University of Calicut

Institution of the Chair

        Sanathanadharma Trust, Reg. No. 180/2003, Kolakattuchali, Chelembra, Malappuram (Dt.) (Present Address, C/o Sanathanadharma Peethom, Calicut University P.O., 673635) was founded in 2003 with Swami Chidananda Puri as Chairman. The Trust applied for the institution of a chair in the University of Calicut. After much effort, the syndicate of the University on 29.01.05 decided to institute Sanathanadharma Peethom in the University for Sanathanadharma studies and Research. The decision was communicated to the Trust vide letter No. GA1/B1/1588/04 dated 15.02.2005. MOU was signed after remitting a corpus fund of Rs.3,00,000/- in the University by the Trust. All the expenditure henceforth on behalf of the Peethom was borne by the Trust. All the spiritual and social organisations in and around Thenhipalam and Calicut, including the Chinmaya Mission, Amritanandamayi Madhom, Ramakrishna Mission, Advaitashram, Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan, Kerala Kshethra Samrakshana Samithi, Anandashram, Sreshtachara sabha etc., (to cite a few of them) co-operated overwhelmingly in all the efforts in instituting the chair. A lot of large hearted individuals also helped in raising the corpus fund and the initial expenses. Details( Click here )

The Sanathandharma Trust, the donor organization for instituting Sanathanadharma Peethom submitted the rules and regulations of the Chair and the University Syndicate at its meeting held on 29-01-2005 accepted it and the chair was instituted vide U.O.No.GA I/B1/1588/04 dated 28-03-2005.

As per the decision of the Governing Body Meeting chaired by Dr.Syed Iqbal Hasnain, the Vice-Chancellor, Srimad Swami Chidananda Puri, Advaitashramam, Kolathur, Kozhikode Dt., assumed charge as visiting Professor of the Chair w.e.f. 12-12-2005.

The office at the space allotted by the University in the old psychology Department at the eastern side of the University Campus started functioning on 11-05-2005 under the benediction of Swami Golokananda (Sri Ramakrishna Ashram, Calicut), Swami Chidananda Puri, Brahmachari Vivekamrta Chaitanya (Amritanandamayi Madhom, Vellimadukunnu, Calicut) & Sri. V.K.Eradi (Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Calicut).

Regular Weekly lectures cum question answer series were conducted with a view to familiarizing the basic tenets of the Sanathanadharma. Some of the topics so far discussed include:

1. Sanathandharma- Definition, synonyms, introduction
2. Basic scriptures - An introduction into Vedas
3. The Vedangas
4. The Upa Vedas
5. The Upanishads
6. Darsanas
7. Puranas
8. Bhagavata
9. Suruti
10. Smruti
11. Panchamahayajnas
12. Prasthanathraya
13. Mahavakyas
14. Shodasa Sanskara

Class on Personality Development and Science & Technology were conducted at the Department of Health Sciences and C.U. Institute of Engineering Technology respectively in which students participated very enthusiastically. All these classes were handled by Swami Chidananda Puri.

A seminar on ‘National Integration’ was conducted on 20-04-2006 at the Seminar complex as requested by the National Integration Council communicated by the Registrar. Dr. C. Gopinathan Pillai, P ro-Vice-Chancellor, inaugurated the Seminar. Dr.M.G.S. Narayanan presented the subject. Swami Chidananda Puri also participated.

These are some of those who participated in the various functions of the Peethom: Sri.Vilayil Murali (Indian Institute of Scientific Heritage) elucidated the life and teachings of Sri.Narayana Guru and Srimad Vidyadhiraja Chattambi swamigal on their Jayanthi Day celebration. Sri. T.P. Sasikumar (then Director, Academic Staff College) gave a lecture on Devi Sankalpa on 22-06-2006. Sri.P.V.Ramakrishna Varier spoke broadly outlining the teachings of Bhagawan Ramana Maharshi. Sri.K.P.Vinodkumar (Sree Sankara University Regional Centre, Koyilandy) spoke on the Ramayana for two days on 16-03-2006 & 23-03-2006. Kalidasa Jayanthi was also celebrated. Sri. T.Balakrishnan (Deputy Editor, Mathrubhumi) spoke on the importance of values in life.

The question answer session ‘Ask Swamiji’ conducted at the Seminar Complex on a monthly basis attract a lot of students.

The classes were intended for creating a general idea about Sanathandharma dispelling the doubts as well as misgivings in this regard.

We conducted an essay competition for students of Calicut University on the following topics.

A seminar on ‘Dharma, Religion and Culture’ was inaugurated by the Hon.Vice-Chancellor Prof.Anwar Jehan Suberi. Dr. N. Gopalakrishnan, CSIR Scientist & Hon.Director, 11SH and Swami Chidananda Puri spoke on the subject.

Classes on ‘Isawasyopanishad’ with Sankara Bhashya have just been completed. The study of ‘Kena Upanishad’ with the Bhashya has begun. All are welcome to the Sananthanadharma Peethom Hall on Tuesdays every week at 5.00 pm for a one hour study of the ancient scriptures which will give a deep insight into the purpose of human life.

Coordinator: Sekharan. C., Joint Registrar, Pareeksha Bhavan, Calicut University P.O., 673 635 Ph.No. 0494 2400853 (Office), 0494 2402798 (Resi), 9895244316.

SEMINAR ON PROBLEMS OF HIGHER EDUCATION

17 th & 18 th February 2009 at Seminar Compex,University of Calicut

Governing Body of Sanathanadharma Peethom :

1. The Vice Chancellor - Chairman.
2. The Registrar
3. The Finance Officer
4. Sri. Somasundaran P I
5. Swami Paramananda Puri
6. Sri. Sekharan C
7. Sri. Anil Kumar B S
8. Smt. Geetha Komalan
9. Syndicate Member
10.Visiting Professor.
Sri. Sekharan. C is the Coordinator of the Peethom.