*A training course in Tamil epigraphy inaugurated at Dr.Janaki-M.G.R. College for Women * — Photo: M. Karunakaran
* Delving into past: Trainer S.Ramachandran (sixth from left) interacting with students at the inauguration of a training course in Tamil epigraphy in Chennai on Sunday. On his right are REACH Foundation president Thyaga Sathiamoorthy and actor Swarnamalya. *
CHENNAI: With the discovery of more than 200 new inscriptions in the State last year, there has been an increasing interest in epigraphy in the minds of the youth, said S.Rajavelu, Senior Epigraphist, Archaeological Survey of India.
Speaking on the occasion of the inauguration of a training course in Tamil epigraphy on Sunday, organised here by the Department of Natya of Dr.Janaki-M.G.R. College for Women and REACH Foundation, he said: "Better understanding of epigraphy by the people will help in strengthening the cultural heritage of the country."
Around 60 per cent of the inscriptions found in the country are in Tamil Nadu. Of the approximately 60,000 inscriptions in the State, a chunk has not yet been published, he added.
"The youth have to play a key role in getting the inscriptions published," said S.Ramachandran, the trainer of the course. Editor of *Dinamalar *R.Krishnamoorthy inaugurated the training programme.
"There is an acute shortage of trained professionals to interpret our heritage remains," said actor Swarnamalya, one of the participants. Many youths have joined the training programme as they want to know about our past with a higher degree of authenticity, she added.
S.Jayachandran, a research scholar in temple architecture and temple rituals who joined the course said, "I have joined the course as the training in deciphering the inscriptions will help me in my research work."
Many IT professionals like Rajan Ganesh have also shown interest in epigraphy. Rajan Ganesh is also part of the REACH Foundation. "We want the people in all parts of the country to contribute towards preserving our cultural heritage," said REACH Foundation president Thyaga Sathiamoorthy.
"The people should understand the values and significance of our heritage by understanding the inscriptions. We strongly feel that we must intervene to create awareness on the cultural remnants," he added.