Recipient of ‘Certificate of Honour’ (Rashtrapati-Samman) in Sanskrit from the President of India, 11th March, 2016 at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi
Dr. Shashi Tiwari (Vedic and Sanskrit Scholar)
Formely Professor of Sanskrit, Maitreyi College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India.
Research Interests: The Vedas, Vedic Religion and Philosophy. Indian Philosophy, Ancient Indian Culture, Indian Festivals, Indian Mythology, Sanskrit Etymology, Sanskrit Epics, Sanskrit Classical Literature.
Contact: shashitiwari_2017@yahoo.com
Introduction:
Dr. Shashi Tiwari received the B.A. (1963) and M.A. (1965) degrees in Sanskrit (University topper with 7 academic Gold Medals) from the University of Lucknow, India. She received her Ph.D. (1968) from the same university in the field of Vedic and Sanskrit studies.
Since then she served as Lecturer at Agra University for two years (1968-1970), and then served as Lecturer/Reader/Senior Associate Professor at Maitreyi College, University of Delhi from 1972. She taught postgraduate classes at University of Delhi for the last 36 years. She recently retired from Maitreyi College after teaching undergraduate classes for 40 years. She also held the position of Visiting Professor for a short term in 2002 at the Hindu University of America, Orlando, USA, where she still serves as an Adjunct Professor and guides research scholars. Besides teaching, she continues to engage in independent research work, and its publication.
Dr. Shashi Tiwari has been honored with twenty seven prestigious academic awards from various Academies of India including: "Sanskrit Sahitya Seva Sammana", 2005 of Delhi Sanskrit Academy; “Vishisht Puraskar”, 2007 of Uttar Pradesh Sanskrit Sansthan, Lucknow; the “Vidyalankar” title, 2007 from Purvanchal Academy of Oriental Studies, Calcutta; “Maharshi Vyas Samman”, 2014 of Uttar Pradesh Sanskrit Sansthan, Lucknow; “Sanskrit-Shri Award”, 2015 of Akhil Bhartiya Sanskrit Sahitya Sammelan, New Delhi; and “Vidya Sagar Upadhi”, 2015 from Mandakini Vidvat Parishad, New Delhi for her immense contributions to Vedic and Sanskrit Studies.
Dr. Shashi Tiwari has presented papers and chaired sessions in many national and international conferences including the 10th, 11th and 15th World Sanskrit Conferences at Bangalore, India (1997); Torino, Italy (2002); and Delhi, India (2013). She attended the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th,7th, 10th , 11th International WAVES Conferences at Atlanta (1996), Los Angeles(1998), Hoboken (2000), Boston (2002), Washington DC (2004), Houston (2006), Orlando (2008), Dartmouth (2012), Fairfield-Iowa (2014) at USA; 12th International WAVES Conference at BVB New Delhi (2016) ; and 13th International WAVES Conference at Dallas, TX,USA (2018). She participated in the International Vedic Conference, 2003, at Kathmandu, Nepal; and the 36th ICANAS, Conferences at Montreal, Canada in 2000. She took active part in the 2nd and 3rd International Ramayana Conference, held in 2005 and 2010 at DeKalb, USA. She represented India and Hinduism as an invited scholar in the Thanks Giving Conference, 2008, at Dallas, USA. She also participated as an expert of Hinduism in the 3rd Annual Commemoration of the World Alliance of Religions’ Peace (WARP) Summit held in Seoul, South Korea on September 17-19, 2017.
She has specialized in the field of the Vedic studies, Sanskrit learning, Vedic philosophy and Indian culture. She has published thirty five books and over 150 research papers (in English, Sanskrit and Hindi) and has broadcast about 150 talks for All India Radio. A list of her books is included below. For additional information on the books or for information on any of the above topics (including literature, references, research, organizations etc.) please contact her at shashitiwari_2017@yahoo.com.
She has also been the General Secretary of the Wider Association of Vedic Studies (WAVES), regd. (www.waves-india.com), for 20 years, and is now working as President of WAVES for the last four years. She has organized twenty three annual national conferences in different parts of India since 1996, and a conference at Kathmandu, Nepal (2003). She has also organized a number of other academic events for WAVES, for propagating ancient Vedic wisdom. For information about this association, upcoming conferences and for membership in India, please contact her at the above email address.
