|
|
World Association of Vedic Studies (WAVES) is a multidisciplinary academic
society. It is a forum for all scholarly activities and views on any area of
ëVedic Studiesí variously called as Indian Studies, South Asian Studies or
Indology. WAVES is not confined to study related to Vedas alone or to India
alone. It encompasses all that applies to traditions commonly called Vedic,
past, present and future, any where in the world.
WAVES is a non-religious society with no ideology. It is open for membership and
for participation to all persons irrespective of their color, creed, ethnicity,
country of origin or any other kind of persuasion.
It is universally acknowledged that Vedas are among the oldest existing records
of human thoughts. Vedic traditions have continued without interruption for many
millennium of years and remain a living and formative source of Hindu culture
and tradition. Today Vedic traditions are not confined to Indian subcontinent
but have spread virtually to all parts of the globe, through persons of Indian
origin and through scholars and admirers of these traditions. For several
centuries Vedic people in India made significant contributions in various
academic fields ñ science, literature, culture, technology, etc. The historical
records of the Greeks, the Romans, and the Islamic authors as well as the
accounts of the early European explorers confirm that India was one of the
wealthiest and most technologically advanced nations of the world. She attracted
people from different parts of the world - some for search of knowledge others
for goods and trade.
For most of the world these contributions are often unknown, unrecognized, and
sometimes rather distorted. There is a need, particularly among scholars to work
for the proper understanding and appreciation of such religious, cultural and
other contributions. In fact there are various notions and views current about
Vedic traditions, Vedic people and their contributions. Moreover, the debates
about these various notions are not confined to the academic sphere, but also
have other serious repercussions. There is thus great need for a forum in which
varying, often diametrically opposed notions and views can be discussed and
deliberated in an atmosphere of mutual respect and tolerance.
WAVES is an organization of academics, and of those interested in academics, in
all different areas of Indian/Vedic studies ñ past, present and future.
It has a ëBoard of Directorsí, for
corporate responsibilities, a broad based ëGoverning
Councilí for it activities, and several ëStanding
Committeesí in specific areas.
|
|
