THE SOUTH INDIAN EDUCATION SOCIETY

SRI KANCHI
MAHASWAMI
FESTIVAL
2018
Programme Schedule December 2018

1
 THE SOUTH INDIAN EDUCATION SOCIETY
The South Indian Education Society, with its schools and colleges has been a unique
pathfinder for decades now. Excellence being its hallmark, the Institution has always strived
to instill values and promote Indian wisdom, tradition and practices.

From basics sciences and arts to high-end technology, SIES colleges

have a spectrum of courses across all spheres of education. No wonder, this highly esteemed
Institution has played host to some of the most eminent personalities.

SIES pledges to write many more success stories on the pillar

called education.

(Proposed)

2
Sri. Shanmukhananda Fine Arts &
Sangeetha Sabha
Sri. Shanmukhananda Fine Arts & Sangeetha
Sabha has over the past sixty six years played
a unique role in the national integration
and cultural synthesis of our country. Fine
Arts kindles the esoteric perceptions of the
connoisseur. It has the infinite capacity to take
one’s mind from the realm of mundane life
into the regions of ethereal charm. It is this
bridge that the Sabha has effectively deployed
to bring forth a fusion of diverse cultures,
religions and interests.
Sri Shanmukhananda Chandrasekarendra
Saraswati Auditorium which is the largest
Auditorium to the east of Suez effectively
merges culture and commerce and has
been the venue for several national and
international events. In merging tradition
and talent the SANGEETHA VIDYALAYA
does pioneering work in keeping alive
music tradition in this city. Consistent with
its commitment to promote Fine Arts in all
its aspects, Sangeetha Vidyalaya also runs
several courses in Hindustani tradition. In
achieving its goal of integration and harmony,
the SHANMUKHANANDA MEDICAL
3
CENTRE has over 30 leading doctors working
on an honorary basis. The centre is well
equipped for clinical medicine, pathology,
cardiology and life style diseases and has an
outpatient count of about 1,00,000 annually.
The SRI SHANMUKHANANDA EYE CARE
CENTRE is totally devoted to community
ophthalmology. The DIALYSIS CENTRE at
the Sabha provides haemo-dialysis as low as
Rs. 50/- per procedure far below the actual
cost and the lowest in the country. The centre
has a long list of patients in waiting. The State
Bank of India Retina Centre is boon to those
affected by Retinal impairments. The New
India Assurance Retinal Surgery Centre has
further ensured that all Ophtholmic ailments
can be addressed by the centre.
On 27th December 2000, His Holiness
Pujyasri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal
rechristened the Sabha’s Auditorium as
“Sri. Shanmukhananda Chandrasekarendra
Saraswathi Auditorium”. Each year thereafter,
the Sabha celebrates the Sri. Kanchi
Mahaswami Festival closer to the Aradhana
of the Sage.
 THE SOUTH INDIAN EDUCATION SOCIETY

SRI KANCHI MAHASWAMI

FESTIVAL 2018
14.12.2018 Sri Kanchi Mahaswami Sangeethanjali
Friday 6.30 pm
Shanmukha Shiromani Sikkil C. Gurucharan
Shri. L. Ramakrishnan - Violin
Shri. V. V. Ramanamurthy - Mrudangam
Shri. Guruprasanna - Kanjira

15.12.2018 19th Sri. Shanmukhananda National Eminence

Saturday 6.00 pm Award & Shanmukha Shiromani Awards
19th Sri. Shanmukhananda National Eminence Award to
Ustad Zakir Hussain (Tabla)
Shanmukha Shiromani Awards
1. Shri. T. S. Pattabhirama Pandit - Carnatic Vocal
2. Shri. Amaan Ali Bangash & Shri. Ayaan Ali Bangash - Sarod
3. Shri. Pavithra Bhat - Bharatha Natyam
followed by Mandolin concert of Shri. U. P. Raju & Smt. Nagamani

16.12.2018 Kanchi Jagadguru Sri. Jayendra Saraswati National

Sunday 6.00 pm Eminence Award in Fine Arts
Kanchi Jagaduguru Sri. Jayendra Saraswati National Eminence Award in
Fine Arts to
Padma Bhushan Shri. Trichur V. Ramachandran, followed by concert of
Smt. Bhushany Kalyanraman & Party

4
 The spirit of selfless service, the readiness to sacrifice, devotion
to God and love for and goodwill towards all, and hatred for none,
are the outcome of a highly developed mind and go by the name of
culture. Arts like music, painting etc. are regarded as the outward expression
of this high culture.

22.12.2018 21st SIES Sri. Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi

Saturday, 6.00 PM National Eminence Award
Public Leadership - Dr. Manmohan Singh, former
Prime Minister of India
Community Leadership - Dr. Manjul Bhargava, Educationist
Science & Technology - Dr. V. K. Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog
Philosopher/Social Thinker - Swami Chidanand Saraswathi, Ganga
Action Parivaar
International Award - Dr. Sengaku Mayeda, Japanese
Philosopher

31.12.2018 Akhanda Bhajan : Bhajans & Devotional songs by

Monday Sri. Shanmukhananda Bharat Ratna
6.30 pm to 9.00 pm
Dr. M. S. Subbulakshmi Fellowship Awardees
Kum. Soorya Gayatri
Master Rahul Vellal
Shri. V. Balakrishnan - Violin
Shri. P. V. Anilkumar - Mrudangam

