OUR DIRECTORS

Head of the Institution
Name	Designation	Tenure
Shri Narayan Shreepad Sontakke	Secretary	1932 - 1976
Prof. Chintamani Ganesh Kashikar	Secretary	1933 - 1969
Shri Hari Narayan Joshi	Secretary	1983 - 1985
Dr. Trivikram Narayan Dharmadhikari	Director	1985 - 1990
Mrs. Nalini Mohan Dhadphale	Director I/c	1990 - Sep`1999
Dr. Bhagyashree Shreeram Bhagwat	Director I/c	Sep`1999 - Jan 2000
Dr. Bhagyalata Ashok Pataskar	Director	Feb`2000 - Dec` 2021
Prof. Bharat Bhushan Mishra	Director I/c	Jan`2022 - July`2022
Dr. Subrahmanyam Viriventi	Director I/c	01 Aug 2022 - 28 Oct 2024
Prof. Subrahmanyam Viriventi	Director	17.12.2024 - Present

Shri. Narayan Shripad Sontakke
(Secretary, 1932–1976)

Shri Narayan Shripad Sontakke holds a place of singular importance in the history of the Vaidika Saṁśodhana Maṇḍala (VSM), having served as its first and longest-tenured secretary from its inception in 1932 until 1976. A devoted scholar, institution-builder, and tireless visionary, he played a pivotal role in nurturing the institute during its most formative and fragile years.

With unwavering dedication, Shri Sontakke not only protected the institution in its nascent stages but also laid down the structural and scholarly foundations that would define VSM’s legacy for generations to come. Under his able leadership, the Maṇḍala embarked on several pioneering scholarly endeavors, the most notable among them being the publication of Ṛgveda Saṁhitā, Volume I — a milestone that heralded the institute’s commitment to textual precision and academic rigor.

His life’s work was inextricably woven into the growth of the Maṇḍala. Through decades of perseverance, administrative acumen, and scholarly integrity, he transformed a modest research initiative into a nationally respected center for Vedic studies. The culture of discipline, devotion to scholarship, and editorial excellence that he cultivated continues to guide the institute's mission to this day.

The Vaidika Saṁśodhana Maṇḍala remains deeply indebted to Shri Narayan Shripad Sontakke, whose vision, sacrifice, and lifetime of service continue to inspire and illuminate its path forward.

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Prof. Chintaman Ganesh Kashikar
(Eminent Scholar of Vedic Studies and Ritual Tradition)

Prof. Chintaman Ganesh Kashikar was one of the foremost authorities in the field of Vedic literature and Śrauta ritual traditions in modern India. A distinguished scholar, teacher, and editor, he made foundational contributions to the interpretation and preservation of ancient Vedic texts. His profound knowledge, meticulous research, and disciplined approach to the study of Śrauta literature placed him among the leading Sanskrit scholars of his time.

Over the course of his illustrious academic career, Prof. Kashikar authored eighteen major works and published more than a hundred scholarly articles in reputed journals, establishing himself as a key figure in Vedic scholarship. Among his most celebrated works are Sūtras of Bhāradvāja, A Survey of the Śukla Yajurveda Pariśiṣṭas, and The Baudhāyana Śrautasūtra, each of which continues to serve as a critical resource for students and researchers alike.

Several of his important publications were brought out by the Vaidika Saṁśodhana Maṇḍala (VSM), with which he maintained a close and enduring association. Through this collaboration, VSM played a significant role in disseminating his research and extending its reach within the academic community.

In recognition of his immense contributions to Sanskrit and Vedic studies, Prof. Kashikar was honored by the President of India — a national acknowledgment of his erudition and lifelong service to Indian scholarship.

His legacy lives on in the volumes he penned, the generations of scholars he mentored, and the deep respect he commanded in the field of Indology. VSM proudly remembers him as a torchbearer of traditional knowledge and a pillar of its scholarly tradition.

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Shri. Hari Narayan Joshi
(Dedicated Administrator and Patron of Vedic Scholarship)

Shri Hari Narayan Joshi was a devoted administrator and a steadfast supporter of Vedic scholarship, closely associated with the Vaidika Saṁśodhana Maṇḍala during a crucial phase of its institutional journey. His contributions, though often behind the scenes, were instrumental in sustaining the Maṇḍala’s mission of preserving and promoting the Vedic tradition through critical research and publication.

With a keen sense of discipline and organizational clarity, Shri Joshi played a key role in the day-to-day functioning and long-term planning of the institute. His efforts ensured that the scholarly activities of the Maṇḍala continued uninterrupted, even during challenging times. He was known for his integrity, humility, and quiet efficiency—qualities that earned him the respect of both colleagues and scholars alike.

