The 19th Annual Convention at Swami Dayananda Arts & Science College, was a celebration of wisdom, tradition, and artistry. Held from January 27 to February 1, 2025, the week-long event brought together scholars, artists, and students in a vibrant confluence of knowledge and cultural expressions.
Day 1: The Journey of the Ponni River
The inaugural session was graced by Smt. Sheela Balaji, Managing Trustee & Chairperson, SDET. As the echoes of Vedic chants by the students of Swami Dayananda Vedapathashala resonated through the hall, the stage was set for an inspiring week.
Sri. Vinay L. Varanasi enthralled the audience with a presentation on “The Journey of the Ponni River”—an ode to the Kaveri River’s sacred course. His storytelling captivated students, who eagerly asked questions about the river’s mythology and significance.
Later, the students of Swami Dayananda Vidyalaya brought history to life through a spectacular theatrical and dance rendition of the river’s journey. The performance, rich with dramatic storytelling and graceful movements, earned admiration from all. The day concluded with a mesmerizing music recital by students trained under Padma Shri Bombay Jayashri Ramnath.
Day 2: Sacred Temples and Mythical Tales
The second day featured an illuminating presentation by Dr. Chithra Madhavan on the Sayana Perumal Temples along the Ponni River. Through vivid visuals, she transported the audience to these divine shrines and unraveled their intricate rituals and traditions.
In the afternoon, Sri. Surya Narayana Rao took the stage with his unique dance drama, “The Untold Story of Ravana’s Eleventh Head.” The audience was intrigued as he revealed that the mysterious eleventh head represented Ravana’s inner turmoil during his final battle with Lord Rama.
Day 3 & 4: The Wisdom of Vedanta and Soulful Melodies
The third day began with a insightful discourse by Swami Sakshatkrtananda Saraswati, Chief Acharya, Swami Dayananda Ashram, Rishikesh. His talk on Vedanta provided students with simple yet profound meditation techniques and spiritual insights.
The evening belonged to Smt. Sriranjani Santhanagopalan, whose Carnatic recital, featuring compositions of Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathi, left the audience spellbound.
On the fourth day, Swami Sakshatkrtananda Saraswati continued his discourse, focusing on mental strength and self-discovery. This was followed by a soulful concert by Sri. Saketharaman, blending Carnatic music with Tamil compositions that resonated deeply with the audience.
Day 5: Architectural Marvels and Eternal Wisdom
Dr. Chithra Madhavan returned on the fifth day with a captivating presentation on Chola Temple Architecture. She highlighted the grandeur of Sri Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Thanjavur Periyakoil, unraveling the secrets of their architectural brilliance.
Later, Dr. Sri U.Ve. Venkatesh engaged the audience with his discourse on “The Essence of Sanatana Dharma”. His thought-provoking session emphasized Sanatana Dharma as a universal code of ethics, leaving students with a newfound appreciation for their spiritual heritage.
Day 6: Life Lessons and A Classical Finale
On the final day, Swami Sakshatkrtananda Saraswati delivered an insightful address on “How to Shape One’s Life as a Student.” His words of wisdom were a guiding light for young minds, urging them to cultivate discipline, knowledge, and self-awareness.
The convention reached its grand finale with an enchanting Bharatanatyam performance by Smt. Anitha Guha and her team, depicting the Sundara Kandam from the Ramayana. The dance, imbued with expressive storytelling and graceful movements, left the audience spellbound.
A Week to Remember
As the curtains fell on this magnificent convention, it was evident that the event had left an indelible mark on everyone present. The blend of spirituality, culture, and intellectual exploration created an atmosphere of enlightenment and joy. For students, it was an experience that nurtured their minds and souls, inspiring them to carry forward the rich legacy of tradition and learning.
Until next year, the echoes of wisdom and music from this convention will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who attended.
