The course known as the `heritage managerial education' will use the life and teachings of Bhagwan Ramana Maharishi to offer a `confluence of all that is worthwhile' in Indian culture, said Ramana Maharishi Centre for Learning (RMCL) president A R Natarajan.

He explained that the Centre - to be built under the aegis of RMCL at a 21,000 sq foot plot acquired on a 99-year lease from the Bangalore Development Authority - would continue with RMCL's activities. To be ready in two years time, it would have an auditorium with seating capacity for 500 people, a community hall, a research centre, an audio-visual library with 15,000 books - on dance, drama, music, Indian philosophy and thought.

But how was the Centre - a place to preserve tradition andphilosophy - connected to modern management? Natarajan explained that the Centre, like RMCL, would draw strength and inspiration from the Maharishi's teachings and thoughts. "The rishi who spent his entire life on the true source of the `I' in a human being, knew that it was essentially immortal," Natarajan explained.

That knowledge, he said, was the backbone of the Centre's `new corporate thinking'. "We hope that Indian `management gurus' abroad will be interested in the venture and agree to act as facilitators/faculty at the Centre," he said.

"Today, time-management is most important. We work in tense, conflict-filled atmospheres. Once a person understands the rishi's teachings, finds out the real nature of the `I' consciousness, an awakening takes place. He or she is freed from all activity and works undisturbed by the confusion around," Natarajan said.

Besides, the Centre would also try to correct the popular misconception attached to a title like `Bhagwan', he said. Though people thought that thetitle had religious/Hindu overtones, it was only an `acronym', he said.

He hoped that the proposed Centre would correct that impression and make people realise that the rishi and his teachings belonged to everybody.

Natarajan added that the building, designed by two city-based architects, would cost around Rs 1.25 crore. Funds would be raised through public donations and Government loans. "Ours is an organisation serving. So it is only fit that the community helps us survive, he justifies adding the Centre needed support in form of faculty and money from the people.

Donations to the Centre are exempt under Section 80 G of the Income Tax Act. Cheques or drafts can be sent to the Ramana Maharishi Heritage and Community Centre, through the Indian Bank, Sadashivnagar branch.

Contact A R Natarajan, RMCL, 40/41, II Cross, Lower Palace Orchards, Bangalore-3 or Ph: 336 9633 for more details.