Eternal Relevance of Sanskrit

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the concepts fundamental to TCS have their origin in the classical work of Sage

PaaNini on Sanskrit grammar (AshtAdhyAyi ). PaNini's comprehensive and soundly

scientific theory of phonetics, phonology and morphology going back to 2500

years is opening many doors to the advances in software development. The power

of PaNini's grammar has been identified with the power of the Turing Machine of

modern times because of the sophistication and the farsightedness of PaNini's

handling of meta-rules, transformations and recursions. The ongoing work of

Dr.P. Ramanuja of CDAC, Dr. Laksmi TatachAr of Melkote Sanskrit Academy, Dr.

John Backus of IBM and others on this topic point out the extraordinary

relevance of Sanskrit, the language known for its Mathematical precision in the

context of modern day software development. Sanskrit and Mathematics In the

field of Mathematical sciences deeply influenced by algebra, the structure of

Sanskrit language with links to the algebraic nature of Indian Mathematics has

the potential to make additional innovative contributions in astronomy and

architecture and bridge the gap between Sanskrit and the modern world. Sanskrit

and Life Sciences In the field of Aayur Veda, the doors of the vast knowledge

base relating to Medical Sciences ( herbal/mineral based drug

development/Pharmacology, study of Human anatomy, performance of Surgical

operations, treatment of infant diseases, management of Gerontology and

Veterinary Sciences)is just about being opened. The Science and Technology of

Aayur Veda is deeply embedded in Atharva Veda. Many decades of work are

needed to identify the herbs and flowers referred to in the different sections

of Atharva

Veda. Advances in the treatment of killer diseases like Malaria, Tuberculosis

(Kashaya rhOgam), Cholera, Diabetes and Small pox are very much possible from

research on the relevant insights of Aayurvedic texts. Susruta's and Charaka's

and evolving work on Aayurvedic Samhitas have enormous significance to modern

times to treat the ills of the body and mind in a holistic manner. Sanskrit

and Astronomy Significant insights to advance modern day astronomy are waiting

to be gained from Sanskrit texts of Aryabhatta, VarAhamihira, Brahmagupta and

BhaskarachArya. The SiddhAntha SiromaNi of BhaskarAchArya has the following

four sections : (1) LilAvathi : a treatise on pure Arithmetics, Number theory

from One to trillions and positioning of digits. (2) Bhija Ganitha ( Treatise

on Algebra as an introduction to

astronomy /Graha Ganitha ). Simple, Simultaneous, quadratic equations and those

with a large number of unknowns (vargaprakruti) are covered here. (3) & (4)

Graha GaNita and GoLAdhyAya deal directly wih astronomy. Astronomical

instruments, geometry and geography are covered in these two chapters.

Humanities, Ethics and Philosohy Although we have focused sofar on Science

and Technology aspects and their links to Sanskrit in modern times, there is a

whole realm of humanities like Dharma Sastras /Neethi Sastras (Manu Smrithi,

Bartruhari's Nithi Sataka), Laws and Jurisprudence, Economical Sciences (arTa

Saastra), the IthihAsAs and PurANAs, Historical tales and fables that have

relevance to develop comity between the various communities of a nation and

between the different nations. Sanskrit and Management Sciences

The engine that propels modern business is based on the use of optimal

Management tools and resources in a timely and efficient manner to get the

tasks done. The Western management style puts key emphasis on the development

of strategic thinking, motivation of workers and display of leadership for

generating profit and not for the welfare of the human kind. This management

approach and the fruits derived from there creates and sustains built-in

tension between the Manager and the worker. This style of managerial approach

has been described as "Aasuri Sampath" or demonic approach in Bhagavath Gita.

The opposite approach in achieving managerial effectiveness has been described

by GitAchAryan as "Dhaivee Sampath" or Divine approach. GitAchAryan defines

the characterstrics of the Manager with Dhaivee Sampath in Gita XV1.2: "causing

Non-injury, dwelling on truth alone, displaying freedom from anger,renouncing

fruits of action,demonstrating tranquility, avoiding fault-finding, displaying

compassion to human beings, showing freedom from desire for sense objects,

exercising gentleness, modesty and steadiness in dealing with others". This

type of Manager (adhikAri) has vigour, forgivenss, fortitude, purity, freedom

from malice and excessive pride (Gita XVI.3). The one with the Aasuri sampth

demonstrates ostentation, arrogance, self-conceit, anger, rudenes and

ignorance"(Gita XVI.4). In summing up the qualities of one with the demonic

disposition, GitAchAryan identifies a triad of guNAs (Passion, anger and greed)

that lands him into darkness, unfulfilment in managing given tasks and

unhappiness. The adhikAri, who is free from these three gates to darkness

strives for the good of the Self and

attains the highest goal. GitAchAryan defines thus the most optimal approach to

work and managing others. This is indeed a message for all times. In the third

chapter dealing with Karma yoga, GitAchAryan advocates the performance of one's

duties without attachment to them in a spirit of advancing the welfare of the

world (loka samgraham). GitAcharyan points out that all actions are done by the

influence of guNas of Prakruthi and not by the individual self. Our AchAryan

explains that the performance of one's duties with this understanding does not

llead one to attachment to the actions and helps to overcome egoism. This

message about the development of mental attitude in the performance of one's

work is not a time bound message and is an eternal message for Management

Sciences. Using Sanskrit as His language of choice, GitAchAryan instructs us

all with

His eternal (modern) message of self-transcendence and approaching work with the

renouncement of one's ego and avoid sole focus on the fruits thereof. It has

been pointed out that GitAchAryan's approach to Management is at the grass

roots level as opposed to the Western approach, which is at a superficial

level. That grass roots level approach is linked to the development of

attitude (equanimity) with respect to the success or failure of the action

undertaken(Gita II.48). By performing one's duties this way, one develops

steadfast wisdom (Sthita praj~na )and realizes "karamsu kousalam "(adroitness

in the execution of one's duties in this world). A Prayer The many meanings

given to the word "Sanskrit" are: " refined, sanctified,complete, perfect,

cultured and definitive". It has been said that "Sanskrit language is a marvel

of marvels, an epitome of a people's genius ". May the eternally fragrant

blossoms of Sanskrit rooted in the genius of the people of BhAratha Varsham

dealing with every aspect of human knowledge thrive and prosper to address the

needs of the modern world. May the fruits of the strivings of Educational

institutions like the Sanskrit College at ThiruvayyARu reach out to the entire

world! Subhamasthu!

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