September 24, 2010
Amritapuri campus
 

As part of teacher’s day celebrations at the Amritapuri campus, Vaastav, the student association of Information Technology, organized ‘Gurudakshina’ as a tribute for their beloved Gurus and teachers.
 

The program began at 2.30 pm with a prayer. Anjana, final-year student of B.Tech., and student secretary of Vaastav, warmly welcomed all.
 

Dr. Balakrishna Shankar, Associate Dean, Amritapuri campus was invited to address the gathering. He advised students to cultivate gratitude towards all in life.
 

“A thankful heart can’t complain,” he emphasized. He praised the organizers for taking the initiative to organize the event.
 

Defining the word Guru, he stated, “Guru is one who shows us the essence behind the universe. The mere presence of the Guru removes ignorance. Amma is the beloved Guru for millions.”
 

Students further elaborated on the greatness of the Guru. “The ideal Guru and the ideal student communicate in silence. In the past, Guru was an enlightened Master. A learned teacher was an Acharya. A Guru taught with grace whereas an Acharya taught with his virtues.”
 

Faculty members from IT, Mechanical Engineering, Departments of English and Social Work, participated in teams of two, in the final round of a quiz event. The teams were named Vasishta, Vyasya, Valmiki and Agasthya; finally Agasthya emerged as the winning team.
 

Both students and faculty staged several cultural events. Student of the Amrita School of Ayurveda led with a semi-classical dance performance.
 

Group songs followed by faculty members as also musical performances by students and teachers. A colorful dance performance by engineering students brought the program to an end.
 

“Earlier people used to take leave on this day. It was holiday for all,” stated Dr. P. V. Ramanathan of the English Department. “But our students honored their teachers, truly realizing the significance of this day. They travelled through a different way.”
 

And indeed they did. Not just figuratively, quite literally, as they and their faculty members walked the corridors to the auditorium through scenes evoking the ethos of ancient Indian times.
 

Sarath, final-year B.Tech. student, and president of VAASTV, shared his feelings.
 

“Could a batch of just hundred students pull off a major event like this one involving all schools on campus? This was the question in our minds when we started.”
 

“Today we are proud that members of our association VAASTAV were able to generate a grand response from the student and teacher community. On their behalf, I thank everyone who has helped us make this event a success.”