Veteran Archaeologist Vedachalam Wins Tamil Wikki Suran Award

V. Vedachalam, a well-known archaeologist and Tamil epigraphist, has been awarded the Tamil Wikki Suran Award as he enters his 51st year in the field. The award was presented to him in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, in recognition of his long and passionate work in history and archaeology. Even at the age of 75, Mr. Vedachalam continues to inspire many through his dedication.

A Life Devoted to Discovering History

Mr. Vedachalam started his career after completing an MA in Tamil Literature and a PG diploma in archaeology and epigraphy. His first big project was at Karur, the capital of the ancient Chera Kingdom, where he helped discover part of the old fort wall. This moment sparked his life-long love for studying the past.

His knowledge of Tamil helped him become a skilled epigraphist, someone who reads and studies old writings carved on stones and walls. One day, while exploring Vikramangalam, he lay down on a ledge and spotted a 2,000-year-old inscription on the ceiling, which had remained hidden for centuries. That discovery, he says, filled him with pure joy.

Keeladi and Ongoing Passion

Mr. Vedachalam was also one of the first to talk about the importance of the Keeladi excavation site, which later became famous for uncovering links to the Sangam Age. Even after his retirement, he kept visiting the site daily, staying from morning till sunset. His passion for unearthing the truth from the soil remains as strong as ever.

Teaching and Creating Awareness

He has written 25 books and travelled to historical sites both in India and abroad to study and compare findings. Since 2009, he and his team have visited around 300 villages with the help of Dhan Foundation. Every second Sunday, they teach villagers about the history of their land and the importance of preserving monuments. Mr. Vedachalam also visits colleges to share his knowledge with young students.

For him, history is not about caste or religion but about understanding a shared past that connects us all. He believes preserving ancient monuments and writings is vital for the next generation.