Polagam Brahmasri P. R. Vaidhyanatha Sastrigal, well known Sanskrit teacher and scholar passed away on July 19.
He was born in the year 1927 at Pologam in Tanjore District and became a versatile scholar in Sanskrit. After his schooling he joined M.S.Vidhyasala, Chidambaram.
He studied in the Madras Sanskrit College under his guru, K.S. Narasimha Sastrigal and got the Sirmani Degree in Vedanta.
He served as a Sanskrit Copyist in the Oriental Manuscript Library which was attached to the University of Madras.
He joined the Savitri Ammal Oriental Hr.Sec. School in 1958 as Sanskrit Teacher at the time the school was started. He conducted poojas on the day of inception of the school in 1958 in the immediate divine presence of Sri Chandrasekarendra Sasraswathi Swamigal of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. He later became Post Graduate Teacher and Assistant Headmaster.
He used to take advanced Sanskrit classes for needy students till his end. After retirement he devoted his entire time in helping elderly people to study advanced Sanskrit works, particularly Adi Sankara’s works. He used to regularly give lectures (Upanyasam) on different topics related to Sanskrit every week free of cost at Gurukulam in Abhiramapuram.
He had directed a number of school dramas in Sanskrit and possessed good histrionic talent.
He was the chief examiner for higher secondary Education in Sanskrit. He was a member of the Ayurveda Committee which framed the syllabus for Ayurveda groups in the schools.
He was awarded the national Best Teacher Award for Sanskrit in 1986 by the Government of India. (Received from the then President of India Shri.R. Venkataraman) He was recognised and awarded several titles by the school for his selfless service in the field of Sanskrit.
He leaves behind his sons, V. Chandrasekaran, V. Raman and V. Vishwanathan.
The family lives at Anandhi Apartments, 79 Warren Road, Mylapore. Ph: 2464 2387.
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It’s really a matter of pride for the entire people hailing from the Polagam village. Though I knew him as my relative, I was not aware of his greatness during his lifetime. I am rather unfortunate that way. The only consolation for me is that I did take a snap together with him, when he visited the village during Mariamman Koil kumbabhishekam and I am treasuring it. I seek His blessings.
We are now performing the 1st Anniversary ceremony for my beloved Father. He was also our Sanskrit teacher (Guru). It is touching to recall the sacrifices he had made not only for his children’s welfare but for many many others. He never craved for any recognition. He could live a life of austerity till last day. We are blessed to be born as his Children.
Very sad to hear about Sir. I am a proud student of Sir and in fact his favorite one. He used to take special care on me during my 11th and 12th standard in the school. With no background on Hindi/Devnagri/Sanskrit it was difficult for him to teach to students like me. When I got 199 in Sanskrit in my 12th standard exam, he was so happy.
May his soul rest in peace.
A great soul indeed. In spite of his scholarship he was so humble. This is a great loss for the sanskrit community. He lived a Full life to see all his children and grand children enjoy good life. I pray to Lord so may his soul rest in peace.
Heartfelt condolences to his bereaved Family..
Dr. S. Raman
Ottawa, Canada
lots and lots of namaskaram for his holy feet. eventhough i m not aware about this sir of savithri ammal, since i m one of the student of that school in the year 94 & 95. I m very proud to say i hv studied in such a holy school and the masters like Sri P.R.V. served place.
Please see the article for Appa.