Mysuru: Commending the Oriental Research Institute (ORI) for its tireless efforts in conserving invaluable palm-leaf manuscripts, Vidhushekhara Bharati Swami, junior pontiff of Sringeri Sharada Peetham, on Monday described the institute as a custodian of an extraordinary intellectual heritage.He was presiding over the Guruvandana and book release ceremony held at the ORI of the University of Mysore. He appreciated ORI’s initiatives in publishing several rare and previously unpublished works and urged for continued efforts to make this profound wisdom accessible to future generations.Drawing an analogy, the religious leader remarked that just as external adornments cannot guarantee physical health, material success cannot ensure inner peace. “The body functions because of the heart within, and likewise, the mind is sustained by ancient wisdom,” he said, adding that the depth and magnitude of these texts hold the essential truths that elevate human life. He also recalled the extraordinary dedication of ancestors who composed, preserved, and memorised these works without modern facilities, solely for the benefit of posterity.Emphasising that true fulfilment in life arises from inner awakening rather than external achievements, he underscored the enduring relevance of Vedic studies, Sanskrit literature, and Vedantic philosophy in shaping a meaningful human existence. The seer observed that society bears a collective responsibility to understand, protect, and propagate the unique legacy of ancient Indian knowledge systems. He noted that while many believe worldly success alone defines happiness, genuine purpose and mental well-being are rooted in spiritual and philosophical understanding.Vice-chancellor of the University of Mysore, NK Lokanath, thanked Sringeri Mutt for its generous donation of Rs 1 crore to ORI. He said the contribution came at a crucial time, enabling the university to preserve the aging ORI building and accelerate the digitisation of its fragile manuscript collection.ORI director DP Madhusudhanacharya, former Muda chairman HV Rajeev, University Registrar MK Savitha, and registrar (evaluation) N Nagaraju were also present.
