Indian Tradition, Culture and Reality

Prof. Dr. V. Balambal M.A.B.T. Ph.D. FRAS (London), is a distinguished historian of Tamilnadu. She did her M.A. History in the Madras University and was awarded Bahusudham Guruswami Sasthrigal Prize, Iravathan Prize and Sivabhogam Prize. She got her Ph.D in History in 1974. She served in the Dept. of History University of Madras in various capacities till 1997. She has produced 60 M.Phils and 12 Ph.Ds. She has published five books and 190 research papers in national and international journals. She has travelled forty countries to present research papers in various universities. She has delivered Endowment Lectures and Felicitation Lectures. She was recognized as an outstanding, eminent senior Historian by the South Indian History Congress and Tamilnadu History congress. She was a member of the Board of Studies of many Universities. She has done lot of work on the Traditional Board Games of India, Indian History and Culture, Human Rights & Bioethics.

Indian culture is unique in character for it is deep rooted in its spiritual, religious, arts, science, moral and ethical knowledge. India is noted for its Unity in Diversity. It has one of the earliest civilizations (Indus Valley Civilization) of the world. Though India has faced many invasions, she has not invaded any country.

In its lap have grown and flourished different types of music, dance, musical instruments, different kinds of food, dress, climate, games, customs and manners. In every one of it, India has excelled.

Innumerable languages are spoken here, most of them having roots in Sanskrit and some of them in Tamil. Countless have been the great Seers, Saints, Sages and Spiritual Gurus. India is great in letting the world know of the great truth "Vasu Deva Kutumbakam". Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism are born here in this Land of Bharat and it even extended its arms to Islam, Christianity and Zorastrianism. Great Teachers (Acharyas) like AdiSankara, Ramanuja, Madhya and scores of them have from time to time rejuvenated and brought the people to think logically even their religious and spiritual ideas.

During the periods of stress due to invasion and mingling of culture of other religious and spiritual thoughts, there did creep into its systems some negative features. But, India never compromised its basic truths and values and stood united the vicissitudes of many turbulent times. Mahathma Gandhi drew inspiration from India's traditional values and adapted them in Sathyagraha, non-violence, etc. These have been greatly appreciated and followed by the people of the world at large. Poets like Subramania Bharathi and Rabindranath Tagore have brought glory to India through their ideas and thoughts on Indian culture. There are very many interesting features if one goes through the history and culture of India. Even as a student, I had great love for Indian history and appreciated and admired many heroes and heroines.

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