State Has Distinguished Identity in Culture, Tourism and Archeology Field

Bhopal: Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge) Surendra Patwa said that Madhya Pradesh has established its distinguished identity in the country for conservation of Culture, Tourism and Archeology. He was honouring Prof. Dilip Chakrawarty with Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Vakankar Rashtriya Samman at State Museum today.

Patwa honoured Prof. Chakrawarty with a reward of Rs. 2 lakh and plaque. It may be mentioned that this Rashtriya Samman was established by the Culture Department after the name of Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Vakankar from 2005-2006 to honour the best talent at national level in conservation field of archeological heritage and culture. Eight learned scholars have been conferred with this honour earlier. This honour has been conferred upon Prof. Chakrawarty for 2013-14.

Patwa said that Prof. Chkarawarty has rendered incomparable contribution in the field of archeology and history. His books have earned fame in country and abroad as well. The contribution of such a talented personality is important.

Moreover, Patwa said that the state government has undertaken remarkable works in the leadership of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in the field of culture, archeology and tourism. The state has established its distinguished identity in archeology conservation. Patwa termed the valuable contribution of Prof. Chakarwarty as unparalleled.

Commissioner Archeology Anupam Rajan informing about the Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Vakankar said that Dr. Vakankar was such a archeologist of Madhya Pradesh soil whose achievements have added new dimension to the archeological history of not only state but of the country. Dr. Vakankar was the only personality who explored Bhim- Bhaitka. Madhya Pradesh is known in the international arena because of Bhim-Bhaitka found by Prof. Vakankar. Bhim-Bhaitka is one of the world heritages. Moreover, Dr. Vakankar has established traditions in archeology and history through his new findings. Forwarding this tradition ahead, scholars of the country are honoured by the state government with this Rashtriya Samman. Prof.

Chakrawarty has been conferred with this honour towards his invaluable contribution in archeology field during the last 50 years. Principal Secretary Culture Manoj Shrivastava read the citation letter. Minister of State for Culture and Tourism Surendra Patwa and Prof. Dilip Chakrawarty distributed prizes to the winner school students of painting competition held for schools of Bhopal to paint a picture of items displayed in the state museum. Cash rewards of Rs. 5 thousand, 3 thousand, 2 thousand and Rs. One thousand beside certificates were presented towards first, second, third and consolation prizes respectively for three different groups of the competition. A painting as per their own will was made by 330 school students in competition held recently. Vote of thanks was delivered by Deputy Director Dr. Geeta Sabharwal.-WTN