In the year 2003, the UNESCO proclaimed the "Tradition of Vedic Chanting" as one of the 'masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity'. By identifying the invaluable heritage, the UNESCO declaration hopes to 'maintain and transmit the heritage, promote its function in society and ensure recognition and respect for the knowledge.'

Fortunately for the country, the wake up call did not have to come in, in the 21st century, from the UNESCO. Over the centuries, and even through the tumultuous periods of political and cultural invasions, the bulk of the committed inheritors of this bequest have braved the odds to keep the socio-religious traditions alive. From time to time, the stalwarts among them pioneered movements to re-establish the primacy of the Vedas in the Sanatana Dharma and ensure that the ancient knowledge and traditions were preserved and passed on to posterity. As an essential aspect of this objective, they set up institutions where children were given systematic training in the study of the Vedic and other related texts. To counter the diluting influences of a heterogeneous society, the philosopher thinkers also sought to revive the gurukula system of learning. The enforced frugal and disciplined way of life at the gurukula, coupled with cohabitation with students from different social strata, was considered invaluable to moulding the character of the child.

It is indeed a matter of great wonder that even in the so-called flat world where youngsters are swaying hypnotically to the winds blowing in from the West, we have these pockets of calm where life has remained firmly rooted in the solid bedrock of ancient value systems. Every one of these unique institutions owes its existence to the untiring work of those individuals, who have dedicated their time and resources to the cause of preserving and propagating the ancient heritage.

In the year 1988, a team of inspired men from Karnataka, travelled over hundred thousand kilometres, over a period of three years, in search of the right location to establish a centre for Vedic studies in their native state. It was not an easy task as the chosen place had to abide by the stringent stipulations prescribed in the texts. The Rig Veda lays down that: "Hills and mountains all around and a confluence of rivers, is the most conducive place for the forming of the enlightened souls". Thanks to the blessings of their guru and the Gods, the men were successful in locating a place which met entirely with the rigorous requirements.

Close to the sangama of rivers Arkavathy and Cauvery, in the Kanakapura taluk, about 90 km from Bangalore, an oasis of learning in the midst of jungle and mountains, was awaiting its destiny to emerge as the beacon of Vedic studies.

In the spring of 1991 Om Shanthidhama sprouted with life.

The broad objective in establishing the Om Shanthidhama was to revive, rejuvenate and restore the Shroutha or Vedic traditions.

As a first step towards this, a gurukula for imparting Vedic knowledge was set up with 8 students. It has grown steadily over the years and today there are 70 students in the age group of 9 to 16, living here with their 11 acharyas and teachers. Though initially only Vedic knowledge was imparted, in keeping with the needs of the modern times, the boys are now simultaneously coached for the Karnataka State Senior School Certificate exams. Given the enviable teacher-pupil ratio, it is not surprising that the boys have been passing out in flying colours. The reputation of the place is such that over 200 candidates in the age group of 8-9 years, contest for the 15 available seats in class four!

After the initial scrutiny of the parents and the child, the shortlisted group is taken on a week’s camp at the school. This gives the child a taste of the frugal, disciplined life that he would be expected to live for the next 6 years of his life. Simultaneously, the child's suitability for learning is assessed by the acharyas. In the true spirit of the Vedas, there is no bar on caste lines and all are eligible to apply.

In the first phase, it is a 6-year-course that includes the chanting and learning of the Vedas, Bhagavad Geetha and other texts, with exposure to Panini's Sanskrit grammar. In addition, the boys learn regular school curriculum subjects in the English medium, including knowledge of computers. After obtaining their SSLC certificates, students have the option to pursue Vedic education here or proceed to join the mainstream.   
  
In keeping with its objective to provide infrastructure and environment for sadhakas through the four ashramas, Om Shanthidhama has kuteers for the acharyas. There is a dedicated hall for learning and practicing yogasanas. The spacious yagashala, surrounded by specific trees, grown to provide the precise twigs for the various yagas, is an important nerve centre of the institution. A few cottages have been built for the stay of vanaprasthis. As for the sanyasis, the entire place is as serene as the Himalayan foot hills!

The institution also conducts research in Vedic Literature. Seminars are organised periodically to serve as a platform for Vedic scholars and scientists to discuss the relevance of Vedas in modern times. Short term courses in the Vedic way of life, Yoga, Naturopathy and Ayurveda are also conducted.

The activities of Om Shanthidhama extend to include a variety of community welfare activities. During summer holidays, when regular students leave for their homes, summer camps on yoga, etc. are conducted here for the benefit of the general public.

A survey of medicinal plants in the 23 villages and forest area around Om Shantidhama has been conducted and documented by the acharyas here. As a modest beginning in afforestation programme, a fruit orchard has been developed on a four-acre-land.

A goshala with 10 milch cows and 40 old cows is being maintained in the premises. A small team of medical personnel and facilities attached to the Om Shanthidhama runs a rural health programme and provides free medical help to the 20,000 population of its neighbouring communities.

In the second phase of development, Om Shanthidhama is targeting to build a students' dormitory, library, improve the goshala, dining hall and classrooms. Om Shantidhama is hopeful that generous assistance from philanthropists would give physical form to the projected plans.

On my recent visit to the place, I had the opportunity to meet and talk to the children. To the mind mired in prejudices and preconceived notions, it came as a surprise that children, with shaven heads and tufts, dressed in dhoti and top cloth, could speak fluent English and interact with confidence and poise! Asked what they wanted to be when they were grew up, some mentioned that they wanted to become Vedic scholars, while others had their ambitions on a career in the mainstream. 15-year-old Kiran wants to be an astronaut!

For one who has lived 6 years of the formative period of his life surrounded by magnificent mountains, a bountiful river and virgin forests, imbibing knowledge that is as old as the skies, it is but natural that the spirit should dream of soaring into space!

For more information, visit www.omshantidhama.org or contact 94481 90414; 080-2676 1057.