Dushyanth Sridhar
@dushyanthsridar • 53,990 subscribers
Vedic Speaker | Author Rāmāyaṇam (@HarperCollinsIN), Vedānta Deśika (JSJS Trust) | Director Śākuntalam | Yātrās | Nāṭya ballets | BITS Pilani | IISc Fellow
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'Nail biting' is prohibited in the sastras. But this truly was a nail bitingcontest! Watch this clip of 25 participants (who cleared round 1) participating in round 2 of Swami Vedanta Desika's 'raghuvEragadyAvadhAnam' ❤️ What is so special about this round? This was Round 5 in the contest, the toughest of all. Eg: The jury member will utter a word from the middle of any passage (chUrnikA) say पुण्डरीक. The contestant can take a maximum of 7 seconds to think. He/She must NOT answer like this: चण्ड-कर किरण-मण्डल बोधित पुण्डरीक वन रुचि लुण्टाक लोचन RATHER this way: चण्डकर (1) लोचन (8) किरण (2) लुण्टाक (7) मण्डल (3) वनरुचि (6) बोधित (4) पुण्डरीक(5). So the contestant has to run the words L->R & R->L in turns. And guess what? MANY answered this round too! This is the biggest gift to Swami Vedanta Desika from the students! This contest was about memory, retention and delivery! Well, there was a tie-breaker quiz too! Parents & Grandparents must watch this ENTIRE video on my Youtube channel!
Dushyanth Sridhar33,411 views • 3 days ago
While I thought this #SanatanaDharma debate was done & dusted, and had decided to not participate in debates for sometime, this person who made such vicious remarks on the floor of the TN Assembly, coaxed me to. Here are my views that I shared for Padmaja Joshi (NDTV), Rahul Shivshankar (News18) & Arnab Goswami (Republic)::
Dushyanth Sridhar80,463 views • 1 month ago
Read Friends & Followers. Kindly read this post & listen to the video, to understand what a world we live in! The newly elected legislator from Madurai (TN) says, *I support the call to eradicate Sanatana Dharma. I follow the teachings of Periyar & Ambedkar* 1. There are 200+ references in the Hindu Scriptures that say 'Speaking the truth is Sanatana Dharma' (eternal virtue), 'Respecting one's mother, father is Sanatana Dharma' etc. Now, they wish to eradicate this which is far from impossible. Let us keep this aside. 2. Madurai is the place where Tamizh as a language was cherished, nourished & celebrated. On the other hand, Periyar called Tamizh an uncivilized language, & had called the greats like Thiruvalluvar, Kamban etc. fraud. He was AGAINST Tamizh. The legislator from Madurai supports Periyar. So, he wants to destroy Tamizh right? 3. Ambedkar supported Sanskrit for the national language. He followed Buddhism that says, 'Saccaṁ ve amatā vācā, esa *dhammo sanantano* (Truth indeed is deathless speech; this is the eternal law). He also made extremely critical remarks on Islam. This Muslim legislator from Madurai supports Ambedkar. So is he pro-sanskrit, pro-sanatana dharma and anti-islam like Ambedkar? Sri Rama was born in Ayodhya. His life was replete with challenges. Ayodhya too had its fair share of problems. Why? Sri Rama was 'dharma' himself. Truth will always suffer, though it will triumph in the end. The same applies to Tamizh & Tamizh Nadu. Bhakti was born in this land, which houses the greatest temples. But it has been suffering for 60+ yrs and continues to do so. I hope one day, this land & its language will triumph. News18 Republic
Dushyanth Sridhar28,400 views • 27 days ago
I am often asked, "Why can't you stick to delivering discourses? Why should you participate in debates defending #SanatanaDharma?" I will add to it. "Why should I have relinquished my corporate career at a young age and begin delivering discourses?" - Answer is :: "Because I am what I am because of #SanatanaDharma, my Azhwar and Acharyas. I am duty-bound to defend in my own little, decent way in whichever platform. If there will be repercussions, so be it." Regarding the disparaging remarks made by the TN politician on #SanatanaDharma, here are my views: - Politicians should understand the true meaning of these words and then ascend any platform. The more they speak without preparation, the more their ignorance will be exposed - #Dravidian Ideology in the last century has been disgraceful and uncharitable in its views and actions on #Hinduism and #Hindus. There is plenty of print and video proof to this effect in the open forums - Today, #Hindus are an orphaned community in India. No voice of support from any quarter. If #Astikas refuse to acknowledge this and assume that things are rosy, they are living in an utopian land Courtesy: TIMES NOW
Dushyanth Sridhar559,138 views • 2 years ago
INJUSTICE is the word. Context below: (with News18) (1) Thiruparamkudram is an ancient cave temple in Madurai (TN). It has been revered as a Siva temple in the 6th century by Tamizh saints. The same temple houses Skanda/Kartikeya revered as Muruga which has been sung in all poems, famously in the Thiruppugazh. So, it is a Hindu cave temple for millenniums. (2) It is a cave temple whose premises largely has been scooped out of the granite hill. Architecture of the Pandyas, Cholas, Nayaks is evident. So the kings of the past have embellished this temple. It is a very famous Hindu temple. (3) Between 1336 and 1378, Madurai was ruled by the most tyrant rulers called 'Madurai Sultanate'. The last ruler (Akbaruddin Sikandar) was killed by Kampanna, the valiant Vijayanagara king who put an end to the blood thirsty rule. But wonder what, suddenly some Islamic structure comes for the king (who tortured the Tamizh people) atop the cave temple! (4) An age-old Tamizh festival is Thirukkarthigai with multiple literary and inscriptional evidences. As a part of the festival, a lamp is lit above the hill at the Deepa-thoon (the stone pillar). Devotees approach the MHC to assert their right. The court examines and orders that the Hindus can light the lamp. But guess what? The HRnCE goes and says the Hindus won't light citing law & order issues. But the MHC again says, the Hindus can light the lamp, as it is their right. (5) When Hindus gather to light the lamp, they are stopped. Isn't this directly in opposition to the court's order? At the end of the day, Hindus can never assert what they even own. Sad & Bitter, yet the truth.
