Veda Vidyarthi Sammelan [Conference of Vedic Students of Karnataka]

Vedic teachers (Adhyapakas) and students (Vidyarthis) were invited for this 3 day conference held in B'lore on 2nd, 3rd & 4th July, 2007. Conference is held in the presence of Sri Sankara Jayendra Saraswati Swami of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. His Holiness (HH) called for this conference with the objectives:
- Meet all the veda and shastra branches related schools(patasalas) in K'taka and also give each of these schools an opportunity to showcase the work done by them over the years. Listen to their problems and help them in whatever manner deemed fit.
- Give vidyarthis a chance to meet other vidyarthis from different patasalas.
- Convey the common message of "Sampradaya Bhajan and its glory" to veda vidyarthis and the adhyapakas. Four days of Sampradya Bhajans are planned [Jul 1st - Jul 4th].

Around 750 vidyarthis from about 34 patasalas turned up with 100+ adhyapakas. The schedule for the three day conference was sent by mail to them earlier and so most of them a day in advance to be ready for participation. A couple of Kalyanamantapas are orgnized for the stay and food. Since so many veda vidyarthis are attending the seminar, HH made sure there are 4 meals served everyday and sumptuous meals at that.

The evening before the conference began, the students reported at the Kanchi matam at Malleswaram, Bangalore. The evening's highlight was seeing a crowd of young boys enjoying the Sampradaya Nama Sankeerthana.

On the 2nd moring, the conference was opened to the vedic chantings of several hundreds [including the patasala adhyapakas, vidyarthi and the Sankara matam veda pandits]. HH presided over the conference and chanted vedas along with the vidyarthis. The entire Kanchi Matam Hall was packed with these children and their teachers. It is amazing to see the discipline these children showed during the entire duaration of the conference. They arrived for each session on time, they chanted vedas fearlessly, they made very little noise in general (unlike what we usually expect of small children). They are generally a happy and cheerful bunch. The chantings by about 750 of them have filled the hearts of those present there. They all kept looking at HH with adoration and love in their eyes. HH ensured every child is given breakfast, lunch, evening snack and dinner.

Until the last day, the Sampradaya Bhajans have really attracted the children so much that they participated with enthusiasm and vigor. In fact some of them stood up and started dancing during the Bhajan.

The patasala adhyapakas met HH in private and explained the practical problems they face and received advise and help [monetary or guidance on running patasalas]. HH has felicitated every adhyapaka by showering gifts on them. HH also gave each child a silver pendant, sambhavana and prasadam with his hearty blessings.

The conference ended with all the children running off to do shopping in B'lore before they return to their patasalas.

To me, a humble volunteer, it has been a once in a lifetime experience!