Yuva Bharati – March 2018

Yuva Bharati / March 2018 / 31

Dr.Nagaswamyhad just released his book
‘Thirukkural-An Abridgement of Sastras’
on 8th January, and I had the opportunity
to participate and speak in a Seminar
organised by him about his new book.
Subsequently, the 9th Hindu Spiritual and
Service Fair was conducted from 24th to
30th of January, where in, both of us share
a stall to exhibit our works. I was in regular
touch with him in connection with both
these events.

In one such conversation over phone on the
evening of 25th January, Dr.Nagaswamy
said that he had just received news from
government of India that he had been
selected for Padma Bhushan Award and
shared his happiness with me.

Delighted by the news, I conveyed my
greetings and wishes to him and shared
my happiness. As far as I am concerned,
this recognition is too little and too
late for him, considering his immense
contribution and services in the field of
archaeology, epigraphy and literature. The
earlier governments have been considering
mostly recommendations from highly
placed and influential persons without
giving due importance to merit, resulting
in true achievers getting side-lined.

However, sources close to the present
dispensation at the center and PMO,
informed that merit was the sole criteria
considered by the government for
conferment of Padma Awards this year.
Hence, the present BJP government
deserves all our appreciations for sticking
to merit and selecting achievers like
Dr.Nagaswamy and others.

Dr.R.Nagaswamy (born in 1930) has a

Masters Degree in Sanskrit Language and

Literature from Madras University and

Ph.D in Indian Arts from Poona University.

Apart from Archaeology, Epigrahy and

Literature, he has also specialised in

Architecture, Temple Rituals, Philosophy,

Numismatics, Ancient Law & Society,

Music, Dance and South Indian Art.

After serving for four years from 1959 to

1963 as Curator for Art and Archaeology

at Madras Museum, he joined the Tamil

Nadu State Department of Archaeology

as Assistant Special Officer in 1963 and

went on to become the First Director of

Archaeology of the State in 1966 and retired

in 1988. After retirement, he had served as

a Consultant guiding and supporting many

central and state government projects.

He has made Archaeology a very popular

subject in Tamil Nadu taking it to every

nook and corner of the state through

publication of pocket guide books and

enthusing millions of students to learn

about historical places and monuments.

Important Excavations at places like Karur,

Alagankulam, Korkai, Gangaikonda-

Cholapuram, were conducted by him.

Dr.R.Nagaswamy has organised several

exhibitions and seminars at the state,

national and international levels. He is an

eloquent speaker and has given frequent

talks in Radios and Television including

the BBC. He has been honoured by various

organisations for his contribution to Tamil

Archaeology, among which the award of

“Kalaimamani” by the Government of

Tamil Nadu deserves special mention.