AFVOA Newletters of Year 2004

Page 127 of 153 16. Col Krishnaswami introduced the Octogenarians, to the assembly. As a token of our love and regard for them, the Octogenarians were presented with the AFVOA memento. The Octogenarians accepted the honour with brief acceptance speeches. Maj Gen Karthikeyan thanked the Octogenarians for their having taken the time to come over and be present with us on this occasion. Lt Col L A Venkatadri, one of our distinguished Octogenarian members shared his reminiscences with the veterans. 17. The Patron, Lt Gen C Sundara Rao, complimented the organisers for inviting a representative Octogenarian from each of the three services. He wished each one of them well with good health and happiness. 18. Gen Karthikeyan, thanked guests and all the members for their active participation. The meeting drew to a close, with the usual sumptuous dinner. A separate table was laid for the honoured Octogenarians, wherein they could have their delectable dinner with greater comfort. Talk by Dr. S. Kannan on ‘Vedas and environment’. 19. The Guest Speaker of the evening was Dr. S Kannan, who is a holder of two doctorates. He, being a Chartered Accountant took his first doctorate in accountancy. Due to his love for the ancient language of Sanskrit, he obtained a second doctorate in that language. He is an authority on accounts and an erudite scholar who has abundant knowledge of the Vedas and the Upanishads. Dr. Kannan spoke about the Pancha bhutas (five elements) and their relation to the environment, as given out in the Vedas. The learned doctor quoted extensively from the Vedas. It was quite apparent that doctor had made an impact on the audience, as after the lecture, many members were seen to be engaged in a discussion with him. 20. Dr Kannan commenced his talk, by mentioning that human beings are never alone in the Universe. They are inter-connected with the Earth, Sun, Moon and other planets orbiting in their appointed domains. In the ultimate reality, nothing remains unconnected in the cosmos. Aligning one’s consciousness in line with the principles of natural law, Man can march towards perfection and maximise his efficiency as well as effectiveness. Maintenance of natural order and pristine ecological balance is the sine qua non for ensuring human well- being. 21. The Vedas specify four types of living beings, namely, andaja (born of eggs), jivaja (born of womb), svedaja (born of moisture) and udbhija (born of earth) and declare that these are impelled by Prajnanam (consciousness). 22. The Vedas deal exhaustively with the splendours of the cosmos in a wholesome manner. They unravel the mysteries of the vast and unexplored forests. The Vedas present picturesque, spectacular and diversified range of fauna and flora. They urge the human beings to protect, preserve, nurture and nourish the environment and natural habitation in its pristine glorious form. Environment management 23. The Vedas attach great importance to environmental protection and purity. They insist on safeguarding the habitation, proper afforestation and non-pollution. For the welfare of all living and non-living beings, the Vedas seek a sweet and pleasant environment. It consists of breeze, flowing rivers, beneficial herbs, day and night, earth particles, fruit bearing trees,