His Holiness Kanchi Kamakoti Peetaathipathi Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal was interviewed recently by Klick Ravi for us. During the interview, he spoke to us in detail about the Hi-tech City to be built under the auspices of the Kanchi Math, computer education imparted in the University run in the name of Kanchi Mahaswamigal, medical services rendered by the Math, etc. Excerpts:
 Chennai Online (COL):
We beseech your Holiness to explain in detail the activities of the Math in the field of education.
Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal (JSS): Kanchi has the distinction of being called Nagareshu Kanchi. (best among cities). It is also said that the educational supremacy of Kanchi is unparalleled. There are evidences of existence of Universities here. The stone carvings of yore call this place Kadigasthanam. This place has been known for its pedagogic and philosophic attainments and has seen the propagation of innumerable good deeds from the days of Adi Sankara.
The Math has been keen in the nurturing of Vedas, Sastras and our Culture. We are also particular that every student should be upright and virtuous, apart from being a scholar. We have established several schools like Sri Sankara, Kamakshi Vidhyalaya, Jayendra Saraswathi Vidhyalaya, etc. in various districts. In addition to regular education, Devaram, Thiruvasagam are also taught, along with our culture.
A deemed University, by name Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Viswa Maha Vidhyalaya, comparable to our ancient Universities, was established during the celebration of the hundredth birthday of Sri Mahaswamigal. This is affiliated to the UGC. Computer science, MBA and MCA classes are also conducted there, in step with the times. This University differs from others in that the teachers and the taught enter their classrooms only after their Morning Prayer. All the first year scholars have a special subject called Indian Culture. The University will be shortly completing its fifth year.
Another institution known as Sankara Arts and Science College is run by the Math with the sanction of the State Government. This facilitates women's education.
 COL:
Internet has become the order of the day. Will the Sri Math endeavour to disseminate the Vedas, Agamas and Sastras through the Internet?
JSS:
It is important that all the modern subjects are to spread through Internet. Vedas, Sastras and Agamas are to be taken to our people only by traditional methods. Therefore they won't be on the Internet.
COL:
We understood that the Sri Math is establishing Medical Universities in Orissa and Nepal. What is the progress in this respect.
JSS: Hospitals have been constructed in various places. They are managed by various Trusts on behalf of the Math. Child Trust Hospital is dedicating its service to people in Chennai. Sankara Nethralaya is another example. Medical assistance is given in Bihar too. People represented their difficulties to us when we were in Nepal. We built a hospital in the space provided by the Government of Nepal. At present only outpatients are attended to. Soon there will be facilities to take care of inpatients too. The Government of Orissa has consented to give sufficient space for the construction of a hospital in Berhampur. There will be a similar hospital in Pondicherry too. The hospitals constructed in these places will grow up into Universities in the years to come.
COL: Sometime back there was a news item indicating that a Music Research Centre will be founded by Ilayaraja with the help from the Sri Math…
Ilayaraja's relationship with the Math is more than twenty years old. He helped in the construction of one whole stage of the Raja Gopuram of Srirangam Temple, at the words of Sri Mahaswamigal. He visited us sometime back and told us about his plans to bring about changes in the society, through music. He sang poems like Namacivaya Vaazga in our presence. His renditions are capable of putting the mind at peace and serenity. He informed us that he was going to establish a Centre for Research in Music. We blessed him and assured the support of the Sri Math. He is taking necessary steps in this direction.
COL: We hear that a High Tech City is coming under the auspices of the Sri Math. Will His Holiness be pleased to give us the details?
Yes. We have named it as Prajnya. The word Prajnya means wisdom. A Trust has been formed for this purpose; land acquired and the construction
activities have begun. It will take about a year for its completion. Five Companies including Vettri Software and the Tatas have expressed their desire to be part of this. We propose to propagate our Culture in all possible ways. This is thrown open to Indians and foreigners alike and will include both software and hardware.
 COL: Sri Math has been of the opinion that women should not be encouraged to take up an employment. In the present times, almost 50 percent of the opportunities in the IT industry is filled up by women. Will women be given an opportunity to serve in the Hi Tech City?
JSS: If it does not hinder her household responsibilities; if it is possible for a couple to share their responsibilities; if it will not come in the way of proper upbringing of children, and if the couple can adjust among themselves, there is nothing to stop women from getting employed.
COL: While no other religion finds a place in the ministry, there is a Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments. Would it not be appropriate that the Minister who looks after this Department should vouch his belief in Hindu religion and be administered an oath to this effect before he assumes Office? We seek the opinion of the Sri Math on this.
There should be a Minister for each religion. That will set all matters right. Athu oru thinusu.. (it is of a kind) (Laughs) If the Government leaves the affairs of religions to the respective religions, there won't be a problem. Let there be groups or Trusts formed for the maintenance of each Temple and leave it to them. They will look after the temples.
Translated by: Hari Krishnan
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