VP Radhakrishnan Hails Sringeri Peetham’s Legacy at Civic Honour Ceremony

In a deeply reflective and spiritually enriching address, the Vice-President highlighted the enduring civilisational role of the Sringeri Peetham and the profound contributions of its revered spiritual lineage.

Vice-President of India Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan addressed the Civic Honour Ceremony for Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Sannidhanam of the Dakshinamnaya Sringeri Sharada Peetham through video conferencing from the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. In a deeply reflective and spiritually enriching address, the Vice-President highlighted the enduring civilisational role of the Sringeri Peetham and the profound contributions of its revered spiritual lineage.

Honouring a Successor in an Unbroken Spiritual Tradition

The Vice-President said that Sri Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Sannidhanam, as the successor-designate of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham, represents the continuation of the sacred and unbroken monastic lineage established by Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya. He noted that this lineage has preserved the teachings of Advaita Vedanta for over twelve centuries, nurturing a philosophical tradition that has shaped India's spiritual and intellectual heritage.

The Dakshinamnaya Sringeri Sharada Peetham, he said, remains a beacon of spiritual wisdom and a guardian of India's dharmic legacy.

Legacy of Adi Shankaracharyaji: A Unifier of Bharat

Reflecting on the life of Adi Shankaracharya, the Vice-President recalled how the philosopher-saint traversed the length and breadth of Bharat, revitalising Sanatana Dharma, reconciling diverse philosophical streams, and restoring spiritual unity across the subcontinent. In doing so, he established the first of the four Amnaya Peethams at Sringeri, laying a foundation that still thrives today.

For more than 1,200 years, the Sringeri Mutt has been a centre of compassion, selfless service, and rigorous intellectual tradition. It has shaped the evolution of Hindu philosophy, liturgy and community welfare through continuous scholarship and spiritual leadership.

Sringeri Mutt: A Custodian of Knowledge, Culture and Service

The Vice-President praised the Sringeri Peetham for safeguarding priceless traditions. He highlighted its role in:

• Preserving Vedic study and scriptural scholarship

• Promoting Sanskrit learning as a universal medium of knowledge

• Nurturing classical arts, including music, dance and traditional crafts

• Training scholars, acharyas and seekers who carry forward dharma

• Providing community service, education, and spiritual guidance

He said that the Peetham has always welcomed individuals from diverse social and cultural backgrounds, embodying the Vedic principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — "the world is one family."

Sanatana Dharma: A Living Guide for Social Harmony

The Vice-President stressed that Sanatana Dharma teaches service to humanity as service to God. Mutts, temples, ashrams and traditional spiritual institutions serve as the backbone of Bharatiya Sanskriti, nurturing inner growth, offering social service, and fostering harmony among different communities and traditions.

He said that the topic chosen by the India Foundation—"Hindu Religious Institutions: Traditions, Customs and Inter-Religious Engagements"—is of deep contemporary relevance. As India navigates a fast-changing world, its ancient knowledge systems continue to offer guidance on coexistence, ethical living and balanced societal behaviour.

Bharat: A Civilisational Home to Many Faiths

Highlighting Bharat's unique civilisational ethos, the Vice-President noted that India has been the birthplace of multiple religions—Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism—while also becoming a refuge for traditions arriving from elsewhere, including Zoroastrians, Jews, and early Christians. He emphasised that Santulaya (balance) has always guided Indian traditions, ensuring coexistence, acceptance and inclusivity.

This civilisational openness, he said, is reflected in the enduring respect for spiritual leaders like the Shankaracharyas, whose teachings transcend barriers and inspire all sections of society.

India Foundation's Spiritual Discourse

The programme was curated by the India Foundation, which organised the Civic Honour Ceremony and a spiritual discourse by Jagadguru Sri Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Sannidhanam. The discussion focused on the role of Hindu religious institutions, their customs, civilisational responsibilities, and their engagement with diverse faiths in contemporary India.

The Vice-President commended the India Foundation for choosing a theme that captures the philosophical essence of India's religious landscape while encouraging thoughtful engagement among policymakers, scholars and citizens.