10.00 pm to Welcoming the new year 2019 by Udayalur Dr. Kalyanaraman & Party
12.15 pm

2.1.2019 Mahaswami Aradhana

Wednesday, 6.30 pm
Mahaswami Aradhana – Pancharatna Haram led by Vidushi
Smt. Kalyani Sharma

5
Mahaswami Sangeethanjali
Mahaswami of Kanchi was known for his
masterly knowledge of music. He is known,
too, for his love for listening to good music
and for his solicitude for musicians. Over the
years, numerous musicians have deemed it
a great privilege to perform in his presence,
for him. The Paramacharya often spoke about
music and its role in spiritual pursuits in his
various discourses.
To think of the great Acharya is to lift
ourselves to a higher realm of thought and
action. To most of us who know very little
beyond the possibilities of the discursive
intellect, the Sage of Kanchi is a constant
reminder of how much we have to make up
in our journey through life to the goal of
freedom.
Sri Shanmukhananda Sabha’s Auditorium
was rechristened Sri Shanmukhananda
Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Auditorium
on 27th December, 2000, in the benign
presence of His Holiness Pujyashri Jayendra
Saraswathi Swamigal, 69th Sankaracharya of
Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. It was then decided
that in commemoration of the momentous
event, each year, on 27th December or
proximate to the Aradhana of the Sage,
Mahaswami Sangeethanjali be performed.
Earlier
Sangeethanjalis
were rendered by
27.12.2001 Padma Bhushan Shri. Lalgudi
Jayaraman
28.01.2003 Sangeetha Martand Pt. Jasraj
07.12.2003 Padma Bhushan
Prof. T. N. Krishnan
10.12.2004 Shri O. S. Thiagarajan
17.12.2006 Padma Bhushan Smt. Sudha
Raghunathan
08.12.2006 Padma Bhushan Shri. Trichur V.
Ramachandran
24.12.2007 Padma Bhushan Shri. R. K. Srikantan
05.04.2009 Shri T. M. Krishna
21.12.2009 Shri R. K. Padmanabha
18.01.2011 Smt. R. Vedavalli
26.12.2012 Padma Bhushan Shri. Vikku
Vinayakram
22.12.2013 Bangalore Shri. S. Shankar
14.12.2014 Malladi Brothers (Shri. Sreeram
Prasad and Shri. Ravi Kumar)
28.12.2015 Hyderabad Brothers (Shri. D.
Seshachary)
11.12.2016 Smt. Gayatri Venkatraghavan
15.12.2017 Trichur Brothers
(Shri. Srikrishna Mohan and
Shri. Ramkumar Mohan)

If we throw a rubber ball against the wall, it bounces – in other

words it returns to us. The ball thrown is desire and it is the
same ball that becomes anger as it bounces. The attack we
believe we make on others in our anger is actually an attack we make on
ourselves – and we are hurt more than those we wanted to hurt.

6
 Sikkil Gurucharan
(DOB : 21st June, 1982)

Sikkil Gurucharan is among the foremost young

performing musicians of Carnatic Music today. He is
the grandson of Smt. Sikkil Kunjamani, elder of the
internationally acclaimed flautists, the Sikkil Sisters.
He has been under the tutelage of Vaigai Shri. S.
Gnanaskandan and Shri. B. Krishnamurthy. He is an ‘A’
graded artiste of All India Radio. He has a Masters Degree
in Financial Management. He is full time devoted to
music. “Devastatingly Beautiful”, as described, is a music
format created by him and pianist Shri. Anil Srinivasan.
They have several albums to their credit. He was conferred
the Sri. Shanmukha Shiromani Award in 2007.

This year, he renders the Sri. Kanchi Mahaswami

Sangeethanjali accompanied by
Shri. L. Ramakrishnan - Violin
Shri. V. V. Ramanamurthy - Mrudangam
Shri. Guruprasanna - Kanjira

If a copper vessel remains immersed in a well for ten years, how

much will it need to be cleaned? It will become as bright as we
clean it. Over the years we have committed so many evil acts and
made our mind impure. To remove the impurity we have to do as many good
deeds. We have to perform our daily religious rituals. With that, the purity of
mind will improve. We will develop good qualities.

7
Kanchi Jagadguru
Sri Jayendra Saraswathi National Eminence
Award in Fine Arts
During the Golden Jubilee of Peetarohanam (ascension to the pontifical seat)
of His Holiness Pujyasri Jayendra Sarawathi Swamiji to the venerated Kanchi
Kamakoti Peetam in 2003-2004, a National Eminence Award in Fine Arts was
set up by the devotees of the Mutt. The event is conducted as part of the Annual
Sri. Kanchi Mahaswami Festival
Kamakoti Peetam has been in the forefront of promotion of Fine Arts
in the country. The several Acharyas who have adorned this Peetam have
themselves been great connoisseurs of Fine Arts.
The 69th Acharya Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamiji renovated the homes
of the Trinity of Music in Thiruvarur in Tanjore District, Tamil Nadu and set
up the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Carnataka Sangeetha Seva Trust to perform
the Jayanti Celebrations of Saint Thyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar and
Shyama Sastry.
In addition to honouring artistes as Asthana Vidwans of the Mutt, the
Acharyas of the Peetam have given primacy to the development of Indian
music amongst the youth of this country. This award is a continuation of the
efforts of the Kamakoti Peetam to promote excellence in Fine Arts. The award
carries a Cash Prize of Rs. 1.0 lakh, a Bronze Lamp, a Citation and blessings from
the Sankaracharya.
Sri. Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal attained Videha Mukti on 28.2.2018. For 63
long years, he adorned the Peetam with distinction and guided it with visionary
leadership.

