THT Awards Ceremony 2026 + Award Lecture on "கல்வெட்டும் கணினியும்" by M Udhaya Sankar.

The following Awards will be presented:

1. The V Venkayya Epigraphy Award 2026 will be conferred posthumously on Late Dr C Somasundara Rao, eminent Telugu epigrapher and historian, for his significant contributions to the field of Epigraphy. The Award will be received by Ms Surya Lakshmi, daughter of the awardee. 2. The THT Prof. S Swaminathan Heritage Award 2026 will be presented to M Udhaya Sankar for his contributions to strengthening our existing knowledge base of heritage assets and resources and deepening the general public’s knowledge of Indian heritage. The Awards Ceremony will be followed by the Award Lecture by M Udhaya Sankar on “கல்வெட்டும் கணினியும்”. The talk will be in Tamil. About The Speaker: Udhaya Sankar (Udhayan) works as a 3D graphic designer and masonry estimator at a private organization. Outside his professional career, Udhayan has been a pioneering cultural archivist dedicated to open‑source digital archiving, cultural informatics, and computational preservation of Tamil heritage. Over the last 17 years, Udhayan has made remarkable contributions to the preservation and digitization of Tamil heritage. His work includes field documentation of 90+ hills and caves, photographic archiving of nearly 200 temples, the creation of a comprehensive Tamil inscription database and epigraphic dictionary, and the engineering‑precision digitization of 5000+ Kolam designs. Through his platform Udhayam.in, he has developed a digital archive of over 2,000 Tamil inscriptions. He has also revived ancient Tamil‑Brahmi script through the Adinatha Font and developed experimental heritage‑inspired typefaces. He has been recognized by institutions such as REACH Foundation, Madurai Corporation, Madurai Digitall and Chola History Research Association for his contributions to heritage.

Arun Krishnamurthy. "Hydrostan: India and Her Water Stories". Oct 3, 2026

In his Talk, “Hydrostan: India and her Water Stories”, Arun Krishnamurthy offers a fascinating perspective of the field implementation of water conservation projects across India, be they lakes, ponds, stepwells or cascade system tanks. The online Talk in English is at 5.30 pm IST on Saturday, October 3rd, 2026. About The Speaker: Arun Krishnamurthy is an environmentalist and conservationist from Chennai, best known for his work in restoring lakes and other freshwater ecosystems across India. A graduate in Microbiology from Madras Christian College, Arun began his career at Google in Hyderabad. His longstanding interest in the environment, however, eventually led him away from the corporate world and towards hands-on conservation. He went on to study at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication and became involved with Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots programme. In 2011, Arun founded the Environmentalist Foundation of India (EFI), a Chennai-based organisation that works on lake restoration, wildlife conservation, waste management and environmental education. Under his leadership, EFI has worked on the restoration of numerous lakes and ponds across several Indian states, combining scientific methods with community participation and volunteer mobilisation. Arun’s work has earned him several recognitions, including the Jane Goodall Institute Global Youth Leadership Award, the Google Alumni Impact Award and the Rolex Award for Enterprise in 2012 for his work on lake restoration. He was also named a Time Magazine Next Generation Leader in 2022. His work earned him a mention in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat broadcast where he spoke about conservation efforts across the country. A keen communicator, filmmaker and public speaker, Arun has spoken extensively on India’s rivers, lakes, wildlife and the role of citizens in environmental conservation.

Inviting nominations for the THT-Prof S Swaminathan Heritage Award 2026

 

The Tamil Heritage Trust-Prof S Swaminathan Heritage Award (THT-SS Award) aims to recognize exceptional individual contributions towards the understanding, dissemination and preservation of Indian Heritage.

As a lover of Indian heritage, you will have come across someone who is doing great work in this area. He or she may be contributing in one or more of the following ways:

1. Preserving our heritage - through conservation, documentation etc.

2. Disseminating knowledge and information about our heritage - through writing books, articles, blog posts, giving lectures, conducting heritage walks etc.

3. Deepening our understanding of our heritage through academic research, field work, etc.

In 2020, Tamil Heritage Trust instituted the THT-Prof S Swaminathan Heritage Award to recognise the contributions of such "heritage heroes".

If you know someone who you believe should be considered for such a recognition, we invite you to nominate them for the Award.

How to nominate:

1. Any individual can nominate any other individual.

2. Individuals can also nominate themselves.

3. Nominee's age should be between 20 and 50 years as of Sep 27, 2026.

4. The individual must be a citizen of India and ordinarily resident in India.

5. Nominations must be submitted through this online form and should reach us before September 27th, 2026. Nominations and accompanying details may be in English or Tamil only.

6. Nominations that were not considered for the Award in previous years can be sent again this year with up-to-date information.

 The last date for receiving nominations is September 27th, 2026.

 Please note that we will be including nominations that were received last year for consideration for this year’s award. If you have nominated someone the last year and would like to update your nomination, please use the nomination form to submit any additional information. 

 We look forward to hearing from you soon.

For any clarifications, please send a mail to  admin@tamilheritage.in or kishoremahadevan@gmail.com

Rajani Arjun Shankar. "Chitrakaavyam: Poetry Designed to Dazzle". Sep 5, 2026.

