The ancient wisdom contained in the vedas is a legacy that has been carefully nurtured through the ages. If this heritage, which was primarily oral, has enjoyed an unbroken passage through time, then some of the credit goes to the committed efforts of individuals and organisations working toward its preservation. The Vedshastrottejak Sabha near the municipal grounds has been one such institution playing an active role in this field for the past 125 years.Says Parshuram Paranjape, secretary of the Sabha about why such an organisation was thought necessary. ``During British rule a new system of education based on Western concepts was introduced into India which helped Indians in seeking employment. This coupled with the lack of state patronage had an adverse effect on traditional forms of learning contained in the vedas and shastras. Alarmed by this trend which threatened to wipe away a form of learning that had survived thousands of years, certain concerned citizens of Pune felt it was time to act.''On August 31, 1875 around 80 individuals under the leadership of social reformer and thinker M.G. Ranade came together at the Modi Ganpati temple to chalk out a plan of action. The result was the Vedshastrottejak Sabha - a body to encourage the learning of ancient scriptures.The primary aim of the institution was to promote the study of vedas, shastras and the Sanskrit language by conducting examinations in these subjects and awarding scholarships and certificates to meritorious students. ``The option of starting a traditional vedpathshala was also discussed, but due to lack of sufficient funds they found it more practical to encourage students through scholarships. And scholarships would benefit students from all over India,'' says Paranjape.The working of the Sabha was to be governed by a working committee which would nominate scholars and experts on the scriptures to form an examination panel. The Sabha bore the lodging and boarding expenses of the students for the duration of the examinations, a practice that continues to this day. ``Learning the scriptures is not an easy task. The examinations are not merely a formality to pass. They test the students for their ability to continue in their calling,'' says Paranjape.The examinations which are recognised by the State Government are for three grades, abhigya (equivalent to the standard XII examination), Kovid (equivalent to B.A) and Chudamani (equivalent to M.A) and are conducted annually. Students are tested in subjects like vedanta, Sanskrit grammar, vedas and mimansa. The scholarships ranging from Rs. 250 per month to Rs. 1,000 per month are awarded on the student's merit. Interestingly, even teachers are awarded a token of appreciation. ``Behind every good student is a capable teacher,'' says Paranjape.From its earlier location at the rented premises in Nanasaheb Phadtare's wada in Sadashiv Peth the Sabha shifted to its current location - a one-storey building with a spacious hall which is often rented out for exhibitions, a library, classrooms and also a recording room.Using new technology to preserve ancient learning, the Sabha recently took on the task of recording the four vedas and preserve them for posterity with help from a Danish company.Paranjape along with Bhagyashree Karandikar has brought out an audio cassette which serves as an introduction to the vedas. Besides these activities, the Sabha also conducts Sanskar varg or classes to inculcate respect for learning for school-children in the summer holidays. Students can also avail themselves of a well-stocked library which has 2,000 rare manuscripts as well as books on vedas and shastras.The Sabha set up to preserve ancient learning continues to foster its original aims in a contemporary atmosphere.
