On 25th September 2019, the faculty and staff of Chinmaya Vishwavadyapeeth (CVV) and Chinmaya International Foundation (CIF) were presented with an unusual alliance between two distinct fields: Indian Knowledge Traditions (IKT) and Bioinformatics. It was a special lecture by visiting scholars, Dr. Medha Bhagwat and Dr. Arvind Bhagwat, who are scientists of long-standing experience, as well as students of Vedanta.
The talk drew parallels between our existing knowledge of our DNA and certain principles of Vedanta. Through a detailed explanation of the key concepts, the speakers focused on how self-effort or purushartha (पुरुषार्थ) has the potential to overcome even a certain genetic makeup or prarabdha (प्रारब्ध). The lecture concluded reiterating the role of mindful practices in IKT, such as yoga, in bringing a transformation in our lives, and maybe even in our genetic composition. The interactive session, peppered with examples, elicited several relevant questions from the appreciative audience and the discussions continued even after the session.
The scholars were presented with a token of appreciation by Dr. Nagaraj Neerchal, the Vice Chancellor of CVV. The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Vinayak Rajat Bhat, Head of the School of Vedic Knowledge Systems (VKS) at CVV. A formal vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Tulasi Kumar Joshi, Faculty of the School of VKS.