Here are the excerpts from Mr. Swaminathan's interview in jaya TV at 7.30 AM (27th March, Thursday):
[For those aren't aware of it: Professor S. Swaminathan, formerly an IIT professor, now runs an institute called 'Sudharsanam' in Pudukottai, which is concerned with preserving Indian culture and Heritage. He's an expert on the historical treasures of Pudukottai- and he also happens to be extremely knowledgible about music. He's also a member of our group.]
Mr. Swaminathan lived in Delhi for 35 years, during which time he decided that he wanted to do something to preserve the cultural treasures of Pudukottai (which is his native place and is commonly known as an 'Archeaological Paradise'). Accordingly, he started the website [www.pudukottai.org] 4 or 5 years ago, during which time he began collecting/recording/documenting historical and cultural details about Sithanna vaasal, Naarththaamalai, ThirukattaLai, Kodumbaaloor, Kaariyapatti etc.
[Some tidbits- Perungalur, near Pudukottai, is the birthplace of the famed writer 'Akilan']
Mr. Swaminathan has done painstaking research on Pudukottai and its history- and not surprisingly, he's also an expert on the Ajantha paintings. He's absorbed every nook and corner of those caves and their treasures- and has released
1. 'Layman's Guide to Ajantha' - his first book
2. A folio on the Ajantha paintings
3. An interactive CD, released by the authorities, for which his material has been used.
He also talked extensively (and humourously:-) on Indian music amd Western music, and compared and contrasted both forms. He talked about Western Music and its tradition, giving tidbits about Pythagoras from 6th century BC, and discussions on how many swaras could be accomodated in an octave. He talked about Bertrand Russell, JK, Karl Marx, the scientific basis for understanding classical music...in fact, he touched on varied topics.
He's also compiled picture albums on various topics. (He's compiled one on Gandhi, which was really exhaustive and interesting)- and he's going to cover the path of the River Ganges too.
People- if ever we need some one to provide us with info for any trip on 'Sivagamiyin Sabhadam'- Mr. Swaminathan is the one.:-) He's got so much info at his finger tips.
Dear All, Its so great to have such eminent personalities in this group.Thank you so much for providing some inputs. I have a great concern as I read this piece of news. http://www.hinduonnet.com/stories/2003032703010500.htm
I wonder, if "old" should give way to "new" in an unceremonious method.Or should we learn to have new with existing old ones.
If all those places visited by PS group and many others were ever given away to the "new", we wouldn't be having a group as this one.Or atleast I think so.
Pavitra: Thanks a lot for posting these excerpts! I's missing this interview badly - your account comes as a solace. Prof.Swaminathan is a storehouse of information on varied fronts - his presence and participation of other scholars is a great blessing to our group. And yes, It also raises our responsibilities. We should pursuade him to write something for our group - some latest findings, interesting info on chola temples of pudukottai, ajantha frescoes etc. True, he is very busy - but with our interest, we should still pursuade him. I'm not sure how many of you checked up http://www.pudukkottai.org - it is really wonderful. Each place has been covered in great detail with good photos. In particular, Sittannavasal and Kudumiyan malai deserve special mention. Do not miss this treat!