In the earlier years, the Award was given to :

2003-04 Shri Thiruvengadu Jayaraman 2010-11 Padma Bhushan
2004-05 Shri Nedunuri Krishnamurthi Dr. T. V. Gopalakrishnan
2005-06 Padma Bhushan 2011-12 Padma Bhushan
Prof. T.N. Krishnan Dr. L. Subramaniam 
2006-07 Padmashri Dr. N. Ramani 2012-13 Padmashri Ms. A. Kanyakumari
2007-08 Padmashri Mandolin 2013-14 Padmashri Dr. Gayatri Shankar
U. Shrinivas 2014-15 Udayalur Sri Kalyanaraman
2008-09 Padma Bhushan 2015-16 Dr. M. Chandrasekaran
Shri T.V. Sankaranarayanan 2016-17 Malladi Brothers
2009-10 Shri. Sanjay Subrahmanyam (Shri. Sreeram Prasad and
Shri. Ravi Kumar)

8
 Trichur V. Ramachandran
(DOB : 9th August, 1940)

Born in 1940 in Thrissur of the erstwhile Cochin State,

he gave his first concert at the age of 14. At the age
of 18, he became a graded artiste of All India Radio.
Ramachandran has a Graduation in Chemistry. His
successful journey of 64 years can be encapsulated in
his own observation in just three letters – ‘GNB’. He
is his be all and end all. He carries the ‘GNB’ legacy
with unremitting devotion and sincerity. A disciple of
Shri. G. N. Balasubramaniam, he underwent training
under Smt. M. L. Vasanthakumari as part of an Indian
government cultural scholarship. He received the
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2003 and the Padma
Bhushan in the same year.

A dancer balancing a pot on her head, while going through

the various movements of the hands and feet to the
accompaniment of music, never for once forgets the pot on
the head. Similarly, we should not lose sight of the purpose of life while
engaged in our day to day activities.

9
SIES Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi
National Eminence Award
The Mahaswami of Kancheepuram (Kanchi) was
an embodiment of the ancient wisdom of India
enshrined in the Vedas. He represented the very
essence of the Sanatana Dharma. His teachings
were matched by his life which was itself a direct
message in all its completeness. His perception of
truth and its presentation were unparalleled in
style and substance. People, both the learned and
the ordinary, flocked to him for kindly light and
get their difficulties solved and doubts dispelled.
His blessings knew no bar of caste or religion.
He was an open book to all alike. None returned
from his effulgent presence without the feeling of
peace and tranquility, courage and confidence to
face life.
The South Indian Education Society (SIES) has
set up a corpus fund to perpetuate the preachings
of the Mahaswami. In seeking to honour men of
eminence who devote their lifetime for the cause
of this nation and Sanatana Dharma, the Society
seeks to institutionalise a forum through which
these awards are given. The benevolent sage of
Kanchi gave a century of spiritual guidance to
millions of devotees all over the world. The Sri
Chandrasekarendra Saraswati National Eminence
Award is our way of paying reverential obeisance
to this noble soul, the legend of humanity and to
perpetuate His memory, mission and deeds for
the present and future generations.
The Awards are given with the blessings of
the Sage of Kanchi Pujyasri Sankara Vijayendra
Saraswathi Swamigal.

To a man standing under the arch at one end of a bridge, all the other
arches will appear smaller than the one under which he is standing.
However, we are aware that all the arches of a bridge are of the
same span. Similarly, to the votary of a particular Deity, all the other Deities will
appear inferior on account of his attachment to the Deity of his choice, but the
truth is that all Deities are manifestations, in particular ways, of one God.

10
National Eminence Awards are given to persons
in the following fields:
* Public Leadership
* Community Leadership /
Public service
* Science & Technology
* Philosophers / Social Thinkers
The award carries a citation, a huge ornamental
lamp, scroll and a cash prize of Rs. 2.5 lakhs. The
award is given each year in Mumbai proximate to
the annual aradhana of the Mahaswami.

This award has been conferred on 79

distinguished persons * for
Public Leadership 17
Community Leadership 19
Science and Technology 20
Pravachana Karthas 18
Special awards 05
79

Including
Presidents of India 3
Vice-President 1
Prime Ministers 3
Speaker of Lok Sabha 2
Governors 3
Chief Ministers 4
Bharat Ratnas 5
Foreign National 7
28
* Including this year

11
12
 We Honour Ourselves

I am prone to the conclusion that there lives none without

predominantly selfish motives. But with years rolling
on, an impression, that too a superficial one, true to my
nature, is drawing upon me that there tread on this globe
some souls firmly rooted in morals and ethics who live
exclusively for others, voluntarily forsaking their own
Sadhana for their spiritual improvement. It is they who
make this a blessed country. Their life is for Paropakara
and Lokahita without the slightest trace of consciousness
of self. It is for the likes of these that the Rishis of the yore
prayed for a life span of hundred years. In honouring
them, we honour ourselves.
-His Holiness Sri. Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi

