A scholar who has dedicated his life to Sanskrit

K. Vijayan (80) comes out with a compendium that can perhaps become the guiding light for anyone seeking to learn the language.

Sanskrit scholar K. Vijayan being presented with a memento by N. P. Unni, former Vice-Chancellor, Sanskrit University, at a function in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday. S. Mahinsha

What would a linguist do after decades of scholarship in Sanksrit and after making invaluable contributions as teacher, author and administrator? Put one’s feet up and enjoy the remaining years? Not K. Vijayan, who at 80 years, has come out with a compendium that can perhaps become the guiding light for anyone seeking to learn Sanskrit today or tomorrow.

The first volume of Samskritam-Malayalam Etymological Dictionary , the latest work by the former director of the Oriental Research Institute and Manuscripts Library of the Kerala University, was released at a function organised by his students here on Sunday to mark his 80th birthday.

“People should try to learn Sanskrit, maybe on their own. And, to learn it systematically, this etymology dictionary will come in handy,” Dr. Vijayan, author of several books including Malayalam translation of

Aascharyachoodamani , said as he replied to the loud encomiums he received from his former students and admirers. The book has been brought by the State Institute of Languages.

During his tenure as director of Oriental Research Institute and Manuscripts Library, Dr. Vijayan had brought out several manuscripts in book form, his most important initiative being the publication of

Chitraramayanam , a 15th century palm leaf manuscript containing pictorial narration of Ramayana .

Penchant for tough assignments

“Dr. Vijayan has this penchant for taking up tough assignments and his latest work is no exception to this,” said literary scholar D. Benjamin, while felicitating Dr. Vijayan.

Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit Vice Chancellor (in-charge) Dharmaraj Adatt inaugurated the birthday celebrations. His predecessor N.P. Unni, former Kerala University Vice Chancellor G.B. Balamohanan Thampi, Kerala Kalamandalam Registrar K.K. Sundaresan, among others, spoke.