Published Books (35):
Rigvediya Aprisukta (in Hindi) - It is a detailed and original study of Aprisuktas of the Rigveda. Published by Bharatiya Vidya Prakashan, Delhi, 1981. Foreword by Prof. R.V. Joshi; pp. 20+344
Mundakopanishad (in Sanskrit & Hindi) - It is a detailed study and an explanation of the Mundaka Upanishad, including an analysis of all available commentaries. Published by Meharchand Lachmandas Publications, Delhi, 1981. Foreword by Prof. Satyavrata Shastri; pp 20+104
Ishavasyopanishad (in Sanskrit, Hindi & English)- It is a detailed study and an explanation of the Ishavasya Upanishad, including an analysis of all available commentaries. Published by Bharatiya Vidya Prakashan, Delhi, 1986; pp. 48+128
Surya Devata (Vedic aur Vedottar Sanskrit Surya-Stutiyon mein) (in Hindi) - It is a detailed study of the Surya Devata, based on the prayers in the Vedic and Postvedic Sanskrit literature. Published by Meharchand Lachmandas Publications, Delhi, 1994 and has a foreword by the renowned scholar Dr. Karan Singh; pp. 22+318
Sanskrit Lokokti Kosha (in Sanskrit & Hindi) - It is a dictionary of Sanskrit proverbs, with classification and Hindi translation. It is published by the Publication Divison of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, Govt. of India, 1996 and has a foreword written by Dr. Karan Singh; pp. 200
Upanishadon Ki Bodha Kathayen (in Hindi) - It presents 21 stories from the principal Upanishads. In simple language, it describes their hidden meaning and relevance in the context of modern times. It is published by Meharchand Lachmandas Publications, Delhi, 1997. Foreword by Dr. Ramkaran Sharma; pp. 72
Upanishad Sahitya (in Hindi) - Chapter 15 in the first volume of 'Sanskrit Vanmaya ka Brhad Itihasa -Veda Khanda'. This publication is a comprehensive history of Upanishadic literature. Published by Uttar Pradesh Samsthan, Lucknow, 1996.
Upanisad Khanda of Sanskrit Suktisamuccaya (in Sanskrit, Hindi & English) - A collection of key quotations from all the principal Upanishads with their Hindi and English translation. Published by The Delhi Sanskrit Academy, Delhi, 1998; pp. 168
Sanskrit Sahitya Ka Itihasa (in Hindi) - It presents a brief but comprehensive history of Sanskrit Literature from the Rigveda to date. Published by Bharatiya Vidya Prakashan, Delhi, 1999. Foreword by Prof A. Kumar; pp. 200
Rigvedic Adhyayana (in Hindi) - It deals with various aspects of Rigvedic research in 27 chapters. Published by Venkatesh Prakashana, Delhi, 1999. Foreword by the renowned Vedic scholar Padmabhushan Acharya Baldev Upadhyaya; pp. 20+400
Homage to the Sun (in English) - It deals with the worship of the Sun and references to the Sun in the holy scriptures of twelve living religions of the world. Published by the Temple of Understanding, India Chapter, New Delhi, 2001. Foreword by Dr. Karan Singh; pp. 64
Vedic Vangmaya -Eka Jhalak (in Hindi) - Translation of the book "Glimpses of Vedic Literature" by Dr Kireet Joshi. It provides brief introductions to all the major Vedic texts including their key attributes and contents. Published by Standard Publishers, Delhi, 2003; pp. 160
Vedic Adhyayana/Vedic Studies (in Hindi & English) - 27 chapters dealing with key aspects of Vedic studies such as linguistics, semantics, agriculture, architecture, society etc. About 400 pages. Published by New Bhartiya Book Corporation, Delhi, 2004. Foreword by Dr Kireet Joshi; pp. 16+376
Vedic Rishi Dirghatama (in Sanskrit, Hindi & English) - An edited work containing 25 research papers on the Vedic seer Dirghatama. Published by Vidya Nidhi Prakashan, Delhi, 2005. Foreword by Dr. Vachaspati Upadhyaya; pp. 200
Sanskrit-pathya-sankalan (in Sanskrit & Hindi) - A collection and detailed study of seven important Sanskrit Scriptures based on the curriculum of the 2nd year B A Program (Sanskrit) of Delhi University. Published by Vidya Nidhi Prakashan, Delhi, 2005. pp. 350
Kenopanishad (in Sanskrit, Hindi & English) - It is a detailed study and an explanation of the Ken Upanishad, including an analysis of all available commentaries. Published by Vidya Nidhi Prakashan, Delhi, 2005; pp. 150