13
Profile of Awardees - 2018
Dr. Manmohan Singh
(DOB : 26th September, 932)
Public Leadership

Dr. Manmohan Singh was born to Gurumukh Singh and

Amrit Kaur in Gah, Punjab (now in Chakwal Dist., Pakistan).
After the partition of India, he migrated to Amritsar.
A hardworking student who studied by candle light, as
his village did not had electricity then, Dr. Manmohan
Singh stood first throughout his academic career. After
completing his D.Phil, he worked for UNCTAD (1966-69).
In 1982, he was appointed the Governor of Reserve Bank of
India and held the post until 1985. He became the Deputy
Chairman of Planning Commission of India from 1985 to
1987.
In 1991, he was appointed the Finance Minister of
India. The economic reforms package that he implemented
during that period dismantled the License Raj. High levels
of economic growth were achieved during that period. In
1997, the University of Alberta presented him with an Hon.
Doctorate of Laws. The Oxford University awarded him an
Hon. Doctor of Civil Laws in June 2006 and in October
2006, the University of Cambridge followed with the same
honour. He was appointed the Prime Minister of India on
22nd May 2004 becoming the first person of Sikh faith
to hold that office. He is the first Indian Prime Minister
since Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to return to power after
completing a five year term. Elected to the Rajya Sabha first
in 1991, he continues to be a member of the parliament
from the upper house.
A great thinker, scholar and a talented economist,
Dr. Singh personifies the highest of probity in public life
and is a shining example of selfless service above self, in the
cause of the nation.

14
Prof. Manjul Bhargava
(DOB : 8th August, 1974)
Community Leadership - Education

Prof. Manjul Bhargava is presently R. Brandon Fradd

Professor of Mathematics at Princeton University and
also holds Adjunct Professorships at the  Tata Institute of
Fundamental Research, the Indian Institute of Technology
Mumbai, and the  University of Hyderabad. He is one of
the central figures in the area of pure Mathematics in the
world. One of the best known works of Prof. Bhargava in
his earlier years was the simplification of number theory
law of the famous German Mathematician Carl Friedrich
Gauss. He became the first person of Indian origin to win
the Fields Medal, popularly regarded as equivalent to the
Nobel Prize in Mathematics. He has been keenly engaged
in improving the standards of quality education at all levels
in the country – pre-school, school, higher education and
professional and vocational education. His attachment to
his motherland is unbelievable. His sense of dedication,
his passion for elevating India’s educational endeavor to
qualitatively much higher levels as well as the tremendous
efforts he expended to understand the underlying issues
are sure to become a part of India’s folklore and legend
soon. A fine human being, he took one year leave from the
Princeton University to devote time to the formulation of
India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2018 which will
see the light of the day soon. He received Hon. Doctorates
from the University of Toronto, IIT Madras, Lewiston
Maine and the Panjab University. He was conferred the
Padma Bhushan in the year 2015.
He receives the award on the day coinciding with the
132nd birth anniversary of the legendary Mathematician
Shri. Srinivasa Ramanujan.

15
Dr. V. K. Saraswat
(DOB : 25th May, 1949)
Science & Technology

He was born in a Saraswat Brahmin family at Danaoli in

Gwalior. He did his Masters in Engineering from Indian
Institute of Science, followed by a Doctorate in Propulsion
Engineering from Osmania University.
As one of India’s most gifted scientist and an
accomplished researcher, he has over four decades of
experience in several fields of both basic and applied
sciences of defence research. A rare combination of an
innovator, technologist and visionary, he has held various
positions of responsibility in defence research culminating
in being the Secretary, Defence (R&D). He also served as
Chief Scientific Advisor to the Union Defence Minister.
He was the former Chief of DRDO. He is credited with
development of liquid propulsion rocket engines and
missiles i.e. Prithvi, Dhanush, Prahaar indigenously. He
is the principal architect of the ballistic missiles defence
programme. Through the successful test firing of Agni – 5,
he brought new dimensions to strategic defence scenario.
His pioneering initiatives in energy security while holding
the DAE Homi Bhabha Chair are worthy of mention at all
times. Various awards and accolades have come his way
during his long professional journey. He was conferred the
Padma Bhushan in 2013. He also received the prestigious
Aryabhatta Award of the Astronautical Society of India
for lifetime contribution to missiles and aerospace
technologies in May 2013. More than 18 universities have
conferred Hon. Degree of D.Lit on him. As member of the
NITI Aayog, he is today guiding India’s rapid development
by harnessing technology at all levels.

16
Swami Chidanand Saraswati
(DOB : 3rd June, 1952)
Philosopher/Social Thinker

He is the president and spiritual Head of Parmarth Niketan

Ashram, Rishikesh, one of the largest interfaith spiritual
institutions. At the tender age of 8, he left home to live a life
devoted to God and humanity. At the age of 17, the call of
the Guru beckoned him to the plains from the mountains.
He obtained Masters Degree in Sanskrit and Philosophy
and is fluent in several languages. He leads, directs and
inspires numerous, wide-scale service initiatives.
He is the Co-Founder of Global Interfaith WASH
Alliance (GIWA), the world’s first-ever international
interfaith initiative, founder of India Heritage Research
Foundation (IHRF), an international, non-profit,
humanitarian foundation, Ganga Action Parivar (GAP),
a global family dedicated to the preservation of the River
Ganga and her tributaries in their free-flowing and pristine
state, Divine Shakti Foundation (DSF), which is dedicated
to the holistic well being of women, their children, and
orphaned/abandoned children and to all of Mother
Nature, Interfaith Humanitarian Network Project Hope,
an organisation dedicated to disaster relief.
His religion is unity. World peace, pilgrimage across
the globe is his life mission. He brings the light of wisdom,
inspiration, upliftment and the divine touch to thousands
across the world.

