Knowledge Systems, the Indian ethos, the Indian culture and the ways of life etc. While one would largely concur on this much debated thesis, one may also like to concede, that the liberal kind of education it has propped up, has had a net positive impact on the intellectual and academic life, in the country. Hence, One could say - that Prof. Lakshmi Thathachar himself is a wonderful product of this amalgam of cultures ,- , because , besides completing studies in a venerated traditional Pathashala , he is also an M.A. (Gold Medallist) in Sanskrit from Vivekananda College, Madras University,- and he uses this unique advantage with great effect to advocate dissemination of Indian Knowledge Systems and allied themes . This I believe he could achieve due his strong convictions and intellectual moorings in the traditional knowledge systems, which he espoused with great sincerity and dedication.

Now, I just wish to recall my earlier years of my association with the late Shri. Swamiji . As youngsters born into a age old religious family, with age old traditions, we had normal childhood, but enveloped in a traditional environment at Melkote . But due to demands of education, I studied mostly in Bangalore, and later in Hyderabad, while thi. Anna made great strides in education- both classical and modern, at Melkote and elsewhere. So our coming together used to happen only during vacations .Though these were short, the times spent together were so exhilarating, educative and adventurous, the memories of which still resonate even now, after few decades. After all Melkote is a toast to wonderful holiday vacations for persons of all shades and hues.

Yet another insight, I would like to cite into thi . Anna,s very brave actions in the face of adversity , may be recalled, from a near frightening incident , during our holiday times at Melkote . One day, sometime during our summer vacations, we heard lot of commotion at the backyard of Thirumaligai, throwing the whole house on the edge of great anxiety. We all, Thi Anna including, rushed out to find a young baby monkey, whose hand was trapped inside a rat trap, placed in the vicinity, for a different purpose. Now the scenario appeared like an absolute battle scene with many bigger monkeys attempting to swoop down, to retrieve the baby, but with no success. Seeing this and apprehending a far worse scenario to follow, thi.Anna in one flash of a swoop, rushed to the scene and released the trap, with his bare hands, to the great relief of all. The baby monkey sprang out and In as many seconds the the huge swarm of monkeys melted away , and peace reigned supreme with in a very short time, all over the place. This is just glimpse of a rare quality of braveness among many others, which characterized his life's journey.

Apart, many of his achievements stand testimony to his great contributions to knowledge building - ; he used to say fondly -Knowledge mining - , which is very apt to define, because knowledge cannot be sourced, from surface scratching or superficial exploration. One has to delve deeper and further deeper to unearth precious gems of knowledge, lying in store for the greater cause and benefit of society.

Maybe in the light of many contexts said above and many of his other laudable lasting contributions, some well-known scholars and public figures have often highlighted about the pathbreaking efforts of Prof. Lakshmi Thathacharya , and compared his successful results to those of a Renaissance man, , which surely is a gift of this country to the world of knowledge. May his hallowed memory inspire us to achieve nobler goals and success, as set out and achieved during his life's journey!

Om Namo Narayanaya!