Glimpses of Vedic and Ancient Indian Civilization (in English) - 21 chapters on Vedic and Ancient Indian studies. Published by New Bhartiya Book Corporation, Delhi, 2006, Foreword by Prof. G.C.Tripathi; pp. 222
Rashtriyata Aur Bharatiya Sahitya (in Hindi) - Based on Delhi University's B.A. Hons. Concurrent course. Published by Vidya Nidhi Prakashan, Delhi, 2006. pp. 224
Muktak-kavya-Khanda (in Sanskrit, English and Hindi) - A selection of verses from Gita Kavyas and Muktak Kavyas (seventy five Sanskrit poetry collections by ancient and modern Sanskrit poets), with Hindi and English translation. Published by Delhi Sanskrit Academy, 2008; pp. 397
Contemporary World Order: A Vedic Perspective (edited in English) - Ancient Indian Literary Heritage - Vol. I; 31 research papers presented at the 7th India WAVES Conference at Pondicherry. Published by Pratibha Prakashan, Delhi, 2009; pp. 250
Harappan Civilization And Vedic Culture (edited in Hindi, English and Sanskrit) - Ancient Indian Literary Heritage – Vol. II; 37 research papers presented at the 12th India Waves Conference. Published by Pratibha Prakashan, Delhi, 2010; pp. 350
Gita-Vimarsh - Translation, explanation and study of the Second Chapter of Bhagvadgita. Published by Vidyanidhi Prakashan, Delhi, 2010; pp. 128
Creation and Existence in Indian Tradition (edited in English and Sanskrit) - Ancient Indian Literary Heritage – Vol. III; 23 papers presented at the 13th India WAVES Conference. Published by Pratibha Prakashan, Delhi, 2011; pp. 192
Bhartiya Parampara Me Sristi Avam Sthiti (edited in Hindi) - Ancient Indian Literary Heritage – Vol. IV; 29 papers presented at the 13th India WAVES Conference. Published by Pratibha Prakashan, Delhi, 2011; pp. 232
Sanskrit-Natya-Sankalana (in Hindi & Sanskrit) - Based on the Bachelor of Arts program course, IV semester, for University of Delhi, Two Sanskrit plays with their studies. Published by Vidya Nidhi Prakashan, Delhi, 2013; pp. 220.
Sanskrit-Sahitya me Rashtravada aur Bharatiya Rajashastra (in Hindi & Sanskrit) - An analysis of Nationalism in ancient and modern Sanskrit Literature with description of important principles of Indian Polity. Published by Vidya Nidhi Prakashan, Delhi, 2013; pp. 276.
Vedavyaakhyaapaddhatah (in Sanskrit) - An original research work based on the analysis of Vedic interpretations, with description of all most all ancient and modern Bhashyas, and Bhasyakaras, Pratibha Prakashan, Delhi, 2014. Foreword by Prof. Radhaballabh Tripathi; pp. 285
Sanskrit-sahitya-anushilanam (in Sanskrit) - An collection of research papers and articles based on Vedas, Ramayana, Puranas, Sanskrit Sahitya, modern poetry etc., published by Vidya Nidhi Prakashan, Delhi, 2015; pp. 125
Health and Happiness in Indian Tradition (edited in English, Sanskrit & Hindi) - Ancient Indian Literary Heritage-V vol.; 44 papers presented in the 9th India Conference at Jaipur, WAVES, Pratibha Prakashan, Delhi, 2016; pp. 332
Science and Spirituality in Vedic Tradition (edited in English) - Ancient Indian Literary Heritage -VI vol.; Pratibha Prakashan, Delhi, 2017; pp.224
Science and Spirituality in Vedic Tradition (edited in Hindi and Sanskrit) - Ancient Indian Literary Heritage -VII vol.; Pratibha Prakashan, Delhi, 2017; pp.226
Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya (in Hindi) - Life, activities and achievement of Shri Shankracharya, Published from Sahitya Academy, New Delhi, 2017; pp.100
Scientific Aspects of Vedic Knowledge (edited in English, Hindi and Sanskrit) - 42 papers of 20th International Conference of WAVES on title theme, Ancient Indian Literary Heritage –Vol. VIII.; Pratibha Prakashan, Delhi, 2018; pp.460.
Rigvaidika Adhyayana (in Hindi) - 33 chapters dealing various aspects of Rigvedic research. Foreword by Padmabhushan Acharya Baldev Upadhyaya, New Bhartiya Book Corporation, Delhi, Second Edition, 2018; pp. 16+376.
A History of Vedic Literature (Brief Survey and Study) (in English) - 26 chapters dealing with complete Vedic Literature with short study of selective parts of some Vedic texts, exploring Vedic Religion, philosophy and mythology, New Bhartiya Book Corporation, Delhi, 2020; pp. 10+320.