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We normally connect a knowledge of Sanskrit with orthodoxy. The Pandit
class is generally conservative. They are very particular about the various
rituals and ceremonies. But Pandit Sastri was a keen social reformer. He
would preach to the Harijans of the vi1lage that they should acquire clean
habits and educate themselves. He managed to open two elementary schools in
the Harijan colonies of the village of Aryanayakipuram. Though many of the
villagers appeared to support his reform, they would not enter the Harijan
colonies and would stop short of them even if they happened to accompany
him. He created enthusiasm among the Harijans by getting the district
collector or the district judge to preside over the functions in the
school.
The Harijans of his village were worshipping some images to whom they
offered animal sacrifices now and then. He persuaded them to worship
Vinayaka and set up an idol under peepul tree on the river bank. It is
really a pleasant sight to watch many a Harijan take his morning bath, go
round the peepul tree and worship the Vinayaka.
Ha was against child marriage and used to quote from the Vedas that this
was a later day practice. As many marriages in his family circles were
still what he considered as child marriages, he never used to attend them-
His knowledge of the Vedas made him an exponent of the Aryan civilization
and he used to contribute articles on that subject to various magazines.
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