Smriti Scholars
Sincere thanks to all scholars who have pursued a rich life gathering Sanaatana Dharma wisdom and knowledge and shared their insights and experiences with great passion and enthusiasm.
Dr. Sarada Purna Sonty
Dr. Rani Sadasiva Murty
Sri. Kalluri Satya Rama Prasad
Sri. N V Raghuram
Dr. C L Prabhakar
Sri. Pidaparty Purna Satya Hariprasad
Dr. Prasad Kaipa
Dr. Jambunathan Ramanathan
Dr. Revuru Ananta Padmanabha Rao
Dr. Raj Raghunathan
Dr. Sistla Purushottham
Prof. Lakshmi Moorty
Smt. Rekha Rao
Dr. Lakshmi Bandlamudi
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Dr. Sarada Purna Sonty
Dr. Sarada Purna Sonty is one of the foremost thinkers and writers in the field of Art Traditions of India. Sarada is broad based in several humanistic and Indological disciplines. Her unique way of fusing Science, empathy and wisdom in her writings, her contributions to literature and philosophy gained her a place among ‘top 10 living Telugu legends in USA’.
Dr. Sarada P Sonty proved herself with Two PhD D Degrees & a DLitt Degree in progress – Telugu, Sanskrit, and Musicology. A visiting Professor and Program Coordinator for Potti Sree Ramulu Telugu University Hyderabad for Six Years 2000 – 2006, she completed term successfully.
Sarada is a poet, scholar, published author of 22 Books which includes Research works, Original writings, Poetry, creative writing, translations, commentaries of Sanskrit works, Music and Vedic journals, editorials for Souvenirs and special Centenary volumes. She wrote forewords for many books, translations, study materials for students, and lecture presentations. Published Telugu Primer, Sanskrit Primer, South Indian Carnatic Classical Music Primer for learners in the USA.
Born in India brought up in the coastal city Visakhapatnam, South India,. She significantly contributed to the learning on the subject of Languages, Literature, spirituality and philosophy in a very unique way, where Science, empathy and wisdom fuse. She aims to explore the interconnected loop of philosophy and psychology through languages, Literature, and Arts of India. She works as an independent Language Instructor.
Dr. Sarada is a Singer, Radio Artist, provided music for Dance Arangetrams, Semi Classical /Folk/ Devotional Music programs.
Dr. Sarada P Sonty Presented over 250 papers at various Universities in India and USA, International Conferences, Cultural and Educational Institutions, community centers, literary organizations of India , Trinidad, South Africa, Australia, Canada, and Religious centers in US & India .
She formed Sonty Renaissance International Foundation SRIF in 1987 to promote Indian Classical Performing Art Traditions and Social service in India. Owner, Founder, Editor for a MultiLingual Literary Journal ‘ Brahmi’ since 2001, she was also a member of Delegation to Parliament of Religions working for Interfaith Traditions.
Sarada has been working over a decade and penning down her views and understanding the “Akshara” concept, to widely spread the message. She with much humbleness acknowledges her Guru, mentor, Vedacharya Sri. Viswanadha Achyuta Rayalu garu for providing guidance.
Sri. Kalluri Satya Rama Prasad
A Scholar, Writer, Published Author, Engineer, he holds masters in Mechanical Engineering and served at BEML, Bharat Earth Movers Ltd for most part and offered services later as an independent consultant in Quality control and ISO management.
He is famous for several Vedanta works and for his book ‘Sachitra Tyagaraaja Keertanaamritam’ (in Telugu) – this book gives the gist, import, meanings for typical words etc. for around 400 songs of Saint Tyaagaraaja, originally published in 1984 and went through several editions.
His other books include -“MAGNIFICENT TEMPLES OF INDIA – Volume1” (in English) (covering more than 400 temples of South India, giving their locational particulars, uniqueness, specialities, architectural marvels etc. as applicable, etc.); “We Must” &” Hinduism & Frequently Asked Questions” – 2 books of Chinmaya Mission by Swami Chinmayananda) were translated into Telugu; “This is our Eternal Dharma” Sri. Saamavedam Shanmukha Sarma’s Telugu book “Esha Dharmah Sanaatanah” (“ఏషధర్మః సనాతనః) translated into English. He also took part in the proof-reading of 3 “parvas” of the mega project “Kavitraya Aandhra-Mahaa-Bhaaratamu” around 2005.
He worked at Chinmaya International foundation, Veliyanad – Ernakulam, for around 2 ½ years, main work there being correction of answer papers of “Foundation Vedanta, Advanced Vedanta & Bhagavad-geetaa.” and presently working at Chinmaya Sarada Tapovan near Ongole, Andhra Pradesh and got some books reprinted in Telugu which include “Bhagavad-geetaa”, “Eeshaavasyopanishad”, “Baala Raamayana”, “Viveka-choodaamani” of Sankaraachaarya. This apart, he participated in the translation of 24 lessons of “Foundation Vedanta Course” from English to Telugu (one of the “Home study courses” offered by Chinmaya Mission).
