Prof. S. Rangachar
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Prof. Rangachar will forever be remembered as a noble soul whose unwavering dedication sustained and propagated the timeless movement of Sanskrit literacy. Born in 1908 in the humble hamlet of Sargur, near Mysore, to Sri Srinivasagopalacharya and Smt. Rangamma, Sri Rangachar displayed an innate affinity for literature from a tender age. Emerging from a lineage of eminent scholars, his journey into the realm of erudition seemed destined.
His grandfather, Sri Ranga Joisar, a renowned polymath and revered scholar, graced the court of His Highness Sri Chamaraja Wodeyar, the illustrious scion of Mysore. His father, Sri Srinivasagopalacharya, an esteemed exponent of Jyotisha Shastra, was honored by the Parakala Mutt for his profound scholarship. The family traced its lineage to the 32nd Jeer of the Ahobila Mutt, carrying the illustrious surname “Illayavalli” or “Baaladhanvi.”
Despite the economic hardships that clouded his formative years, Sri Rangachar's unquenchable thirst for knowledge prevailed. In 1932, he earned his M.A. in Sanskrit from Mysore University, a feat preceded by his completion of “Vidwat” in Jyotisha Shastra at the Sri Maharaja’s Samskrita Maha Paatashaala, where he was mentored by the legendary scholar, Karur Sheshachar. In 1931, he also attained the Hindi Sahitya Vishaarad certification from Allahabad, exemplifying his linguistic versatility.
Sri Rangachar's teaching career began in 1932 when he joined as a lecturer in Sanskrit, serving at the Central College, Maharani’s College, and Intermediate College in Bangalore. From 1940 to 1945, he extended his pedagogical prowess to Tumkur, Chitradurga, and Mandya. His illustrious tenure continued at Yuvaraja’s College, Mysore, from 1948 to 1956, culminating in his role as Professor of Sanskrit at Maharaja’s College, Mysore, until his retirement in 1964.
Post-retirement, Sri Rangachar devoted himself to scholarly pursuits, nurturing and expanding the Samskrita Sahitya Sadana, an institution he had built with unwavering passion. Under its aegis, he authored, edited, and translated numerous works on Sanskrit literature, devotional texts, and Vishishtadvaita philosophy, publishing them in both English and Kannada. A master linguist, he commanded profound authority over several Indian languages.
A crowning achievement of his career came between 1965 and 1968 when he secured a grant from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to compile, edit, and publish the complete works of the revered Vishishtadvaita scholar Vedanta Desika. This monumental endeavor resulted in the publication of five authoritative volumes, earning him widespread acclaim.
A man of unyielding principles, Sri Rangachar embodied the ideals of selfless service and pursued excellence with steadfast resolve, shunning the trivialities of worldly acclaim. His contributions were duly recognized, and he was bestowed with numerous accolades, including the prestigious Karnataka State Award for his unparalleled contributions to Sanskrit, just months before he attained the lotus feet in 1995.
Prof. Rangachar's life and legacy stand as a luminous beacon in the annals of Sanskrit literature. His enduring works continue to inspire generations, a testament to his extraordinary intellect and unwavering devotion to the timeless heritage of Sanskrit.
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Awards & Recognition
In addition to garnering profound respect, admiration, and acclaim for his illustrious contributions to Sanskrit, the late Prof. S. Rangachar was honored with numerous prestigious titles and awards.
- Karnataka State Award (Rajya Prashasthi)
- Award of the Vidyaratna Title
- Award of the Vidyavachaspathi Title
- Award of the Abhinava Valmiki Title
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