CHENNAI: A host of religious events were held at Narada Gana Sabha to mark the 1,000th birth anniversary of Vaishnavite scholar Ramanujar Sahasrabdi (1017–1137 CE) from May 10, which concluded on Friday. The four-day series of programmes featured a number of spiritual discourses, dance and music, taking the audience through different stages of the life of the renowned acharya from childhood to youth, and finally, as social reformer-cum-philosopher.
“We have the opportunity to spread the greatness of Sri Ramanujar to the world,” said U Ve Akkarakkani Srinidhi at the curtain raiser of the event. The discourses put the spotlight on the Vaishnavite tradition and Hindu religion through dance dramas on the life of Ramanujar.
Vedic scholar U Ve Karunakarachariar said, “The teachings of Ramanujar are essential for the present generation and the young will benefit from the same.” The entire-four day programme was anchored by Revathy Sankaran, who has penned the lyrics for the dance drama. Music was composed by A S Ram with dance choreography from Sheela Unnikrishnan and Divya Sena.
The aim of the celebrations was to instil the values and achievements of Ramanujar as his teachings are relevant for the present generation too. “We are lucky to celebrate the 1,000th birth anniversary of the great saint and he stands the test of time, in spite of caste, gender and obstacles,” said Karunakarachariar.
The anniversary event was jointly organised by Kaustubha Media Works and Bhakthisagaram and was planned after consulting all scholars. “We have also tried to translate some of Ramanujar’s teachings into Tamil so that we can reach out to as many people as possible and also connect with the youth,” said the organisers.