Recently completed a project that curated all audio live recordings on a website – reading of all “Bhagavad-geetaa Shlokas” in Telugu and English with his daughter, a project for greater use.
His special interests include Telugu and Sanskrit literature, poetry, music, science of music, Indian Railways, Indian philosophy, Vedanta.
Dr. C L Prabhakar
A Vedic Scholar, Published Author
Director, Vedaadhyayana Kendra, Bangalore
Adjunct Faculty, Hindu University of America, Orlando
President, WAVES World Association for Vedic Studies, Bangalore
Right from 1965 he has remained involved in research activities as well as teaching. He has received several honors from religious establishments educational institutions, ‘Vedavaridhi’ and on.
Dr. Prabhakar has taught Sanskrit and Vedas to students of post graduate, under-graduate and guided number of Ph.D students. He has more than 300 papers published in various research journals, souvenirs, magazines, felicitation volumes etc in India and abroad. He has attended and presented number of research papers, some of them are on – “Crisis Management in Ramayana”, “Poetry of YajurVeda”. “Contents and Significance of AtharvaVeda”, ” Culture and Civilization – A YajurVeda view”, “Management Polocies in the Vedic Period”, “Medical Science in YajurVeda” etc.
He is the chief editor of “Vedaganga” vol 1 to 16, “Nada VedaSarit” monthly bulletin of the Vedaadhyaana Kendra and a souvenir of WAVES 5th and 6th India conference. He was the chairman of the 8th India conference WAVES, Bangalore.
Sri. N V Raghuram
A scholar, Yoga Guru, Public Speaker, Engineer.
Founding member, SVYASA, Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana University, Bangalore.
Chairman, Yoga Bharathi USA.
Sri. N V Raghuram is trained under various renowned exponents of Yoga and Indian philosophy and has traveled the world, visiting several countries and conducting yoga workshops, giving discourses and stress reduction programs based on Yoga philosophy.
He is instrumental in introducing yoga therapy in a neurological clinic in Germany and starting yoga therapy hospitals in Italy, Turkey, China. He provided support in Asthma research at Colorado State University. He has collaborated with MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, in Yoga and wellness research.
He was a delegate for the UN, in education discussions panel.
Dr. Rani Sadasiva Murty
A Telugu and Sanskrit Scholar, Published Author, Playwright, Poet.
He is currently Dean of Academic Affairs and Head of the Department of Sahitya, Professor – Rashtriya Sanskrit University, (National Sanskrit University), Tirupati, India.
He has educational accomplishments in various graduate disciplines and PhD in Sanskrit, Philosophy, English, Business, Vedanta Vidya, Jyotisha, PG. Diploma in German. His Areas of Specialization are: Sanskrit Literary Criticism, Vedic Prosody, Tantras, Puranas, Science, Indology, Personality Development Skills, Ancient Indian Management Techniques.
He has held several additional official dutiesas Coordinator for the UGC sponsored Management Course (MAIMT), Director of Cultural Affairs, Coordinator of Sanskrit Science Study Centre- RSVP, Addnl. Coordinator for Patthabhirama Sastri Vykhyana Mala, Director of Audio Visual Projects, COE and Coordinator of the Vyasa Mahabharata Translation project.
He has conducted several discourses in Doordarshan and SVBC Channels, 30 Discourses on Kartika Purana (SVBC), a Ten Days’ Bhagavadgita Pravachana Malika, Khagrahabhuvanavijaya (SVBC), many Literary Discourses in DD8 and for 5 Years rendered service in a Live Commentary of Sri Swami Prabhata Sevas in The TTD Main Temple.
He has conducted several educational and science programs outside of India, in USA,St. Peters Burg in Russiain 2004 to Participate in a Seminar as One of the Special Invitees, NEPAL in 2008 to Lead his Team in the SAUFEST in Kathmandu University.
Sri. Pidaparty Purna Satya Hariprasad
Sri. Hariprasad is from ‘Pidaparty’ family well known in Telugu speaking states. Many mistakenly identify the family members with expertise in Astrology. For the last 16 generations, they were engaged in accurate computation of planetary positions and publication of Panchangas (almanacs) on the basis of ancient Astronomical literature such as Vedanga Jyotisha, Surya Sidhaanta, Siddhaanta Siromani etc.
He studied Sanskrit with his father for about ten years. He started private study in English in 1951, at the age of 16 and graduated himself in Mathematics & Statistics in 1957 from Andhra University, attending Colleges for 4 years. He took up employment in Kolkata in 1958, while working, qualified himself as a Cost & Management Accountant. He worked in multi-cultural, cross-functional, multi-unit, multi-product environments in large companies and Board level positions in India, Zambia, Nigeria & Sudan. He traveled extensively in India, Africa, and frequently to UK and Germany and less frequently to US.
