The webinar commenced with an acknowledgment of Sri Aurobindo’s critique of the exclusive focus on the naturalistic elements of Rigvedic hymns by European scholars. It emphasized Sri Aurobindo’s groundbreaking work in unveiling the spiritual and psychological knowledge embedded in the Vedas through his seminal writings. The series aimed to disseminate Sri Aurobindo’s transformative message and integrate contemporary perspectives into the exploration of Vedic wisdom. The discussions spanned various interpretations of the Vedas, critiquing the colonial school of thought while acknowledging the contributions of scholars like Max Müller.
The second part of the webinar addressed hymns in the Rigveda that express gratitude for divine guidance to new shores, challenging notions of outsiders, migrants, and primitive nomads in the Rigveda. Criticizing Aryan invasion and migration theories, the discussions emphasized the need to recover the profound meanings embedded in ancient hymns. The panel discussion, featuring researchers such as Amritangsu Pandey, Mek Kalyana Sundaram, and Manogna Sastri, focused on critical topics like chronology, the Aryan invasion, and the out-of-India theory.
A significant portion of the webinar was dedicated to Sudha’s battles, emphasizing the advanced nature of the Rigvedic civilization. The narrative debunked the old theories of Aryan invasion, highlighting the battles against those who stole cattle rather than native populations. The discussions underscored the importance of disseminating this research to challenge existing historical narratives at educational levels. Concluding thoughts reiterated the interdisciplinary approach needed to understand the Vedas fully.