Shri Joshi’s support was not limited to administration alone; he actively engaged with the academic goals of the Maṇḍala and stood as a bridge between its scholars and broader institutional frameworks. His commitment to the ideals of traditional learning and his unwavering faith in the cultural importance of Vedic studies contributed meaningfully to the stability and continuity of the institute.

The Vaidika Saṁśodhana Maṇḍala gratefully remembers Shri Hari Narayan Joshi for his selfless service and enduring dedication, which remain an integral part of the institute’s legacy.

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Dr. Trivikram Narayan Dharmadhikari

Dr. T. N. Dharmadhikari was born on 2nd May 1931 (Vaiśākha Paurṇimā, Śaka 1853) in Erandol, District Jalgaon, Maharashtra, India.

He obtained his M.A. in Sanskrit from the University of Pune in 1957 and completed his Ph.D. in 1971 from the same university. His doctoral research was titled "Maitrāyaṇī Saṁhitā – Its Rituals and Language." He also earned the title of Sāhitya Viśārada from Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune, in 1954.

Dr. Dharmadhikari was associated with the Vaidika Saṁśodhana Maṇḍala (VSM) and Adarsha Saṁskṛta Śodha Saṁsthā for 36 years. He served as a Researcher and Editor from 1957 to 1993, as Secretary from 1967 to 1991, and as Director from 1983 to 1993. From 1993 to 1996, he was conferred the honorary title of Śāstra Cūḍāmaṇi Scholar.

He authored more than 150 scholarly and popular articles in Sanskrit, Marathi, Hindi, and English. Over 60 of these were published in reputed research journals, periodicals, and felicitation volumes. He was frequently invited as a guest lecturer on Vedic and Sanskrit topics at universities and institutions such as the University of Pune, University of Nagpur, Sampurnananda Sanskrit University (Varanasi), and others.

Dr. Dharmadhikari conducted and participated in several workshops on manuscriptology and textual criticism organized by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), the National Mission for Manuscripts, and various universities including those in Mysore, Trivandrum, Varanasi, Kozhikode, Kolkata, and Chennai.

He delivered several noteworthy special lectures, including the Nyāyamūrti Mancherji Khareghata Vyākhyāna at Ratnagiri on "Introduction to Sāmaveda" in 1976, and a lecture on "Vedārtha Paddhati, Yoga and Śrauta Ritual" for the Bruhan Maharashtra Prachya Vidya Parishad in 1997. His lectures also featured in memorial series such as Dr. B.R. Karnik Memorial Lectures, M.M.P.V. Kane Memorial Lecture, Dr. G.S. Khair Memorial Lecture, Prof. V.V. Bapat Memorial Lecture, and Dr. H.R. Divekar Memorial Lecture.

Internationally, Dr. Dharmadhikari was invited to deliver lectures in England (1983 and 1998) and Switzerland (1983). He also participated in the Vedic Workshop held in Leiden, Netherlands, in 2002.

Among his other academic contributions, he prepared an educational audio-visual cassette on Darśa Pūrṇamāsa Yajña for the Vaidika Saṁśodhana Maṇḍala. He regularly contributed to AIR Pune through classical Sanskrit and Vedic talks and participated in numerous national conferences and seminars. He also contributed articles to the Marathi Vishwakosha published from Wai and delivered explanatory lectures during traditional performances of Vedic sacrifices.

In recognition of his contributions, Dr. Dharmadhikari received numerous honours and awards. These include the State Government of Maharashtra Award (1993), felicitation by the Institute of Orissan Culture, Bhubaneshwar (1994), the Guru Gangeshwarānanda Veda-Ratna Award (1997), the Rāṣṭrapati Award (1999), the Ṛgveda Puraskāra (1999), the Puruṣottama Puraskāra (2000), the Ācārya Pāṇini Puraskāra (2001), the Śrī Yājñavalkya Puraskāra (2002), and the Maharṣi Sāndīpanī Rāṣṭrīya Veda Vidyā Puraskāra (2003). He was also felicitated by Kanchi Kāmakoti Pīṭham and other cultural institutions.

He held several esteemed positions in scholarly and cultural bodies. He was Secretary, Director, and Treasurer of the Vaidika Saṁśodhana Maṇḍala, Vice-Chairman of the Vedashāstrottējaka Sabhā, and Vice-Chairman of the Maharashtra Granthottejak Sabha. He served as a member of the council at Ānandaśrama, as well as on academic councils and governing bodies of institutions like Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth and Sandipani Veda Vidya Pratishthan, Ujjain. He was also involved with several trusts including the Prof. Ponkshe Trust, Veda Vyāsa Pratiṣṭhān, and Veda Maharṣi Paṇḍit Satāvalekar Pratiṣṭhān. He served as Academic Head of the Mukta Bodha Indological Research Institute at Ganeshpuri, Thane.

