Culture Minister Usha Thakur, today, awarded national and internationally acclaimed archaeologist Prof Vidula Jaiswal with the Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar National Award 2015-16 through video conferencing in Varanasi.
This honour established by the Directorate of Archaeology, Archives and Museums was presented by Archaeological Officer Ramesh Yadav, on behalf of the Minister of Culture. An amount of Rs 2 lakh cash and a citation was given to Prof Jaiswal at her residence in Varanasi.
Thakur said that the Ramlala temple at Ayodhya is the latest example of the way the archaeologists have taken up the responsibility of awakening national pride in a country which has been under outside forces for centuries. While some people had brought the Ram Janmabhoomi under the purview of law, archaeologists re-established it through evidence. The country will always be indebted to them.
The Culture Minister said that it has been more than 100 years of the Archaeological Department of India, but even today, this land has many evidences which need to be brought to the fore. Archaeologists have yet to travel long and difficult distances.
Prof Vidula Jaiswal said that she is grateful to Madhya Pradesh government for giving distinct identity to archaeology. She said that she had the privilege of working with Late Wakankar during the Bhimbetka excavation. Wakankar used to engage in work without waiting for any facility, which is an example for the officers of today.
Born in the year 1947 in Varanasi, Prof. Vidula Jaiswal’s grandfather, Kashi Prasad Jaiswal, was also a well-known archaeologist and historian.