17
 Dr. Sengaku Mayeda
(DOB : 1st April,1931)

A Japanese Writer, Philosopher and Teacher, he is known

for his writings on Indian Philosophy and Adisankara.
He graduated with BA from the Department of Indian
Philosophy and Buddhist Studies, Faculty of Letters,
University of Tokyo in 1955. He received his MA from the
Department of Indian Philosophy in 1957. He received
his first Doctorate in 1962 from the University of Tokyo
followed by one from the University of Pennsylvania under
Prof. W. Norman Brown in Rig Veda and
Sanskrit and later Doctor of Literature from
Tokyo in 1973.
Sengaku Mayeda has held many important
posts relating to Philosophy and Indo
Japanese relations. He became the Director
of the Indo-Japanese Association in 1983, a
post he still holds. He was the President of the
Japanese Association of Indian and Buddhist
Studies for two terms, first from 1991 to 1995
Dr. Sengaku Mayeda with the Sage in 1963. and then from 1998 till 2002.
Sengaku Mayeda presently is the Executive Director
of the Eastern Institute, founded by Hajime Nakamura,
the Chairman of Japan-India Academic Exchange in
Humanities and Social Sciences and the President of the
Ashikaga Gakko, Ashikaga.
He was honoured by the Government of India, in 2014,
by bestowing on him the Padma Shri, the fourth highest
civilian award, for his services to the fields of literature
and education. He is also a recipient of the Third Order
of Merit with the Middle Cordon of the Rising Sun of the
Government of Japan, which he received in 2002.

18
 1st SIES Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi National Eminence Award, Dec 1998

Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma,

Former President of India,
Public Leadership

2nd SIES Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi National Eminence Award, Dec 1999

Dr. P. C. Alexander, Dr. Nani Palkhivala, Bharat Ratna

Governor of Maharashtra, Jurist, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam,
Public Leadership Community Leadership Principal Scientific
Advisor to Govt. of India,
Science & Technology

3rd SIES Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi National Eminence Award, Dec 2000

Shri. P. V. Narasimha Rao, Bharat Ratna Dr. Ram Narain Agarwal, Bhaishree
Former Prime Minister Dr. M.S. Subbulakshmi, AGNI, Rameshbhai Oza,
of India, Community Leadership Science & Technology Social Thinker
Public Leadership

The cucumber fruit does not fall down but gets detached from
the stalk, or rather the stalk gets itself detached, even without
the fruit knowing it. Similarly, the liberated one does not give
up the world; the world gives him up.

19
 OurNational
4th SIES Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi PatronsEminence Award, Dec 2001

About our Management

Shri. K. Ramakrishna Hegde, Shri. Sunil Dutt, M.P., Dr. K. Kasturirangan, Shri. Pandurang
Former Chief Minister CommunityBharat
Leadership
Ratna Chairman, ISRO,
Padma Vibhushan PadmaShastri Athavale,
Vibhushan
of Karnataka,
High School, Matunga. Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Science
Dr. K. &Kasturirangan
Technology Dr. R.Social Thinker
Chidambaram
Public Leadership Former President of IndiaEx-Chairman, ISRO, Former Principal Scientific Advisor
Member of Parliament, to the Government of India
Our Patrons
5th SIES Sri Chandrasekharendra
Member Planning Commission
Saraswathi
OurNational Eminence Award, Jan 2003
student and ex-teacher

THE SOUTH INDIAN EDUCATION

SOCIETY
The South Indian Education Society, founded in 1932, has made
a significant contribution, during the past 79 years, to the cause
of education. Our institutional mission was set by our founder
College of Arts, Science & Commerce,
Shri. Purno Agitok Sion (West). Dr. Veerendra Heggade,
Sangma, Dr. R. Chidambaram, Shri. B.Sundarkumar,
Shri M.V. Venkateshwaran inVibhushan
1932. “This society should
Former Speaker ofBharat Ratna Community
Lok Sabha, Padma Vibhushan
Leadership Padma
Science & Technology Social Thinker
Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
Public Leadership sincerely serve the cause
Dr. K. Kasturirangan Dr. R. of education and the educational
Chidambaram
Ex-Chairman, ISRO, Former
Former President of India needs of the commonPrincipal
man Scientific
of thisAdvisor
cosmopolitan city”.
Member of Parliament, to the Government of India
6th SIES Sri So in
Member
Chandrasekharendra a spirit
Planning of sincerity
Commission we
Our student andSaraswathi
ex-teacher National Eminence Award, Nov 2003
- Stress on high standards of academic, professional and
THE SOUTH INDIAN EDUCATION societal performance.
SOCIETY - Respond in a creative manner to a continuously changing
cosmopolitan society.
The South Indian Education Society, founded in 1932, has made
- Support cultural and ethnic diversity in the college
a significant
College of Commerce & Economics, contribution, during the past 79 years, to the cause
Sion (East).
community.
of education. Our institutional mission was set by our founder Acharya Kishore
Shri Sushil Kumar Shinde, Dr. Verghese Kurien, Dr. M.S.Swaminathan,
merce, Sion (West).
Shri M.V.
Former Chief Minister of Venkateshwaran We Leadership
Community seek
in to achieve
1932. our
“This educational
society
Science should
& Technology mission byVyas,
Maharashtra, sincerely serve the cause - Focusing on modes
of education of enquiry
and the Social thinking
which strengthen
educational Thinker
Public Leadership
needs of the common man skills.
of this cosmopolitan city”.
- Providing extensive field experiences to bring together
7th SIESSo inSri Chandrasekharendra
a spirit of sincerity we Saraswathi National Eminence Award, Dec 2004
theory and practice. Providing library resources and services
- Stress on high standards of academic, professional and
to support the academic needs of the college.
societal performance.
- Integrating technological development across the
- Respond in a creative manner to a continuously changing
College of Management Studies,cosmopolitan
curriculum.
Nerul. society.
- Support cultural and 4ethnic diversity in the college
nomics, Sion (East).
community.
Shri. Sunderlal
We Bahuguna, Dr. R.A.
seek to achieve ourMashelkar, Shri.by
educational mission Pithukuli Murugadas,
Community Leadership Science & Technology Social Thinker
- Focusing on modes of enquiry which strengthen thinking
skills.
- Providing extensive field experiences to bring together
theory and practice. Providing library resources and services
to support the academic needs of the 20 college.
- Integrating technological development across the
 8th SIES Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi National Eminence Award, Feb 2006

