Among a galaxy of great scholars of Sanskrit in modern India, perhaps one name shines brighter, that of Dr. V Raghavan, a scholar and aesthete par excellence. During his long illustrious life, he not only wrote books but also was an excellent teacher. Many of his disciples and students have occupied important positions in the field of Sanskrit and Indic studies not only in India but in many countries of the world. The incomparably rich legacy of his original interpretations of Sastric texts and elucidations on a variety of subjects concerning dance, music, fine arts, puranas, aesthetics, philosophy etc. is a source of knowledge and inspiration to scholars, students and researchers alike. His life-long association with the great dancer T. Balasaraswati must have filled his mind with such nuances of Rasa as were seen in her abhinaya. This Rasa anubhava (experience of aesthetic delight) is what he always held close to his heart. Therefore, his words were imbued with Rasa which often could cut through complex ideas, making them sound, simple and intelligible even to a lay leader. His total dedication to preservation and propagation of dance, not only Bharatanatyam but all the known styles of his time, through sharing his understanding and appreciation of this great performing art resulted in several articles, essays, lectures and books.
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