National Seminar on “Plurality of Edakkal Heritage” at Sultan Bathery

The faculty of Heritage Studies and History organized a two day National Seminar on “Plurality of Edakkal Heritage” at Sultan Bathery in Waynad on 27th and 28th June 2017. The inaugural function started on 10 a.m. The session was presided over by K. Jayakumar, Vice Chancellor, ThunchathuEzhuthachan Malayalam University, the session was inaugurated by the veteran Prof. M G S Narayanan. Prof. K.M. Bharathan, dean, Faculty of Heritage Studies and History has presented the welcome address. Speaking after inaugurating the program, Prof. M G S Narayanan, former Chairman of ICHR said as the monument had been facing challenges from quarry lobby, the government should adopt speedy steps for its conservation. Speaking on the occasion as the president of the function K. Jayakumar, the Vice Chancellor of Malayalam University pointed out that it was planning to organize a cultural heritage survey at Edakkal with the assistance of various government agencies. Prof. M. Srinathan, Head, Department of Linguistics, Malayalam University said a comprehensive study was needed to reveal the exact meaning of the petroglyphs.O. K. Johny, the activist and C. R. Karappan, president, Nanmenigrama panchayat had also delivered a wonderful speech. Dr. Manjusha R Varma, Assistant Professor, Department of History extended the vote of thanks. Afternoon session was presided over by Dr. Srija L.G, Assistant Professor, Department of Hisstory. Prof. Y. Subbarayalu, Associated Researcher, French Institute of Puducherry has presented a wonderful paper. Prof. Selvakumar, Associate Professor, Department of Maritime History and Marine archaeology, Tamil University, Tanjavur has also presented a paper on ‘Tradition of South Indian Cave Paintings.’ In the second day, the academic session started with the presentation of Prof. M R RaghavaVarier, Prof. K.M.Bharathan and Smt. SrilathaDamodaran. The Session was chaired by Dr. Manjusha R Varma. Prof. RaghavaVarier presented a paper on ‘Edakkal and Allied Places.’ Prof. K. M Bharathan presented a paper on ‘Edakkal: A Cultural Hub’ and Smt. Srilatha presented a paper on ‘Edakkal and Cave Paintings at Tovari.’ Fourth Session started on 12 p.m. with a panel discussion participated by Thomas Ambalavayal, Badusha, GangadharanMaster.’ The session was presided over by Prof. M. R. RaghavaVarier. A large number of people including the students, history teachers, environmentalists, research scholars, etc. attended the function. The Hindu, Mathrubhumi and Manorama dailies had given wide coverage to the program.