Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav presented honours to renowned rock art expert and Padma Shri awardee Yashodhar Mathpal during a significant cultural ceremony in Bhopal. The felicitation took place at the 19th Dr Wakankar National Award Ceremony and Seminar, held at the Kushabhau Thakre convention centre on Friday.
A Celebration of Archaeological Excellence
The event served as a platform to recognise monumental contributions to Indian heritage. Chief Minister Yadav personally congratulated Yashodhar Mathpal for receiving the Padma Shri award for the year 2022-2023. Mathpal is celebrated for his groundbreaking work, having discovered over 400 caves across India's mountain ranges and developing advanced techniques for preserving ancient art.
The ceremony was rich with cultural performances, including a unique sitar-poetry fusion presentation. Artists Smita Nagdev and Rahul Sharma performed a piece based on Dr Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar's work, "On the Canvas of History." Traditional rituals like the garlanding of portraits of Goddess Saraswati and Dr Wakankar were also observed. The gathering witnessed the release of a new book detailing Madhya Pradesh's role in the freedom movement and an exhibition of rare historical records.
Remembering the Legacy of Dr Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar
In his address, CM Mohan Yadav paid rich tribute to the late Dr Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar, the archaeologist in whose memory the award is constituted. Yadav credited Wakankar for transforming Indian archaeology from an academic pursuit into a widespread public movement through his charismatic outreach, particularly from Ujjain.
Wakankar was a multifaceted champion of heritage, expressing his passion through sitar, sculpture, painting, poetry, and music. His scholarly work led to several key discoveries. His surveys identified Dongla as an ancient timekeeping centre, which had shifted from Ujjain due to changes in the Earth's axis—a fact confirmed by gnomon readings.
Dr Wakankar's most famous contribution was unveiling India's prehistoric civilisation through rock and cave art. He led excavations at seminal sites like Bhimbetka, home to 30,000-year-old paintings now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as Maheshwar and Kayatha. He also established a link between the mythical Saraswati River mentioned in the Rigveda and the modern Ghaggar-Hakra river system. Over his career, he documented more than 4,000 rock paintings globally. In recognition of his service, then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi conferred the Padma Shri upon him in 1975.
Madhya Pradesh's Push for Heritage Conservation
The three-day event, which concluded on January 11, was organised by the state's Directorate of Archaeology. It underscored Madhya Pradesh's intensified drive for cultural preservation. Key initiatives announced include the upgradation of the Wakankar Museum in Ujjain and the upcoming Mahakal Festival scheduled to begin on January 14.
CM Yadav also connected the state's efforts to national progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing examples like the revival of the Somnath Temple. He highlighted the state government's tribute to Dr Wakankar by naming the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary after the legendary archaeologist.
The ceremony successfully bridged past and present, honouring contemporary achievers like Yashodhar Mathpal while reaffirming commitment to the enduring legacy of pioneers like Dr Wakankar, ensuring their work continues to inspire future generations.