In his later academic pursuits, Dr. Dharmadhikari edited the Darśapūrṇamāsa Iṣṭi Prayoga and translated it into English. He also edited Bhāvasvāmin’s Vivarana on the Baudhāyana Śrauta Sūtra (Praśnas 1–19), with Praśnas 20–29 under preparation for IGNCA, New Delhi. His editorial contributions also include Agnyādhāna Prayoga, Agnihotra Prayoga, and Cāturmāsya Prayoga — all of which are ready for publication.

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Mrs. Nalini Mohan Dhadphale
(Director I/C and Secretary, Vaidika Saṁśodhana Maṇḍala, 1975–1999)

The Late Mrs. Nalini Mohan Dhadphale was a distinguished scholar and committed administrator who played a vital role in the growth and diversification of the Vaidika Saṁśodhana Maṇḍala (VSM) during her long association with the institute from 1975 to 1999. She served as Director In-Charge and held the office of Secretary for several years, contributing significantly to both the academic and administrative spheres of the Maṇḍala.

Mrs. Dhadphale’s most remarkable scholarly contribution lies in the field of Avestan studies. She was a key figure in the pioneering effort to prepare the Devanāgarī edition of the Avesta, a rare and ambitious undertaking, which remains one of the landmark publications of VSM. Her meticulous involvement in this project underscored her linguistic versatility and deep commitment to Indo-Iranian philological traditions.

Beyond her work at VSM, Mrs. Dhadphale also contributed to the world of Indian literature through her translation work. She translated a significant book for the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, thereby extending her scholarly reach into literary and cultural domains beyond Vedic and Avestan studies.

Her years of service at the Maṇḍala were marked by a quiet dedication, editorial diligence, and a nurturing spirit that supported the institute’s scholarly endeavors through changing times. She upheld the values of precision, discipline, and inclusive scholarship that define VSM’s ethos.

Vaidika Saṁśodhana Maṇḍala fondly remembers Mrs. Nalini Mohan Dhadphale for her enduring contributions, particularly in expanding the institute’s scope into comparative Indo-Iranian studies, and for her exemplary service that continues to inspire generations of scholars.

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Dr. Bhagyashree Shreeram Bhagwat
(Senior Vedic Scholar and Long-serving Contributor to Vaidika Saṁśodhana Maṇḍala)

Dr. Bhagyashree Shreeram Bhagwat stands as one of the most distinguished and enduring figures in the history of the Vaidika Saṁśodhana Maṇḍala (VSM). A renowned scholar in the field of Vedic studies, she served the institute with exemplary dedication for nearly 34 years—from 1990 to 2024—contributing in multiple capacities and shaping the academic ethos of the Maṇḍala across generations.

Throughout her long and impactful tenure, Dr. Bhagwat worked alongside three generations of scholars, researchers, and staff, becoming both a witness to and an architect of the institute’s scholarly evolution. Her sustained commitment, intellectual rigor, and quiet leadership have left an indelible mark on the institution’s legacy.

Among her most significant scholarly contributions is the Critical Edition of the Maitrāyaṇī Padapāṭha, a landmark achievement in Vedic textual scholarship. This work, characterized by philological precision and a deep understanding of the oral and written traditions of the Veda, has received wide acclaim and continues to serve as a foundational text for researchers in the field.

In addition to this seminal edition, Dr. Bhagwat has authored more than 14 books and over 70 research articles, covering a wide range of topics within Vedic and allied disciplines. Notable among her publications are Yajñasambhāra and Pathways to Āraṇyakas, both of which offer profound insights into Vedic ritualism, symbolism, and the transitional texts of the Vedic corpus. Her scholarly work reflects an enduring engagement with the ritual, linguistic, and philosophical dimensions of the Vedic tradition.

Dr. Bhagwat’s contributions extend beyond individual research; she has played a vital role in fostering a vibrant academic environment at VSM. As a mentor, editor, and collaborator, she has nurtured younger scholars and upheld the highest standards of academic integrity and traditional learning.

The Vaidika Saṁśodhana Maṇḍala acknowledges with deep gratitude the exceptional service, scholarship, and vision of Dr. Bhagyashree Shreeram Bhagwat. Her life’s work stands as a beacon for future generations dedicated to the study and preservation of Vedic knowledge.

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Dr. Bhagyalata Ashok Pataskar
(Former Director, Vaidika Saṁśodhana Maṇḍala; Eminent Sanskrit and Vedic Scholar)
Feb`2000- Dec` 2021

Dr. Bhagyalata Ashok Pataskar, an eminent scholar of Sanskrit and Vedic studies, served the Vaidika Saṁśodhana Maṇḍala (VSM) with distinction and dedication for over two decades. As Director of the institute, she played a pivotal role in shaping its academic direction, ensuring both the continuity of its core mission and the expansion of its scholarly horizons. Her association with the Maṇḍala spanned nearly 21 years, a period marked by steady growth, academic vibrancy, and significant publication output.

