On the occasion of Guru Purnima – the true Bhartiya Teacher’s Day – we offer our deepest salutations to Shri Vishwanath Datar Shastri ji, fondly known as Datar Guruji, a stalwart who silently but powerfully carried the flame of Bhartiya Gyan Parampara (which we call Indian Knowledge Systems) in modern times.
A rare master of Vedic wisdom, his life, teachings, applied knowledge frameworks and deeply reflective rare writings have guided many in reconnecting with the Sanatan vision of life, especially in the domains of Vedic Parenting, Garbha Vigyan, and the revival of Gurukula education.
The Guru need not always come in saffron or speak in Sanskrit. Sometimes, they come through a question we didn’t know we were ready to ask. Or a book that fell into our lap. Or a presence that asked nothing of us except authenticity. And sometimes—yes—they do come as the Acharya, the Master, the one who speaks not just to our intellect but to our essence.
And when they do write, it is rare. Like a ray of light caught in a drop of water—brief, illuminating, and unforgettable.
A Rare Glimpse into Guruji’s Written Work
This Guru Purnima, we are humbled and overjoyed to share a glimpse of one such timeless gem—a rare article written by Guruji himself, published in Kalyan (by Geeta Press) magzine’s special edition ‘Veda Kathank’ and now featured on GOI’s Vedic Heritage portal.
This piece, titled “Ved aur Bhartiyata ka Upasya–Upasak evam Maitreebhaav,” offers Guruji’s profound reflections on the inseparable bond between the Vedas and the Bhartiya ethos. He upheld the living tradition of oral transmission through the Guru–Shishya parampara with unwavering integrity, shaping stalwarts like Acharya Mehulbhai through direct, applied demonstration. To also find something personally written by such a Guru is a rare and priceless blessing.
You can read the Kalyan article here: https://vedicheritage.gov.in/pdf/ved_vedang_gp_10.pdf
The following shloka penned by Datar Guruji as the mangalacharana of this article, captures the civilizational angst and the transformative resolve of true Gurus:
“यूरोपीयकुशिक्षया कवलिते धर्माश्रिते भारते लोके मानसकार्यकर्मवचनैर्दासेयतामापिते ।
दुःशिक्षां व्यपनीय धर्मधनुषोद्धर्तुं पुनर्भारतं सर्वस्वेन कृतोद्यमान् गुरुवरान् साष्टाङ्गपातं नुमः ॥”
Translation:
“In India, where dharma was once the foundation, but now lies engulfed by Western miseducation,
Where people have been reduced to servitude in thought, word, and deed —
We offer our deepest reverence to those noble Gurus
Who have dedicated their entire being to dispel this false education
And to once again raise the bow of Dharma to restore India.”
There’s reverence. There’s insight. And above all, there is that unmistakable tapobala in his words that holds a mirror to our own journey.
So this Guru Purnima, we bow not only to the presence of the Guru, but to the silence that speaks between his written lines.
To the wisdom that doesn’t age.
To the one who walked ahead—not to lead, but to light the path.