Bharat Ratna Shri. Atal Shri. Fali Nariman, Bharat Ratna Pujyasri Asaram
Bihari Vajpayee, Community Leadership Dr. C.N.R. Rao, Bapu,
Former Prime Minister Science & Technology Social Thinker
of India
Public Leadership

9th SIES Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi National Eminence Award, Feb 2007

Dr. S.S. Badrinath, Dr. Madhavan G Nair, Mahamandaleshwar Swami

Chairman, Sankara Netralaya, Chairman, ISRO Satyamitranand
Community Leadership Science & Technology Giri Maharaj
Pravachana Kartha

10th SIES Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi National Eminence Award, Dec 2007

Shri. Bhairon Singh Dr. Kiran Bedi, IPS Dr. Anil Kakodkar
Shekhawat, Community Leadership Science & Technology
Former Vice President of
India,
Public Leadership

There are many truths. History is one truth. Geography is one truth.
Mathematics is one truth. The content of truth is the greatest in
Mathematics. In others there is an element of imagination. In Geography,
we come across names of Asia, Africa, Madras, Calcutta etc. These names were
given by us. By imagination we have given names ‘Plateau’, ‘Valley’, etc. By a
process of gradual elimination of all that is imaginary we arrive at the truth, that
truth is found to be God. To think of Him with real devotion is the fruit of education.

21
 11th SIES Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi National Eminence Award, Dec 2008

Dr. Karan Singh, Shri. Nanaji Deshmukh Dr. M. M. Sharma Dr. (Smt) Teejan Bai
Public Leadership Community Leadership Science & Technology Pravachana Kartha

12th SIES Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi National Eminence Award, Dec 2009

Shri. Somnath Chatterjee, Dr. E. Sreedharan, Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, Dr. Satya Vrat Shastri,
Former speaker of Lok Sabha Chairman, Delhi Metro Project Director, Chandrayan Pravachana Kartha
Public Leadership Community Leadership Science & Technology

13th SIES Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi National Eminence Award, Jan 2011

Bharat Ratna Dr. Lata Shri. Arvind Gupta, Shri. Baba Ramdev,
Mangeshkar, Science & Technology Pravachana Kartha
Community Leadership

14th SIES Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi National Eminence Award, Dec 2011

Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi, Thespian Dilip Kumar, Dr. Jayant Narlikar, Dr. Hanif Mohammed
Public Leadership Community Leadership Science & Technology Khan Shastri,
Pravachana Kartha

22
 15th SIES Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi National Eminence Award, Dec 2012

Smt. Sushma Swaraj, Shri. Amitabh Bachchan, Dr. Sam Pitroda, Swami Tejomayananda,
Public Leadership Community Leadership Science & Technology Global Head –
Chinmaya Mission
Pravachana Kartha

16th SIES Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi National Eminence Award, Dec 2013

Shri Anna Hazare, H.R.H. Princess Irene, Dr. Palle Rama Rao, Br. Sri. Nochur
Community Leadership Special Award Science & Technology Venkataraman,
Pravachana Kartha

17th SIES Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi National Eminence Award, Dec 2014

Shri. Ram Naik, Dr. Ilaiyaraaja, Prof. Krishnaswamy Sri. Chaganti

Governor of Uttar Pradesh Community Leadership Vijayaraghavan, Koteswara Rao,
Public Leadership Science & Technology Pravachana Kartha

Hunger is appeased by eating. But is fire assuaged in the same

way? You keep feeding it and it keeps devouring everything. Fire
is bright but it chars all that it consumes. Or, in other words, it turns
everything black. Kama or desire is similar. It flares up like fire. The more it is
fed the more it becomes hungry. Indeed kama blackens our mind.

23
 18th SIES Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi National Eminence Award, Dec 2015

Shri. Suresh Prabhu Smt. Rajashree Birla Dr. R. K. Sinha Dr. David Frawley Dr. Serge Emile
Union Minister of Community Leadership Science & Technology (Pandit Vamadeva Demetrian
Railways Shastri) Special Award
Public Leadership Pravacahana Kartha

19th SIES Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi National Eminence Award, Dec 2016

Shri. Devendra Fadnavis Shri. A. S. Kiran Kumar Thanjavur Dr. John Ralston Marr
Public Leadership Science & Technology Smt. T. R. Kamala Murthy International Award
Pravachana Kartha /Sangeetha
Harikatha

20th SIES Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi National Eminence Award, Dec 2017

Shri. Pranab Kumar General Vishwa Prof. Baldev Raj Pujya Swami Dr. David Dean
Mukherjee Nath Sharma, Science & Technology Omkarananda Shulman
Public Leadership PVSM,AVSM.COAS, Social Thinker / International Award
Community Service Philosopher for Promoting Indian
Culture

“If you scrap your battle-ships, and let your cannon rust, that will not
stop war. People will continue to fight even if they have to use sticks.
Nothing but spiritual understanding between one nation and another
and between the rich and the poor will produce goodwill and thus bring real peace
and prosperity.”