Under Dr. Pataskar’s visionary leadership, VSM published a number of critical research works, commentaries, and editions, further strengthening its reputation as a premier center for Vedic and Sanskrit studies. Her commitment to scholarly excellence and traditional learning brought renewed energy to the institute’s publication program, mentoring ecosystem, and collaborative research initiatives.

A prolific author and widely respected academician, Dr. Pataskar has to her credit more than 27 scholarly books, many of which have become standard references in the field of Vedic literature, ritual studies, and Sanskrit textual traditions. Her research is characterized by methodological rigor, clarity of exposition, and a deep reverence for the Vedic heritage.

Throughout her career, she has been acknowledged not only for her intellectual contributions but also for her mentorship and leadership within the academic community. She has consistently worked to bridge the gap between traditional śāstric learning and modern research methodologies, making Vedic studies more accessible and relevant to contemporary scholars.

The Vaidika Saṁśodhana Maṇḍala places on record its deep appreciation for Dr. Bhagyalata Ashok Pataskar’s invaluable contributions—both as a scholar and as an institution builder. Her legacy continues to inspire students, researchers, and academicians dedicated to the preservation and advancement of India’s ancient knowledge systems.

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Prof. Bharat Bhushan Mishra
(Director I/c, Vaidika Saṁśodhana Maṇḍala — January 2022 to July 2022)

Prof. Bharat Bhushan Mishra served as the Director In-charge of Vaidika Saṁśodhana Maṇḍala for a brief yet impactful period from January 2022 to July 2022. During his tenure, he ensured the smooth functioning of the institute and upheld its academic standards. A committed scholar of Sanskrit and Vedic studies, Prof. Mishra contributed to maintaining continuity in the institute’s research activities and administrative operations during a transitional phase. His leadership reflected a balanced approach to tradition and institutional needs, supporting the ongoing scholarly work of the Maṇḍala.

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Prof. Subrahmanyam Viriventi
(Director, Vaidika Saṁśodhana Maṇḍala)

Dr. Subrahmanyam Viriventi, an accomplished Sanskrit scholar and seasoned academic administrator, is the current Director of the Vaidika Saṁśodhana Maṇḍala (VSM). He officially assumed charge as Director on December 17, 2024, after having previously served as Director In-Charge. Within a short span of time, he has brought about a remarkable transformation in the institute’s infrastructure and academic environment, giving VSM a new and vibrant identity.

Prior to his role at VSM, he served as the Deputy Director at the Sanskrit Academy, Osmania University, Hyderabad, from 2007. With a distinguished academic record, Dr. Subrahmanyam has published over 50 books, 14 research articles in journals, 25 papers in various seminars, and has presented more than 50 research papers at national and international conferences.

In recognition of his academic excellence, he was awarded the Sridharacharya Gold Medal in 2006 for securing the highest marks in Shastri (B.A.). More recently, he received the Shiksha-Śriḥ Award under the Kulpati Puraskar Yojana of the Central Sanskrit University, New Delhi, in 2023 for his outstanding contributions in the academic year 2022–23. He also holds a Telugu Book of Records recognition (2014) for co-authoring an exploratory research article written by the highest number of heterogeneous authors.

Dr. Subrahmanyam has played a key role in several major research projects under the Ashtadashi scheme of the Central Sanskrit University. As Principal Investigator, he led the “Sanskrit Academy Ṣaṣṭyabdha Granthamālā” project for reprinting rare books, with a sanctioned grant of ₹10.8 lakhs. He is also Co-Principal Investigator for the “Vishwanatha Satyanarayana Bṛhatkathā Sāhitya Sārvajñyaka” knowledge translation project (₹2.88 lakhs), and currently leads the “Digitisation of the Vaidika Saṁśodhana Maṇḍala Library” project, funded with ₹14 lakhs.

In addition, he is working on a major philological project: a Concordance of Nine Sanskrit Grammars, comparing systems such as Pāṇini, Kātantra, Cāndra, Jainendra (two recensions), Śākaṭāyana, Sarasvatīkaṇṭhābharaṇa, Hemacandra, and Malayagiri. He is also leading the “Vedakathā” project in children’s literature (₹5 lakhs) and co-leading the editing and publication of Bhojanakutūhalam, Parts 2 and 3 (₹4 lakhs).

Under his visionary and energetic leadership, VSM continues to flourish as a hub of Vedic scholarship, digital innovation, and Sanskrit research. His academic accomplishments, project leadership, and transformative initiatives mark a new era of excellence and growth for the institute.