NAGPUR: Arvind
Jamkhedkar, chairman of
Indian Council of Historical Research, was honoured with ‘Jijamata Vidwat Gaurav Puraskar’ at a programme held at Scientific Society Hall, Laxmi Nagar, on Tuesday.
The award was conferred by Chhatrapati Seva Pratishthan for his outstanding work in the field of history and archaeology. The programme was presided by GB Deglurkar, president of Deccan College, Pune, who also a recipient of this award in 2007. Sadgurudas Maharaj (Shivkathakar Vijayrao Deshmukh), was the chief guest. Jamkhedkar’s wife Anuradha was present at the programme.
Replying to the felicitation, Jamkhedkar, who is also chancellor of Deccan College, attributed his success in excavation and various other fields to his
colleagues who worked shoulder-to-shoulder with him.
Getting emotional, Jamkhedkar said, “I have always tried to know more about the Indian culture and go beyond the bookish knowledge. I am standing here today because of the support and encouragement of my co-workers and colleagues. I still cherish the nine years I spent working with my friend Deglurkar.”
Speaking on the occasion, secretary of the organization Bhalchandra Deshkar said, “It is our endeavour to recognize eminent personalities who have participated in the growth of Maharashtra. Jamkhedkar is an authority who has contributed significantly to the field of history and archaeology.”
Jamkhedkar is the 37th recipient of this award. A well-known academician, he completed his doctorate in ancient Indian culture in 1966 and served as vice-president of Asiatic Society, Mumbai, from 2007 to 2013.
As an archaeologist, he has participated in more than 19 excavations and published over 60 research papers and 13 monographs. Jamkhedkar is an expert on Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.
Deglurkar and Jamkhedkar recalled anecdotes from their association as they shared with the audiences their experiences. Deglurkar said, “Jamkhedkar has been a phenomenal co-worker and it was a privilege to work with him. Vidarbha has given a lot to us and we will always remain indebted to its rich culture and history.”
(Reporting by Kanika Belsare)
Arvind Jamkhedkar was bestowed with ‘Jijamata Gaurav Award’