MP Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav stated that renowned archaeologist Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar made an unforgettable contribution to the field of Indian archaeology. Dr. Wakankar transformed archaeology into a mass movement. Such was the impact of his personality and communication skills that people across Ujjain began viewing their surroundings through the lens of archaeology. His efforts to make archaeology a subject of popular interest were extraordinary and exemplary.
CM said Dr. Wakankar was a man of many talents. Through sitar playing, sculpture, painting, poetry and music, he enriched and carried forward India’s cultural heritage. Owing to his relentless efforts and dedication, the Centre of Chronology at Dongla was discovered. He explained that due to long-term changes in the Earth’s rotational axis, the intersection of the Prime Meridian and the Tropic of Cancer, which earlier occurred at Ujjain, gradually shifted northwards to Dongla.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav expressed these views on Friday at the inauguration of the 19th Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar National Award Ceremony and National Seminar held at the Kushabhau Thakre Auditorium. He inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav honoured Padma Shri awardee Dr. Prof. Yashodhar Mathpal with the 19th Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar National Award for the year 2022–2023 by presenting a shawl, a shreefal, a replica of the ‘Bhu Varaha’, and a cheque of Rs 2 lakh. On the occasion, international sitar exponent Sushri Smita Nagdev and poet-writer Shri Rahul Sharma presented a unique jugalbandi of sitar and poetry, performing Dr. Wakankar’s poem “Itihas Ke Patal Par” in Raag Bairagi Bhairav.
Dr. Yadav offered garlands to the idol of Goddess Saraswati and paid floral tributes to the portrait of Dr Wakankar. He also released the book “Freedom Movement in Madhya Pradesh in the 20th Century (1920–1947): Rare Records and Photographic Exhibition.” The Chief Minister inaugurated and visited the exhibition and, at one of the stalls, personally crafted a replica of a Shivling on a potter’s wheel, expressing respect for Indian culture, art, and craft traditions. The three-day national event organised by the Directorate of Archaeology, Archives and Museums will continue until January 11.
