Sharda Narayanan
Sharda Narayanan is an accomplished scholar, specializes in Sanskrit studies and Indian philosophy. With a Ph.D. on Bhartrhari’s Vakyapadiya, she teaches at DR. MGR Janaki College for Women, Chennai. She’s presented papers globally, published extensively, and authored books on Indian philosophy and literature, showcasing her expertise and dedication to Sanskrit studies.
Profile
Sharda Narayanan’s journey in academia and Sanskrit studies is remarkable. She embarked on her Sanskrit learning during her school years under the guidance of Late Vidwan Chakravarthy Ananthacharya, culminating in her successful completion of the Samskrita Sahitya Examinations at Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar Samskrit College, Bengaluru. This solid foundation paved the way for her academic excellence, as evidenced by her graduation with distinction in B.Sc from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, where she secured the 7th Rank in Bangalore University in 1989. Building upon her scientific acumen, she pursued and achieved an M.Sc. in Physics in 1991, followed by an M.A. in Sanskrit in 1994, both from Bangalore University.
Sharda’s academic pursuits continued to flourish as she delved into the intricacies of Sanskrit linguistics, ultimately earning her Ph.D. in 2008 from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Her doctoral research focused on the profound Vakyapadiya of Bhartrhari, showcasing her dedication to exploring the nuances of ancient Indian philosophical texts.
Her professional journey is equally impressive, encompassing a teaching stint in Physics at Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, before transitioning to her current role as a Sanskrit, Indian philosophy, and Natyasastra educator at DR. MGR Janaki College for Women, Chennai, since 2012. Sharda’s scholarly contributions extend beyond the classroom, as she has presented numerous papers at prestigious National and International Seminars, including notable appearances at World Sanskrit Conferences in Edinburgh, Bangkok, and Vancouver, as well as the Bhopal Lit Fest.
In addition to her academic and teaching roles, Sharda has actively engaged in scholarly dialogues and workshops, notably contributing Indian perspectives on cognition and conflict management in workshops conducted by SASTRA University. Her research prowess is evident in the publication of several research papers on Sanskrit studies in esteemed University Journals. Moreover, she has participated in conferences dedicated to countering misrepresentations of Indian philosophy organized by the Infinity Foundation, and has edited two volumes of papers presented at the Swadeshi Indology Conference held in Chennai in 2017.
Sharda’s intellectual contributions extend to her authored works, including her published doctoral thesis titled “Vakyapadiya: Sphota, Jati & Dravya” in 2011. Furthermore, she has authored several books exploring Indian philosophy, literature, and aesthetics, such as “Sastradipika -Tarka Pada” and “Gitagovinda – Text, Translation & Notes,” showcasing her deep engagement with diverse aspects of Indic thought and culture.
Her scholarly pursuits have been further enriched by a project funded by ICPR, New Delhi, focusing on a “Critical Study of Slokavartika” by Kumarila Bhatta, underscoring her ongoing commitment to advancing knowledge in Sanskrit studies and Indian philosophy.
Achievements
◉ Completed Samskrita Sahitya Examinations at Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar Samskrit College, Bengaluru.
◉ Graduated with distinction in B.Sc from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, securing 7th Rank in Bangalore University (1989).
◉ Completed M.Sc. in Physics (1991) and M.A. in Sanskrit (1994) from Bangalore University.
◉ Earned a Ph.D. (2008) from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, with a focus on the Vakyapadiya of Bhartrhari.
◉ Taught Physics at Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru.
◉ Joined DR. MGR Janaki College for Women, Chennai, in 2012, teaching Sanskrit language, Indian philosophy, and Natyasastra.
◉ Presented numerous papers at National and International Seminars, including World Sanskrit Conferences in Edinburgh, Bangkok, and Vancouver, and the Bhopal Lit Fest.
◉ Participated as faculty for workshops on arbitration and conflict management conducted by SASTRA University.
◉ Published several research papers on Sanskrit studies in University Journals.
◉ Participated in conferences countering misrepresentations of Indian philosophy organized by Infinity Foundation.
◉ Edited two volumes of papers presented at the Swadeshi Indology Conference held in Chennai in 2017.
◉ Published her doctoral thesis as “Vakyapadiya: Sphota, Jati & Dravya” in 2011.
◉ Authored several books on Indian philosophy, literature, and aesthetics, including “Sastradipika -Tarka Pada” and “Gitagovinda – Text, Translation & Notes.”
◉ Completed a project funded by ICPR, New Delhi, on a “Critical Study of Slokavartika” by Kumarila Bhatta and is engaged in further study of the text.
