Pondicherry University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. P. Prakash Babu, announced the inauguration of two Research Centers, both offering a one-Year PG diploma course under the aegis of the department of History. Speaking during an academic function, the Vice-Chancellor congratulated the department of History for proposing the two research centers which are unique and socially relevant in the present-day materialist world. The Center for Agamic Studies and Indian Knowledge systems aims to study the dynamic role of temple in the medieval Indian society and the role of agamic texts in the growth and expansion of the professional arts and crafts of the lower sections of the society. The Agamic texts also help in unravelling their role as contributors to sustainable development in the medieval times which can provide lessons to learn in the implementation of SDGs in the contemporary times. The temple culture of south India, which is so vibrant and thriving even today, is a testimony to the engineering skills and geological knowledge of their builders, who built such magnificent temples, which withstood the ravages of recurring cyclones.

Highlighting the unique aspects of the Center for Rock Art and Cognitive Studies, the Vice-Chancellor has said that this vital pictorial evidence of the prehistoric times helps us to understand the evolution of the cognitive capabilities of the human species and their manifestation in the form of paintings and engravings. In fact, the prehistoric paintings acted as teaching aids for the adolescent hunters in understanding the behavioral patterns of the wild animals. He said the diploma courses offer exciting avenues for the young generation to explore the fascinating world of Agamic temple culture encompassing the entire gamut of the contemporary society.

The diploma in rock art and cognitive studies is a field based one, the curriculum being designed to provide a wide knowledge of the global as well as Indian rock art traditions. The programme will equip the students the necessary skills to get employed in eco-tourism, adventure tourism as well as making them qualified site managers of the rock art locations. The Vice-Chancellor congratulated the faculty of the department of History in working assiduously to make the inauguration of the two Centers a reality. He announced that the admissions into the two diploma courses will commence very soon.

Welcoming the dignitaries of the meeting, Prof. N. Chandramouli, head, department of History highlighted the contribution of several Indian and foreign scholars, who attended the International Seminar on Tantric Religion held in 2023, in the germination of the idea of establishing the Center for Agamic Studies and Indian Knowledge Systems. He thanked Prof. Madhu Khanna a leading exponent of tantric studies and founding Trustee of Tantra foundation, New Delhi for sending her felicitation message in which she congratulated the Vice- Chancellor for inaugurating the Center for Agamic Studies.  Prof. N. Chandramouli, thanked the Vice-Chancellor for taking time out of his busy schedule and inaugurated the two centers. He also thanked the faculty of the department of history for working with him closely in preparing the curriculum and organisational structure of the research centers.

Dr. Ruman Banerjee, Assistant Professor, Department of History explained the salient features of the Center for Rock Art and Cognitive Studies and its diploma programme. He said that through a comprehensive curriculum, students will delve into the methodologies of rock art documentation and conservation, explore theoretical frameworks of cognitive archaeology and engage with cutting-edge research on the neurological underpinnings of artistic expressions.  They will not only learn from leading scholars but also gain invaluable hands-on experience in the field, contributing directly to our ongoing research projects.

Prof. G. Chandhrika, Dean, School of Social Sciences & International Studies, highlighted the spiritual aspects of the agamic temples by citing the story of a Tamil saint who built a temple in his thoughts and got the God dwell in it, whereas others who built structural temples could not find God in them. This shows, the importance of mind and soul in the Agamic ideology in attaining the ultimate goal of spiritual emancipation.

Delivering the felicitation address, Dr. Kishor Kumar Tripathy, Member Secretary, Sri Aurobindo Society, Pondicherry, congratulated the department of History for establishing the two Research Centers and highlighted the importance of Indian Knowledge Systems and promised to collaborate with Pondicherry University, in the running of the diploma programmes.

Dr. Ruman Banerjee, Assistant Professor, Department of History, proposed the vote of thanks. The meeting was attended by the heads of the departments and Center Heads, deans across the University besides the statuary officers, research scholars and faculty of other departments.

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(Release ID: 2145732)