National Seminar on Archaeology, Archives and Museology to Begin in Bhopal

During the event, the Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar National Award will be conferred upon renowned archaeologist Padma Shri Dr. Yashodhar Mathpal in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the field of archaeology. Dr. Mathpal is internationally acclaimed for the discovery of more than 400 ancient caves, his pioneering work in rock art conservation methodologies, and his lifelong dedication to the preservation of prehistoric heritage.

On this occasion, a three-day National Seminar on “Recent Advances in the Fields of Archaeology, Archives and Museology” will also be आयोजित. The seminar has received an overwhelming national response, with participation from leading scholars, senior administrators, academicians, researchers, and heritage professionals from across the country.

The seminar will be inaugurated by Dr. Mohan Yadav, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, in the gracious presence of Shri Dharmendra Singh Lodhi, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Culture, Religious Trusts and Endowments, Government of Madhya Pradesh.

The event reflects the State’s strong commitment to heritage conservation, academic research, and public engagement. Envisioned as a milestone in the domains of archaeology, archives, and museology, the seminar aims to provide a national platform for dialogue on emerging challenges, scientific innovations, and institutional best practices, while reinforcing Madhya Pradesh’s growing leadership in heritage governance and interdisciplinary scholarship.

The technical sessions will feature eminent national thought leaders as keynote speakers and session chairs, including Shri Kalyan Kumar Chakravarty (IAS), Prof. Ravi Korisettar, Shri Arun Singhal (Retd. IAS), Shri Har Sahay Meena (IAS), Prof. Alok Tripathi, and Dr. Rajendra Yadav, among others. Senior experts from premier national institutions such as the Archaeological Survey of India and the National Archives of India will guide the deliberations, ensuring academic depth and intellectual rigor.

Key themes of the seminar include recent breakthroughs in archaeology and archaeometry, emerging technologies in archives and records management, and new approaches to conservation, accessibility, and digital curation of heritage resources. The programme will also include structured policy-oriented discussions aimed at generating practical and forward-looking recommendations.