Embracing the Rhythm: Prof. Surabhi Verma’s Passion for Dance
When we think of individuals who lead inspiring lives, we often envision them as excelling in their professional fields or making significant contributions to their communities. However, for Prof. Surabhi Verma, her passions extend far beyond her impressive academic achievements. Among her many interests, one stands out as a central, defining element of her life: dance. Prof. Verma is not only celebrated for her contributions to her field but is also deeply connected to the art of dance. For her, dance is more than just a hobby or pastime; it is an integral part of her being. She describes dance as a vital component of her life, a sentiment that reflects her profound commitment and love for this expressive art form. From her earliest memories, dance has been a constant and cherished companion. It is a language through which she communicates her innermost feelings and thoughts. In every performance and practice, dance offers her a unique space to explore creativity and emotional depth. It’s a beautiful dance of its own—one that intertwines with the rhythm of her daily life and professional endeavors. Prof. Verma’s relationship with dance is a testament to how deeply personal passions can enrich and balance our lives. It’s a reminder that the pursuit of our interests can provide not only joy but also a sense of fulfillment and self-expression. For Prof. Verma, dance is not just a form of artistic expression but a reflection of who she is and what she values deeply. Incorporating dance into her life has undoubtedly influenced her professional journey, offering her new perspectives and inspiration. It’s this blend of passion and profession that makes her not just an educator but a role model who exemplifies the harmony between personal joy and professional dedication. As we reflect on Prof. Surabhi Verma’s story, it’s clear that her love for dance is a vibrant thread woven into the fabric of her life. It’s a reminder for all of us to embrace our passions wholeheartedly, allowing them to shape and enrich our lives in profound ways.So, the next time you see Prof. Verma, remember that behind her professional accomplishments lies a heart that beats to the rhythm of dance—a beautiful testament to the power of following one’s passions and integrating them into the very essence of who we are.
About
Surabhi Verma
Professor Surabhi Verma is an esteemed Assistant Professor of Sanskrit at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela, Odisha. Her academic career is distinguished by a deep engagement with both ancient wisdom and contemporary scientific perspectives. From an early age, Professor Verma was captivated by the Sanskrit language, a fascination that evolved into a profound appreciation for its philosophical and scholarly traditions during her higher studies. For her, Sanskrit is more than a language; it is a repository of ancient wisdom embedded within the Sastra Parampara.
With a robust foundation in modern sciences, Professor Verma has adeptly bridged the gap between traditional Agamic and Tantrik teachings and contemporary scientific understanding. Her research interests are notably centered on dreams, consciousness, and precognition. Her doctoral research offered novel insights into these enigmatic phenomena by examining them through the lens of Indian philosophy. This work contributed significantly to the academic discourse surrounding these complex subjects.
Since joining NIT Rourkela in 2015, Professor Verma has been instrumental in imparting knowledge about Indic Sciences to engineering students. Her teaching methodology integrates her deep understanding of Sanskrit with modern scientific concepts, fostering a unique learning environment. Her contributions are further enriched by her involvement in a major project sponsored by the Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR), New Delhi. The project, titled "A Study Relating Consciousness and Spiritual Intelligence with Special Reference to Kashmir Saivism," explores the dimensions of consciousness through the Agama and Tantra Sastras. This research has provided fresh insights into various psychological phenomena and has deepened her understanding of the esoteric and mystical aspects of Tantra, including concepts related to time travel.
Professor Verma's academic impact is also evident through her recorded lectures and courses. Notably, her lectures on HS1317: "Introduction to the Metaphysics of Sanskrit Language" and HS1310: "Science of Consciousness in Ancient India" reflect her expertise in these fields. These courses delve into the metaphysical aspects of Sanskrit and the ancient Indian perspectives on consciousness, bridging traditional knowledge with contemporary academic discussions.
In addition to her teaching and research, Professor Verma has significantly contributed to the intellectual life at NIT Rourkela through the organization and coordination of various guest lectures, talks, and conferences. These events have provided valuable platforms for scholars and experts to engage in meaningful discussions on Indian philosophy and related fields.
Professor Verma's dedication to her field has been recognized through several prestigious awards. In 2024, she was honored as the "Young Professor of the Year" by The Fames India, New Delhi. Her excellence was further acknowledged when she received the "Best Faculty of the Year" award from Hypedge Media & Education Connect Plus Magazine, New Delhi, in 2023, and the "Best Humanities Professor of the Year" award from TPL Shiksha Awards, New Delhi, the same year. Earlier accolades include certificates of appreciation for "Best Paper Presentation" at the International Conference of INSIS, New Delhi, in 2018, and at the First National Conference of the Indian Society for Indic Studies, New Delhi, in 2014. Additionally, she was awarded the "Sanskrit Pratibha Puraskar" by the Delhi Sanskrit Academy, New Delhi, in 2011, highlighting her exceptional expertise in Sanskrit studies.
In summary, Professor Surabhi Verma’s career is marked by her significant contributions to the study of Sanskrit metaphysics, consciousness, and Indic Sciences. Her innovative approach to integrating ancient wisdom with modern scientific inquiry, coupled with her numerous accolades, underscores her impact as a scholar and educator. Through her teaching, research, and organizational efforts, Professor Verma continues to advance the understanding of ancient Indian philosophy and its relevance in contemporary academic discourse. She is also fond of Dance and considers it t
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