World History Day

On June 24, 2023, the Department of Humanities organised an exclusive lecture featuring Ms. Waraji Adiga, a Research Associate at the Centre for Ancient History and Culture. Ms. Adiga, formerly an IT employee, shared her deep passion for the Sanskrit language during the talk. This passion compelled her and her team to shift from their corporate careers to pursue Sanskrit research in academia. Their motivation stemmed from a desire to uncover the profound truths embedded within ancient literature. With a Masters in Sanskrit, she shared intriguing experiences with the learners, recounting one particularly memorable incident when she discovered an enigmatic manuscript in Nepal, written in the local Sanskrit language. Despite the challenges, she engaged with the locals and ultimately deciphered the script.

Throughout her presentation, Ms. Waraji quoted numerous shlokas from the Vedas, Mahabharata, and the Upanishads, captivating the Sanskrit learners and making the session highly interactive. Her vast knowledge of the manuscripts she worked with and reciting them effortlessly, left everyone amused and inspired. The talk delved into the significance of exploring nearby sources for answers, rather than seeking them in distant places. The session concluded with an open Q&A, where learners sought advice on verifying sources while working on manuscripts. Ms. Waraji illustrated the importance of cross-referencing texts, citing the example of Abhijnana Shakuntala, found in various works such as Mahabharata and Kalidasa's writings.

The session proved to be an enlightening and interactive experience, leaving a lasting impression on all learners. It emphasised the idea that one's profession need not limit their pursuit of personal interests, showcasing the boundless potential of curiosity and passion in shaping a fulfilling academic journey.