24
Sri. Kanchi Mahaswami Aradhana
Pancha Ratna Haram

In the tradition of group rendition of the

Pancharatna Haram of Saint Thyagaraja on
the Pushya Baghula Panchami day, a Sangeeta
Aradhana is being offered on the Videha
mukti Tithi of the Sage of Kanchi. This was
first presented on the occasion of the third
Mahaswami Festival on 7th December 2003. Written by Smt. Lakshmi
Raghavan, it was set to music by Vidushi Smt. Kalyani Sharma. The songs
are as under

Virutham – Ragamalika : Saurashtram, Aasaveri, Suruti, Natakurinji, Atana,

Paras, Yathukula Kambodi, Shanmukhapriya & Ramapriya

Pancha Ratna Haram :

Parabrahma Swaroopa Nata Adi
Mouna thavamoorti Goula Adi
Maa Thavayogi Arabi Adi
Manathil Kanam Ninaithalum Varali Adi
Thonru Thottu Vilangum Sri Adi

The Pancharatna Haram as group rendition is performed on the Aradhana

Day of the Mahaswami of Kanchi. It would be offered on 2nd January 2019
coinciding with the 25th Aradhana of the Sage.

Just as the footsteps are there to track down a thief, the footsteps of the Lord,
who steals our hearts, are printed all over the universe. Our capability is also
a sign of His footstep. We are the mark of identification for the existence of
the Lord who is the creator. Can we draw the variety of lines on our palms in the manner
He has drawn? By the lines drawn on a small leaf, He has created a greater wonder than
all that has been done by so many with all their capabilities. Everything in the universe is
the mark of that ‘Great Thief’. As a thief remains in hiding He also remains in hiding. Vedas
repeatedly say that He is hiding inside a cave – that is our heart.

25
Institutions / Activities named after Kanchi
Mahaswami with active support from Mumbai
Sr. Activity Conducting Institution Location
No.
1. Sri Kanchi Mahaswami Vidya Mandir – Sri Kanchi Mahaswami Trust Rajakilpakkam,
vedic plus CBSE education Chennai
2. Sri. Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi South Indian Education Society Nerul, Navi
Vidyapuram Mumbai
3. SIES Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi South Indian Education Society Mumbai
National Eminence Award
4. Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Veda South Indian Education Society Nerul, Navi
Vidya Pitha integrated with modern Mumbai
education
5. Sri Shanmukhananda Chandrasekarendra Sri Shanmukhananda Fine arts & Sion (E),
Saraswathi Auditorium (Largest auditorium Sangeetha Sabha Mumbai
to the east of Suez Canal)
6. Sri Kanchi Mahaswami Chandrasekarendra Sankara Nethralaya Chennai
Saraswathi Nethra Nilayam
7. Jagadguru Sankaracharya Sri Bhajana Samaj Ghatkopar,
Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Prayer Hall Mumbai
– Community Centre
8. Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Nilayam Kalina Bhakta Samaj (Regd.) Vidyanagari,
(Community Hall – Spiritual Centre – Kalina, Mumbai
Educational cum Medical Centre)
9. Kanchi Mahaswami Sri Chandrasekarendra Dharma Paripalana Sabha Adayar,
Saraswathi Hall (Anantha Chennai
Padmanabhaswamy Temple)
10. Kanchi Jagadguru Sri Chandrasekarendra Thyaga Brahma Gana Sabha T. Nagar,
Saraswathi Mahaswami Auditorium (Vani Mahal) Chennai
11. A floor of the cultural complex named after Balaji Mandir – Sri Lakshmi Nerul, Navi
the Mahaswami (Socio Cultural Complex) Nrsimha Sabha Mumbai
12. Sri Kanchi Kamakshi Sabhagruha Rasika Ranjani Sabha Ghatkopar,
Mumbai
13. Sri Kamakoti Gana Nilayam Sri Krishna Gana Sabha Chennai
14. Kanchi Paramacharya Peetarohana Shatabdi Amar Seva Sangham Aiyakudi, Tamil
Block – Spinal Cord injured post Acute Nadu
Care Centre
15. Kanchi Mahaswami Namasudha Vani Thyaga Brahma Gana Sabha Chennai
Award (Vani Mahal)

26
 ी कांची महावामी संालय
In fulfilling a long felt desire of the devotees to have a museum that presents the life and times of the
Mahaswami of Kanchi during his century long sojourn in this universe, the Sri. Kanchi Mahaswami
Trust, Mumbai is executing a museum project at Sri. Kanchi Mahaswami Vidya Mandir, Tambaram
East, Rajakilpakkam, Chennai. Specially and experientially, the museum attempts to cease duality and
advocates “oneness”. Illustrating and teaching the precepts of the Sage through his life, the museum
employs use of a fictional narrative wherein his life story is presented through his conversation with
a flower vendor in the Kanchi Mutt. The design of the space blurs all boundaries, allowing the visitor
to blend in and forget that he is part of an experience of space itself.

