Vedic Studies- Scientific Thoughts in Vedic Literature (Volume 3)

We are happy to publish the third Volume of Vedic Studies Journal of the School of Vedic Studies), 2007. We regret that no other volume had been published during 2000- 2006 due to some unavoidable circumstances. In two earlier volumes two Ph.D. dissertation were published. The present volume comprises pagers relating mainly to the UGC -sponsored seminar on ‘Scientific Thoughts in Vedic Literature’ on 16.03.05 and a series of lectures on the some subject on 16. 03. 05, organized by the School to commemorate the 50th Death Anniversary of Prof. Meghnad Saha. The object of the seminar and lectures was to discuss different scientific ideas and components embedded in Vedic literature. It is sometimes felt necessary thot there should be an academic platform so that modern scientists can make themselves acquainted with the projections of ancient Indian mind and Sanskritists including Vedicists can get an idea of the present trends of study and research in the realm of science in diverse areas like mathematics and astronomy, physical sciences, architecture, medical and biological sciences, plant sciences, agricultural and meteorological sciences, etc. It has now been released to some extent through participation of the distinguished scholars from Calcutta University, Jedovpur University, Rabindra Bharati University, Indian Statistical Institute, Asiatic Society, M.P Birla Planetarium and teachers from different colleges.

The 2-day programme was inaugurated by Prof Bhorati Mukherjee, Vice- Chancellor, Rabindra Bharati University. In her illuminating inaugural address, she advised the present day scholars to unearth the knowledge recorded in our ancient literature for the benefit of the present. Nabanarayan Bandyopadhyay welcomed the distinguished speakers and guests present on the occasion and stressed on the scientific study of the Vedic literature keeping in mind other practical aspects besides ritualistic and philosophical.

Prof Alok Kanti Bhoumik, Dean, Faculty of Arts, Rabindra Bharati University, chaired the session and expressed some valuable suggestions that can be implemented in the deportments of the University for creating a tendency of appreciation towards this interdisciplinary branch of learning, The key-note address was delivered by Dr. Manindra Chandra Chaki, Former Ashutosh Birth Centenary Professor of Pure Mathematics, Calcutta University, who spoke extensively on the need of o changing trend in the study of History, Philosophy and Science. According to him, in rebuilding our past, the scientists must come up with precision and subtleness of their scientific outlook along with the historians and philosophers. This was followed by the opening of an exhibition on life and works of late lamented Prof Dr. Meghnad Saha by the Vice- Chancellor.

Altogether 13 research papers were presented during the 2-day deliberations. Scientific thoughts in Vedic literature with reference to chemistry, mathematics and astronomy, Vedic science and traditional science were discussed in the thought- provoking seminar. On the 2nd day, lectures on scientific thoughts in Vedic literature with reference to Vastuvidya, cosmology, physical science, historical analysis and modern science, consciousness and relevant though is in Vedic literature were delivered apart from two lectures on the life and works of Prof. M. N. Saho by Dr. Santosh Kumar Ghoroi, Register and Dr. Bhupati Chokrobarty, Head of the Department of Physics, City College, Kolkata. Valuable and lively discussions were held between the speakers and the audience on both days. The visitors to the exhibition depicting the life and works of the great scientist appreciated and wondered in finding the magnitude and intricacy of the works done by him.

**Contents and Sample Pages**