Dushyanth Sridhar92,421 views • 6 months ago
In the midst of #Chennai (in TN), 800+ astikas who are #Tamizh speaking, with pure love for Sri Hanuman recite #HanumanChalisa, a work in Awadhi (from UP). Nothing can unite the Bharatiyas like what stotras do! Courtesy - An astika seated on the left side of the stage, recorded and sent this. Thanks to him.
Dushyanth Sridhar36,353 views • 2 months ago
Request every Bharatiya & Indian to Repost #Bharat or #India is the debate? * Keeping aside the question on the constitutional validity and political ramifications, I wish to approach these names in the cultural context * Bharata signifies the 'land that nourishes knowledge' (Bha is light which indicates knowledge & rata signifies immersed or involved) * Bharata's geographical extent finds mention in Sri #VishnuPuranam which says that this is the land mass locked between the Himalayan range in the north and the oceans in the south * Four Bharatas have been noted as achievers: - Bharata (s/o Rishabhanatha) who practised bhakti yoga, and born two janmas later as a person who had intellectual discussions with Rahuguna. He was called 'Jada' Bharata and Sri #VishnuPuranam states, this land mass was called Bharata hence - Bharata (s/o Dushyanta) whose governance was highly respected and acclaimed - Bharata (b/o Rama) whose bhakti to Rama and unquestionable service is remembered - Bharata (muni) who blessed us with Natya Sastra literature * Thus Bharata - the etymology, the land mass and personalities who have adorned this name - are all GREAT At the same time, #India - the word is good, if not equally. * Chinese accounts saw this land mass consisting of people blessed by the moon (Indu in Sanskrit is moon). Moon signifies knowledge. The stretch of Himalayas from Kashmir to Arunachal is covered in snow and looks like the Moon too. So they referred to this land as the 'one of Intu (Indu)' which became India eventually. * Persian & Greek accounts saw this land mass as blessed with bounty beyond the Sindhu river (incidentally the river is called Sindhu, and an ocean is also called Sindhu). Eventually Sindhu became Hindu and India. * In either case, in the past, people from far east & west, have called this the land of '(H)indu' which became India. IMHO, #Bharat or #India - both carry their weight. We shouldn't be spending more energy on this!
Dushyanth Sridhar256,465 views • 2 years ago
Sri Anand Ranganathan authored the ‘Hindus in Hindu Rashtra’ in 2023. The book has a dharmic purpose. I am happy to let the readers know that it has been translated in Tamizh as well. Here is my congratulatory message to the author and Sri Padman (the translator). Wishing my friend Anand Ranganathan the very best!