Museum objectives illustrated

For a devotee who had experienced the

Mahaswami during his living times ...
... he will come back from the Museum wonderstruck as to how
he was not even aware of the several facets of the Mahaswami’s
personality that the museum has vividly captured

For a youngster who have never seen and

To a foreigner visiting our land for the first time.. experienced the Mahaswami ...
... a visit to the Museum will bring out the ... a visit to the Museum will make him regret that he
greatness of the Sage and vedas and kindle did not live during his times and how blessed he
interest in him to study Hinduism further. would have been had he seen him. He will then
commit himself to the precepts and preaching of the
Mahaswami for the rest of his life.
To a non-Hindu, non-Brahmin ...
To a person who is not generally inclined to

© Lokus Design Pvt. Ltd., Pune, 2018

a visit to the Museum will give an
understanding that vedas are a way of life and religious subjects ...
are not the preserve of one community or ...after a visit to the Museum he will say
class. It will inspire them not just to get the “At last I have seen a Saint in
benefit of vedas but practice them. the true sense of the term”
The Museum

Museum
CONTENT AND NARRATIVE narrative and content
STRUCTURE
01 03 03.2
Introduction to God is Near Us… Story of Ice and
Shankaracharya (Jiva - Brahman) Glass
02 03.1
Upanishadic Story 04 06
Universe as
of Fruit and Bird Maya - An Illusion Depiction of Day -
Vibration
to - Day Problems

08
07.1
Copper Vessel and
Commentary 07
Mind Analogy 07.2
08.1 on Horizon ‘Merging of Rivers’
Story of Wooden
Dancer and Her (Adhvaitham)
09 Elephant
Focus - Anecdote
Independence Day
Speech
© Lokus Design Pvt. Ltd. 2018 All Rights Reserved

14 16
10 12 Opinion on Interview with
India Visit Muslim Scholar- 13 Swadeshi 15
11 Paul Brunton 17
of Pope Harijan Darshan Manufacture of Movement Meeting with
Chinese Commentaries
Ahimsa Silk Gandhiji
Aggression related to Svadhyaya

18
Story of8focus of
24 20
22 Hunter
25 Importance of Charitable 19
23 Speech at BHU 21
Experience of Silence Acts Charity (Handful
Significance of 27 - year journey
of Rice Scheme)
Moksha and Bliss Music of India on foot

27
 Museum in the making

* artiste view of the

various sections of the
museum.
28
29
* artiste view of the various sections of the museum.

There is a separate display section with traditional panels and standalones which bring out in several
languages the greatness of the Sage of Kanchi through various events and his experiences.

The Museum project involves a financial outlay of Rs. 15 crores and is expected to be dedicated to
the nation before 31st March 2019.

30
 Message of His Holiness on
August 15, 1947
On the occasion of our Bharat attaining Independence, all the people
of this ancient land should pray to God with sincerity. Let us pray for
mental strength and capacity to involve ourselves in spiritual work.
Only through the grace of God can we preserve this freedom and
help all living beings in the world get happiness. It is praiseworthy that
by our good fortune our flag bears in its centre the chakra of God who
is Himself Dharma incarnate. Also, the Chakra connects us with the
tenets of Emperor Ashoka known as Devanampriya. It also involves us
with the spritual precepts handed down to us by God Himself in the Bhagavat Gita.
As Bhagwan has declared in the sixteenth shloka of the third chapter of the Gita, His words
“Evam pravartitam chakram” aptly shine in the form of the wheel.
In the shlokas of chapters 14 and 15, it is explained that the body results from food, food
results from rain, rains come as a result of yagas, Karma is a reaction from Vedas and that
Vedas arise from the Brahman which is in the form of alphabet and because of these, Brahman
is a part of penance - thus the dharmachakra teaches us.
Our independence which begins with the high ideals of Emperor Ashoka, may grant us the
rare fruits of dharma, wealth, happiness and salvation.
Our nation has struggled for freedom for a long time. Let us pray to God that our country
may prosper, that famine is relieved, that the people may live in harmony without any
communal strife as a result of this freedom which was obtained by the grace of God, the
blessings of great souls and the unparalleled sacrifice of people.
As our country has attained independence, we should also strive to get our independence.
Only when we realise ourselves fully shall we be independent. Our mind does not obey our
senses. We are not able to supress desire and anger. These two always assail us. However much
material wealth that we acquire, we are not contented. We are burdened with ills of the world.
Our mind is troubled by grief.
How are we to overcome this?
We should control our mind. We have to train ourselves to control our mind which has
been growing for ages only step by step. Once we control our mind we do not need anything
more. That is the complete independence we need to attain. Everyday we should keep peace
of mind and meditate upon God without letting any other thought occupy the mind. If we
meditate without any other thought our intelligence would be clear. This is a means to control
desire and anger.
One who achieves this gradually will soon get the knowledge of the soul. One who gets
perfect knowledge becomes completely independent. All women should be considered as
mothers. Other lives should be deemed as our own. We should stick to truth even if it costs our
life. We should completely eschew communal strife. Each individual should work for more
knowledge and spritual progress. We should treat all on the same level and show kindness. We
should always think of the welfare of all the people.

31
 Song specially composed by the Mahaswami and rendered by
Dr. M.S. Subbulakshmi at the United Nations General Assembly, New York,
on Sunday, October 23, 1966 in connection with the United Nations Day

32