It’s the small things in life that make a big difference. People born in illustrious families become famous in their own right and get noticed, and this is not unusual. But it’s different when a common man with no credentials gets into the public space by doing something for the community and the society at large and makes people sit up and take notice.
Watershed moments in an evolving life
A passionate educator and dedicated social worker, Sarma Sastrigal (affectionately called as Sarma mama) has always believed that memoirs are for achievers who wish to share their success stories. However, persistent encouragement from well-wishers made him realize that his journey — filled with highs, lows, challenges, and triumphs — held valuable lessons that could inspire and guide others.
With over seventy years of experiences shaped by a deep sense of purpose, unwavering values, and the courage of conviction, he has devoted his life to service, community upliftment, and spreading practical knowledge on Sanatana Dharma. Though not a writer by profession, he has “told his story” through the efforts of a committed team, ensuring that his insights reach a wider audience.
This website is an extension of that mission — a platform to share wisdom, experiences, and a lifelong commitment to making a difference.
In the vast landscape of Vedic scholars who run patasalas, deliver upanyasams, and write scholarly theses on the Upanishads, Sarma Sastrigal considers himself but a small speck. He does not claim to be in their league. However, he brings two distinct elements to his work: first, a deep sense of nationalism and patriotic fervor, instilled through his time as a pracharak (full-time RSS workers) in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in the 1970s; and second, a practical and digestible approach to Vedic knowledge, which he now imparts as a mentor.
Unlike those who delve into profound philosophies, Sarma Sastrigal focuses on the basics—spiritual practices that the common man can easily integrate into his daily life to come closer to God. This accessibility has allowed him to make a meaningful impact on society. At over 70 years of age, he continues to work tirelessly, dedicating long hours to his mission. His videos, Vedic classes, and workshops have reached many, imparting valuable spiritual insights to ordinary people. He feels particularly blessed to have built a team of dedicated co-workers who share his vision and work alongside him with sincerity—something rare in the often-confused realm of spirituality and religion.
Sarma Sastrigal acknowledges that he has no special identity or lineage in this domain. Yet, if he has been able to inspire people, it is solely due to the grandeur of the Vedic tradition. He firmly believes that what he has achieved is not unique to him—others too can walk this path and make a difference.
His role models are the great figures of Indian history who left their comfort zones and dedicated themselves to society and the nation, often at great personal cost. Inspired by them, he made a conscious decision to engage in social service, not out of compulsion, but out of conviction.
When people ask about the turning points in his life, Sarma Sastrigal finds it difficult to pinpoint them. He categorizes people into two groups, those who meticulously plan their lives and those who take life as it comes. He unquestionably belongs to the latter. His life’s defining moments were not premeditated decisions but natural progressions that unfolded over time.
People can be categorised into two groups, those who meticulously plan their lives and those who take life as it comes. Sarma Sastrigal unquestionably belongs to the latter… a life transformed three times through seven decades, and a life still evolving…
The first transformative event in his life was his decision to become a pracharak with the RSS in 1970. Quitting a secure job at an insurance company in Chennai (then Madras), he embraced a life of national service, reinforcing his belief that forsaking personal comforts strengthens one’s dedication to public service. However, this was not an impulsive decision but rather an organic evolution, deeply rooted in his childhood association with the RSS.
As a pracharak, he led an RSS shakha, instilling national pride in young minds. His father initially tried to dissuade him, emphasizing the financial impact on the family, especially with his sisters’ marriages pending. However, Sarma Sastrigal was resolute. He felt that if he postponed his decision, his passion might wane. He was determined to act while the fire within him burned brightly.
The subsequent five years were filled with experiences far removed from the conventional life of a Tamil Brahmin (Tambram). Financial constraints, minimal facilities, and moments of frustration were inevitable. Yet, the privilege of working with great national leaders and the sheer joy of serving Mother India far outweighed these hardships. Through this journey, he emerged as a true sevak.
The second milestone in his life came in 1995 when he resigned from his position at Ashok Leyland after 15 years of service to embrace vaideekam—his ancestral profession. The transition was not pre-planned but the result of an intense three-year period of learning under his father. His training encompassed not only the Vedas but also the intricate details of performing poojas, tarpanams, sraaddhas, and other rituals.
A crucial influence during this phase was his mentor, Sankaranji. Though Sankaranji never explicitly advised him to take up vaideekam, he suggested that Sarma Sastrigal spend more time with his father. This seemingly simple suggestion led to a transformative journey. One day, on an Amavasya, when his father was too ill to conduct a tarpanam, Sarma Sastrigal stepped in to guide those who had gathered. This moment marked his transition into a full-time vaideeka. With time, he became known as Sarma Sastrigal, the most sought after Vaideeka (revered priest).