Dushyanth Sridhar57,431 views • 7 months ago
What a blessed day it was! On a ‘Guru’ day (Thursday), I had the darshan of the veena used by ‘Guru Guha’ Sri Muthusvami Dikshitar (born 250 yrs ago). Yes, the SAME VEENA (preserved with lot of care by his family successors). The last one year especially, multiple platforms were given to me, to elucidate the greatness of his musical works (especially the sahitya). Many musicians of the highest order & calibre have appreciated his musical genius. Who am I in front of those stalwarts 🙏🏽?! As I darshan of the divya vigrahas propitiated by him, I saw this veena, and sang a few lines from his Sri Kantimatim kriti ❤️
Dushyanth Sridhar22,291 views • 2 months ago
#Sabarimala issue has been burning for close to 8 years now (1) Does Sri Ayyappan really insist that He will never see women? (2) Did the government handle the issue with unwarranted alacrity? And if yes, why has it changed its stand? (3) Is menstruation such a big issue that it is made out to be? (4) Do religious matters need to reach the courts? To know more, watch me speak to Ms Padmaja Joshi in NDTV
Dushyanth Sridhar19,860 views • 2 months ago
Wishing all the #astikas a very happy Tamizh Putthandu (new year) & Vishu! My views on the controversy at TCS Nashik office: 1. I have been a recipient of TATA's benevolence. My fellowship was at the TATA Institute (IISc) & I spent 5 years with Tata Consultancy Services. 2. I, as an employee have felt very secure working at TCS. I went there for work, and I worked. To serve the company is the only thing expected of an employee. 3. An organization does background check of the employee's credentials (like education, work etc.). No organization has the capacity to check through their religion-based habits, and their intent for conversion. 4. In this case, it is alarming that some of the followers of Islam are taking their conversion tactics to the workplace. Today, it is TCS. Which is the next one on their hit list? Or is this already happening in many firms now? 5. Islam has 2 billion followers worldwide. It has 57-58 Islamic nations. How many more followers will they need? It will be horrendous for the liberals to call this a propaganda as well. If schools, colleges, universities & workplaces are used as fertile grounds for conversion, then how do you expect people to be fearless? And when people feel worried, you call it Islamophobia! Don't people have the right reasons to be phobic? I would urge the Indian muslims to come forward, and speak in one voice against all this. Agreed that India needs peace & prosperity. But that isn't only the responsibility of Hindus. PS: I read Chandra's statement. He is a man of principles. I am sure, action will be taken, and survellience will be put in place.
Dushyanth Sridhar17,446 views • 1 month ago
Schools, Colleges & now, Workplaces. If these places are used as fertile grounds for conversion through dubious means, where is it safe for us all? We have sufficient follower numbers for each religion in India. There must an immediate law that bars religious conversion on ALL grounds (because if 'forcible' is prefixed to it, it gives ample space for mischievous elements to maneuver). Just watch this video. Not one word of condemnation on such criminals who target Hindu girls, but he has the gall to shut me down! Republic
Dushyanth Sridhar16,152 views • 1 month ago
Tamil Nadu’s biggest assets are Azhwars & Nayanmars. Their works called the #NalayiraDivyaPrabandham & #PanniruThirumurai are the pillars of #Vaishnavism & #Saivism. In this very state, a sitting minister makes nasty remarks on these ancient paths! A matter of shame for the all of us to live through such times! 😡
Dushyanth Sridhar68,808 views • 1 year ago
Need your support for Sanskrit Cinema. Kindly RT & watch the movie ( Know more about the movie here ( The Indian Movie industry is HUGE. It has followers all over the world & we are proud of this fact. Hindi, Tamizh, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada movies & more have the space to showcase their movies. 'Sanskrit Cinema' is too small compared to these giants. I am sure our vibrant Bharatiya population will appreciate movies in Samskritam too. Here is an excerpt from our Sakuntalam movie (with English subtitles). I am aware there is nothing in it that can make it go viral or create a certain 'buzz' but for our ONLY love for this civilization!
Dushyanth Sridhar131,906 views • 2 years ago
Imagine a Siva temple at #Thiruchendurai in TN; sung by #Thirugnanasambandar, a bhakti-poet in the 7th century CE.; being renovated by Parantaka Chola around 9-10th century CE., today being called as a temple on a 'waqf land'! This is just not atrocious but also alarming! Sai Deepak J Anand Ranganathan GAURAV C SAWANT 𑀓𑀺𑀭𑀼𑀱𑁆𑀡𑀷𑁆 🇮🇳
Dushyanth Sridhar89,465 views • 1 year ago
Namaskaram #Astikas - This is my post as a father. By the grace of her stotrapata teacher (Srivatsan Swami), Kshitija Dushyanth, of 8 years, along with her friend, has been learning shlokas. Here is the rendition of 164 verses (from Swami Vedanta Desika's 11 stotrams) in Sanskrit, in the traditional rote learning technique. In case of mistakes, if pointed, she will correct them in the future.
Dushyanth Sridhar12,403 views • 1 month ago
(1) How does Sri Hanuman who is a bramhachari become the 'God for Bramhacharis'? (2) If such statements full of ignorance and arrogance are delivered in the garb of spreading the message of 'pluralism & inclusivity' of Hinduism, then who is the audience? Will the CM agree he was talking to the non-Hindus (as he believes they are intolerant)? My views with Republic & News18
Dushyanth Sridhar30,705 views • 6 months ago
My views for IndiaToday with Preeti Choudhry 1. One can speak English, and yet remain rooted in Bharatiyata. So the PM's comments is not against the language, but against its associated culture (that looks down at anything Indic) 2. The word 'religion' in Indian perspective is not anti anything. Its literature and culture binds us all. So there is nothing wrong in a sitting PM attending or leading a religious event as the 'Ramayana' & 'Mahabharata' have in multiple ways influenced this civilization
Dushyanth Sridhar25,312 views • 6 months ago