Aligarh: The Department of Sanskrit at Aligarh Muslim University organized a lecture on ‘Relevance of the Vedas in Modern Times’ under its special lecture series started a couple of weeks ago.

Speaking on the topic, the guest speaker, an eminent scholar of Sanskrit, Pali and Prakrit, Prof Satya Prakash Sharma, former Chairman, the Department of Sanskrit at AMU and presently President, the Indian Society of Buddhist Studies and President, the Prakrit Development Board, explained the essence of the Vedas and highlighted the principles of 'live and let live' and 'give and take' envisaged therein. He quoted several Vedic hymns which emphasize universal brotherhood, and mutual coexistence with peace and harmony. He also emphasized the need to inculcate in people the moral values of ancient Seers for a better tomorrow for humanity.

Prof Arif Nazeer, Dean, the Faculty of Arts focused on the teachings of the Vedas which promote affinity and mutual understanding among various sections of society.

Prof Kafeel Ahmad Qasmi, former Dean, the Faculty of Arts, made a comparative study of the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Vedas.

Earlier, welcoming the guests, Prof Himanshu Shekhar Acharya, Chairman, Department of Sanskrit, while discussing briefly the topic of the lecture, pointed out that the Sanskrit literature, beginning from the Vedas, emphasizes maintaining a balance in the acquisition of Dharma, Artha and Kama, and the lack of balance in the acquisition of all these three Trivarga is the main reason behind all the calamities, both natural as well as man-made.

Saikat Das, a PhD scholar, conducted the programme and Vishakha extended a vote of thanks.