
Swami Tattvavidananda is a true pandita in both a classical and modern sense. His Vedic studies began in childhood, first under the tutelage of his father, a well-known scholar, and later in a traditional patashala. He excelled in his Vedic studies and at the age of 11 was encouraged to begin modern academic studies. A brilliant student, he ultimately earned a Ph.D in Chemistry, and enjoyed a succesful scientific career. Swamiji continued to retain his connection to his Vedic roots, and at the instigation of colleagues, presented some of his thoughts on the Veda as a formal Ph.D. dissertation. This won him a Gold Medal and a second doctorate, this time in Sanskrit. Although steeped in traditional Vedic learning, Swami Tattvavidanandaji considers his search for understanding Vedanta ended only when he finally heard Pujya Swamiji, about ten years ago. Since then he has dedicated himself to learning from Pujya Swamiji and recently completed the translation of the Bhagavad Gita home study program into Telegu. With his rich store of knowledge, his cheerful, unaffected manner, and his eagerness to share, Swami Tattvavidananda is a highly appreciated and beloved teacher at the Gurukulam. He is that rare combination of knowledge (vidya) and humility (vinaya). Swamiji while in the USA, may be contacted at tatva36@hotmail.com from July 2009 until beginning of January, 2010.
Swamiji's Books Fund
As a gurudakshina for Swamiji's classes, Arsha Vidya Center hase started a fund to subsidize the cost of publishing Swamiji's many books from India. Swamiji had mentioned that many otherwise deserving people in India have a tough time to afford the prices of books. Swamiji is an exceptionally prolific writer - this year alone 5 of his books, both in English and Telugu, would have been out. So help from you would be very valuable.
First, a report from last year: Seventeen of us donated a total of $1,952, and a single donation was made for Rs 50,000. Swamiji utilized the rupee donation for publishing "Prarthana Satpadi", which retails for only Rs 50. This book was given out as prasada in this year's session. The rest of the money will be allocated soon by Swamiji. Please contact vijaykapoor108@yahoo.com for details. |