Shankaracharya Jayanti was celebrated by the School of Philosophy & Culture, SMVDU. Dr. Anil K. Tewari, Assistant Professor SoPC gave an introductory speech. Dr. A. K. Sharma was the Chief Guest. The day was celebrated by showing a documentary titled Kalady: the triumph of faith over time (rediscovery of Sri Adi Shankaracharya’s birth place). Adi Shankaracharya Jayanti is celebrated on Panchami Tithi during Shukla Paksha of Vaishakha month. Shankaracharya is known for his teachings on Advaita Veddanta, which emphasizes the unity of the individual self (atman) with the universal consciousness (Brahman). The documentary discussed the importance of the birth place of Adi Shankaracharya. It shed light on the four peeths which are located in the four corners of India – Sringeri in South, Dwarka in the west, Puri in the east and Joshimath in the north. The main discussion was about history of acquiring Kalady and relocating Shankaracharya’s home and related places. It also discussed his life story and the incidents which encouraged him to observe Sannyasa. Students from various branches attended the celebration. Guest faculties of Vedic Studies, Mr. Keshav Kumar Pandey, Mr. Krishna Kumar Pandey and Dr. Chandra Shekhar Mishra explained Shankaracharya’s philosophy. Mr. Sumantha Sarthi Sharma discussed a few questions related to the importance of Advaita Vedanta Philosophy in present time. In the end, the vote of thanks was given by Dr. Madhu Mangal Chaturvedi.
