‘Vedamum Panpadum,’ the Tamil version has already seen six prints. “Through my website and Facebook, I connect to people,” says Sastrigal, whose ‘The Great Hindu Tradition’ is a simple guide for practitioners. That’s why the call to come back to our roots, at least after retirement,” says Sastrigal, who is active on the social network. “Greed, disregard for values and tradition are the causes for the destruction and calamities we witness these days. Sastrigal firmly believes that each citizen has a responsibility towards his country. “Do you know that Anna Hazare addressed one of our meetings when he was not well-known?” Sastrigal gets excited when he talks about those days. He was founder-secretary of VIGIL that created a common platform for social activists to express their views. A member of the RSS, he spearheaded many activities, including blood camp. I learnt Vaishnava scriptures too,” informs Sastrigal, who as a young man evinced keen interest in social affairs. “My disciples include Vaishnavites too because I didn’t want to exclude them from my mission. After a stint with a private company, the son took a long sabbatical to learn the Vedas and other scriptures. “I was none the worse for it,” laughs Sastrigal. The emphasis was on rituals.”Ī Vedic scholar, Srinivasa Sastrigal taught his son the Vedas, his formal education proceeding on casual lines. No mantapam was hired the venue was the residence of my wife’s sister. “My father, a stickler for austerity, made it clear that there would be no printed invitations (only 15 on either side were present). He recalls his own marriage 35 years ago. Food in colossal quantities is also wasted,” he says reproachfully. “Huge amounts are spent on fancy invitations, entertainment and gifts. “Lavish spending, especially on weddings, should be eschewed,” he says. Simplicity in life style is another pet subject of Sarma Sastrigal.
Besides helping preserve heritage it gives the learner a purpose post-retirement.” I’d like to stress that at least after retirement from service, one should devote time to the Vedas. “Among them are many senior citizens and I’m happy about it. Sarma Sastrigal’s students are of all age groups. “This student, a senior citizen located in the U.S., is all ready and set for the class at 3.45 a.m., (local time) daily. He teaches the Vedas at several places in the city, apart from devoting time to learners on Skype.
“I’m spending most of my time teaching the Vedas that has become my main avocation,” he says. A practising priest, his focus now is the Vedas. “The ovation that I received showed the faith people reposed in Sanatana Dharma,” says Sastrigal, who asserts that the Vedas, the bedrock on which Sanatana Dharma rests, have to be protected. Aided by a power point presentation, he highlighted the salient features of the Hindu tradition. Delivering the keynote address at the AIMA (All India Management Association)’s World Congress held in New Delhi recently, Sarma Sastrigal explained the significance of saffron, what it stands for and how the colour has been overshadowed by political shades.