The third transformation occurred when he was nearing sixty. By then, he was a sought-after ‘aathu vadhyar’, deeply immersed in his work. However, a persistent thought nagged him—was this all he was meant to do? He was probing ways to integrate his RSS background and nationalistic dedication into his role as a vaideeka. Could he integrate his RSS experience and nationalistic dedication into his role as a vaideeka?
The answer came unexpectedly through a friend who expressed concerns about performing rituals incorrectly or neglecting them due to ignorance. As Sarma Sastrigal patiently clarified his friend’s doubts, he realized his true calling—educating and guiding people in religious practices. He saw a larger need in society for simplified, practical explanations of Vedic traditions.
Thus began his next journey—as a mentor, educator, and trainer in Hindu karmas, poojas, and practices. He reached out to people individually and in groups, offering them the knowledge they sought. His workshops and online sessions not only helped people fulfil their religious responsibilities but also deepened their understanding of their traditions.
Through all these transformations, Sarma Sastrigal sees the unmistakable presence of the Divine. He believes it is Bhagavat Sankalpa that has guided each phase of his journey.
This, in essence, is the story of Sarma Sastrigal—a life shaped by three major transformations over seven decades and a journey that continues to evolve.
The first transformative event in his life was his decision to become a pracharak with the RSS in 1970. Quitting a secure job at an insurance company in Chennai (then Madras), he embraced a life of national service, reinforcing his belief that forsaking personal comforts strengthens one’s dedication to public service. However, this was not an impulsive decision but rather an organic evolution, deeply rooted in his childhood association with the RSS.
As a pracharak, he led an RSS shakha, instilling national pride in young minds. His father initially tried to dissuade him, emphasizing the financial impact on the family, especially with his sisters’ marriages pending. However, Sarma Sastrigal was resolute. He felt that if he postponed his decision, his passion might wane. He was determined to act while the fire within him burned brightly.
The subsequent five years were filled with experiences far removed from the conventional life of a Tamil Brahmin (Tambram). Financial constraints, minimal facilities, and moments of frustration were inevitable. Yet, the privilege of working with great national leaders and the sheer joy of serving Mother India far outweighed these hardships. Through this journey, he emerged as a true sevak.
The second milestone in his life came in 1995 when he resigned from his position at Ashok Leyland after 15 years of service to embrace vaideekam—his ancestral profession. The transition was not pre-planned but the result of an intense three-year period of learning under his father. His training encompassed not only the Vedas but also the intricate details of performing poojas, tarpanams, sraaddhas, and other rituals.
A crucial influence during this phase was his mentor, Sankaranji. Though Sankaranji never explicitly advised him to take up vaideekam, he suggested that Sarma Sastrigal spend more time with his father. This seemingly simple suggestion led to a transformative journey. One day, on an Amavasya, when his father was too ill to conduct a tarpanam, Sarma Sastrigal stepped in to guide those who had gathered. This moment marked his transition into a full-time vaideeka. With time, he became known as Sarma Sastrigal, the most sought after Vaideeka (revered priest).
The third transformation occurred when he was nearing sixty. By then, he was a sought-after ‘aathu vadhyar’, deeply immersed in his work. However, a persistent thought nagged him—was this all he was meant to do? He was probing ways to integrate his RSS background and nationalistic dedication into his role as a vaideeka. Could he integrate his RSS experience and nationalistic dedication into his role as a vaideeka?
The answer came unexpectedly through a friend who expressed concerns about performing rituals incorrectly or neglecting them due to ignorance. As Sarma Sastrigal patiently clarified his friend’s doubts, he realized his true calling—educating and guiding people in religious practices. He saw a larger need in society for simplified, practical explanations of Vedic traditions.
Thus began his next journey—as a mentor, educator, and trainer in Hindu karmas, poojas, and practices. He reached out to people individually and in groups, offering them the knowledge they sought. His workshops and online sessions not only helped people fulfil their religious responsibilities but also deepened their understanding of their traditions.
Through all these transformations, Sarma Sastrigal sees the unmistakable presence of the Divine. He believes it is Bhagavat Sankalpa that has guided each phase of his journey.
This, in essence, is the story of Sarma Sastrigal—a life shaped by three major transformations over seven decades and a journey that continues to evolve.
Many of us confuse character and personality. The character of a person is made in the first 2-3 years of the person’s life, as a child. Personality however keeps evolving endlessly, and changes with time and place.