He developed a unique methodology to determine The Ages of Vedas, Vedanga Jyotisha and Surya Sidhanta quoting authoritative sources such as Brahmasphuta Sidhanta, Vedas, Vedanga Jyotisha, Upanishats etc interlinking Brahma’s lifespan and Vishuvat (equinox) Chalana (Precession). University of Heidelberg uploaded his 3 contributions in web for wider circulation across the globe.
He developed interest in ancient Indian Astronomy as a hobby, designed and installed 3 Sundials of different designs in Andhrapradesh in 2007, 2010 & 2012
He is now 85+ and is planning to make a comparative study on ‘The Origin of Universe’ etc., in ancient Sanskrit literature in India and Prof Stephen Hawking’s discoveries coupled with Astrosat’s discoveries on Galaxy.
Dr. Prasad Kaipa
In his journey spanning decades, Prasad has been an author, leadership coach, adviser and researcher. Amidst changing roles, the only constant in his life has been a desire to delve deeper into his essence and sensibility. This essence has been shaped by other roles he has played, like those of a father, brother and husband.
Prasad strives to bring Indian Vedantic wisdom into management theory and practice. Just like the Japanese contribution to management and manufacturing, he believes Indian wisdom can contribute to change management, leadership development, employee engagement and motivation.
Cognitive and neurological sciences along with brain research also hold Prasad’s deep interest. While Vedantic wisdom is more about purpose and passion, behavioural sciences help validate the direction in which we apply our passion in a scientific manner. He uses these neurological capabilities to help others’ spirit, heart and mind work harmoniously.
Prasad holds a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Utah, where his team built an international research laboratory. He was an early employee at Apple as a technology advisor, manager in Apple International Product Marketing, and research fellow in Apple University.
He integrates business approaches with brain research and spirituality/wisdom models to advise and coach C-level executives at Fortune 500 companies
Prasad has offered executive education programs at INSEAD, London Business School, Marshall School of Business, Tuck School of Business, and IIM Bangalore. He is a Clinical professor and founding Executive Director of the Center for Leadership, Innovation and Change (CLIC) at the Indian School of Business (ISB).
Dr. Jambunathan Ramanathan
Jambunathan Ramanathan is an Infectious diseases Physician and a Faculty Member in the Department of Medicine at Wayne State University,Detroit,Michigan. He is also a visiting Professor of Medicine at Sri.Ramachandra Medical College in Chennai,India.
Jambunathan’s spiritual journey and steadfast enthusiasm for constant learning and propagation of the teachings provided in Vedas, Puranas and Upanishads started at a very young age when he used to learn the many stotras and purana stories from his grand is grandfather. As an ardent reader, Jambunathan is extremely well versed in his understanding of the teachings by our great Acharyas, starting with Sankara, Ramanuja and many more eminent gurus.
He has read commentaries on Bhagavad Gita by various acharyas, Vaishanava philosophy and acharyas, Sivananda Lahari, Soundarya Lahari, and Lalitha Sahasranama.
Dr. Jambunathan has also been instrumental in the editing and publishing of ‘Panchajanya,’ the magazine for Sri Venkateswara Temple in Novi, Michigan, for about five years. He has also served as a committee member for few years in various temples in the Metro Detroit area.
He has given many lectures in the in the Detroit area, on various topics various topics including
Lecture on Vedanta Desika, Narayaneeyam,Monthly Lectures on Vivekachudamani, Brahmasutras in the eyes of Adishankara and Philosophy of Navavarna Keertanas, Adishankara and His Literary Prodigees, Comparison of Lalitha Sahasranama and Soundarya Lahari, Dattatreya Vaibhavam, Saranagathi-Path to Vaikunta, Discourse on Raghuveera gadhyam.
Dr. Revuru Ananta Padmanabha Rao
Dr. Revuru Anantapadmanabharao a versatile personality hails from a traditional family of Nellore district famous for poets like Tikkana and Errana of Mahabharata. Dr Rao was honoured with the title Asthana Vidwan of Kanchi kamakoti peetham by His Holiness Sri Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal in 2008.
An acclaimed scholar, Rao performed more than 100 Ashtavadhanams. He gave running commentaries for Akasavani Doordarshan and SVBC channel for Tirumala Brahmotsavams, Bhadrachalam kalyanams and Srisailam Sivaratri kalyanams for 30 years.
An author of 120 books both in Telugu and English, he has delivered lectures across the country and abroad.
At Birmingham he gave Running commentary for Sriramanavami. He was guest of honour at Chicago, Fremont and Germany.
Rao retired as Additional DG Doordarshan and was invited by TTD to establish SVBC and had the opportunity of serving Lord Balaji for 5 years.
He delivered more than 150 spiritual discourses. Six scholars from four universities did research on his works and got Ph. Ds
Mrs. Sobha devi, his wife also is an author of five books on Annamacharya.