World of Philosophy

Author(s): Christopher Key Chapple, Intaj Malek, Dilip Charan, Sunanda Shastri, Prashant Dave
Publisher: Shanti Prakashan

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dence to study in Maharaja Sanskrit College, Mysore. He obtained Vidvan degree and later he was conferred the title of "Vidvan Kesari' by the then Maharaja of Mysore. He was famous as the first scholar of our area. He was famous as V.K. (Vidvan Kesari) Sadashiv Shastri, Kosguli. One can easily recognize unique characteristics in this Vidvan Kesari (i.e. Lion among the Scholars). Though, he was highly learned, he came back to his native place to serve his own land and garden of areca nut as the farmer. Along with the agriculture he also continued with the Vedic teaching at his home and performing Vedic rituals. These activities of V.K. Sadashiv Shastri added to the honour of our region. He was not just a degree holder scholar, but as Bhagavad Gita says that 'Pandita samadarshinah', he was also equanimous towards everyone. He was affectionate towards young and old, learned and ignorant and wealthy and poor. V.K. Sadashiv Shastri's wife Tungabhadra was equal in her behavior to his ideals. She belonged to a well cultured family of the area. It is no wonder that our Yajneshwara has come out as an exemplary genius having such background of the best Vedic Culture family.
I do not believe that birth of a person having special qualities in particular family is not an accident. Our philosophers say the merit and demerit are responsible for birth and parents. Shankaracharya stated that human life is not possible without the merit of thousands of lives. Birth in particular family is because of previous sanskaras. I feel that our Yajneshwar also is fruit incarnate of merit.
One may get birth in good family on account of merit, which is not enough for the successful future. He may use that opportunity either for downfall or for reaching the great heights. From this point of view, Yajneshwara's life and his efforts for learning are fruitful. Yajneshwar has used the opportunity of his birth in good family and has reached greater heights of scholarship and success.
Yajneshwara has all necessary modern and traditional degrees such as Ph.D. and Acharya etc. One cannot become a leading scholar just by studying for the examination. Famous Kannada poet D.V. Gundappa says, 'you cannot call him a learned man who simply holds degrees by reading books. One who digests the knowledge and implements in his life and experiences it is the real scholar.'
When I see Dr. Yajneshwar Shastri, I see him as a person who has digested and experienced his learning. There is a saying in the Sanskrit that 'as a crane in the horde of swans', but in the case of Dr. Yajneshwar Shastri I would like to change a little and say 'a swan shines among the horde of cranes'. Usually, we see that the teachers limit their teaching to classroom and remaining time spend with family or friends or just chitchatting, but when I think of Yajneshwar, he has contributed lot to society by crossing those limits. Our Yajneshwar Shastri is shining like a star among his peers is a special thing for us. His other activities and contribution on national and
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