In her talk, "Chitrakaavyam: Poetry Designed to Dazzle", researcher and translator, Rajani Arjun Shankar will explore Sanskrit verses composed over the past two millennia that showcase this extraordinary form of poetic ingenuity. Some verses impose elaborate restrictions on the letters or sounds that may be used; others can be arranged or represented in visual patterns, adding another dimension to the meaning of “Chitra” - “picture” or “wonder.” The talk will also explore intriguing examples from Tamil poetry. The online Talk in English is at 5.30 pm IST on Saturday, September 5th, 2026. About The Speaker: Rajani Arjun Shankar, who previously taught at "The School - KFI," currently works as a Sanskrit teacher and translator. Driven by her passion for Carnatic music, she has translated the *kritis* (compositions) of Muthuswami Dikshitar and Sadasiva Brahmendra into English, sharing them on the blogs *Guruguha Vaibhavam* and *Sadasiva Brahmendra Vaibhavam*. As a volunteer with the NGO 'Nizhal', she has spoken on topics such as *Sthala Vrikshams* (temple trees) and the significance of trees in Tamil and Sanskrit literature. She is also actively engaged in studying and learning the *Saiva Thirumurais* and the works of Arunagirinathar through music, as well as writing articles about them.

V Venkayya Epigraphy Award Function is Postponed

It is with profound sorrow that the Tamil Heritage Trust announces the postponement of the V Venkayya Epigraphy Award 2026 function, scheduled for 29 August 2026, following the passing of the awardee, Dr C. Somasundara Rao, on 18 August 2026. The function will take place on a future date, and the award and citation will be presented to his family.

Dr Rao was a distinguished historian and epigraphist who devoted his life to the study and preservation of Andhra history, epigraphy, palaeography and numismatics. Through his pioneering research, landmark publications, editing of inscriptions, teaching and guidance of younger scholars, he made an enduring contribution to the understanding of South India's inscriptional heritage.

His Inscriptions of Andhra Pradesh, Studies in Andhra History and Culture and his edition of South Indian Inscriptions, Volume XLII stand as lasting monuments to his scholarship. His work also brought epigraphy closer to students and the wider public.

The Tamil Heritage Trust mourns the loss of an eminent scholar and doyen of the epigraphical community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, students and admirers.

We shall remember Dr C. Somasundara Rao with admiration and deep respect.

V Venkayya Epigraphy Award 2026 Winner Announced

Dr C Somasundara Rao, born in 1940, is a distinguished historian and epigraphist specialising in Andhra history, epigraphy, palaeography and numismatics. He joined Andhra University’s Department of History & Archaeology in 1963 and became Professor in 1985.

His landmark publication, Inscriptions of Andhra Pradesh (2014; 2nd ed., 2024), traces Telugu script from Brahmi through Telugu-Kannada, incorporating palaeographical tables, photographs, chronograms and nearly 700 numeral examples with Saka dates. Other major works include Studies in Andhra History and Culture (2019) and South Indian Inscriptions, Vol. XLII (2020), spanning the Mauryan to Vijayanagara periods. He has edited copperplate grants of the Eastern Gangas, the Chalukyas of Vengi, the Kakatiyas, and the Kona Haihayas.

His research has advanced understanding of Satavahana chronology, Khandavalli and Kona Haihaya grants, the Soraikkavur plates, and the Ashtadiggajas. He has identified significant inscriptional features including the Daya-gaja-Kesari legend and distinctive Vaishnavite seal symbols.

S Venkatraaman (Poochi Venkat). "Lineside: The Origin & Legacy of Railways in Madras". Aug 1, 2026.

In his talk "Lineside: The Origin and Legacy of Railways in Madras", naturalist, photographer and heritage enthusiast 'Poochi' S Venkataraaman explores the beginnings of the railway system and showcases its evolution through vintage photographs and historical snippets. He will also help us understand how the railways developed around Madras and South India with interesting stories about the experiments and innovations unique to Madras. The online Talk in English is at 5.30 pm IST on Saturday, August 1st, 2026. About The Speaker: S Venkataraaman, popularly known as Poochi Venkat, hails from a family of playwrights, editors, artists, and writers, notably R.K. Narayan and R.K. Laxman. His interest in visual arts began after receiving a gift of his uncle’s cartoons and later discovering a hidden film-movie-camera which had been used by his father. While in school, Venkat started a mini photo lab at home, earning additional pocket money by printing and selling photographs to friends and neighbours. Subsequently, his focus shifted to Sound and Electronics, and he chose to pursue a career as a Sound Engineer, designing and manufacturing audio systems. In 1991, he returned to photography full-time, combining it with print design. His early assignments involved Reprography which required macro techniques. In one such assignment, he had to duplicate nearly 200 slides of micro-fauna which led to a photo-scientific research on spiders. In 1998, during a photo-research assignment in Chennai’s Guindy National Park, the forest officials admiringly called him “Poochi Venkat” to mark his dedication in documenting creepy-crawlies! That name has now become the trademark for Venkat and his macro work! Over three decades, Venkat has handled various genres of photography like Macro, Perspective, Architecture, Repro, Medical, Corporate, Low-lux to name a few. He has worked as a professional medical photographer for dentists, surgeons, and professors, mainly because of his comfort level with intense surgical procedures in the hospitals. Venkat also works as a video editor. In the last 18 years, he has worked on 70 short & documentary films, and one feature film. He specializes in the style of Photo-Films which have been screened across the world. His experience in sound-engineering helps immensely in post-production.

Inviting Nominations for Venkayya Award 2026

 

Smt. Sunitha Madhavan and Tamil Heritage Trust are proud and happy to invite nominations for the Fifth V Venkayya Epigraphy Award (2026). This unique annual award was established in 2022 by Smt. Madhavan to honor her great-grandfather, Rai Bahadur Shri V Venkayya, the pioneering scholar who became the first native Chief Epigraphist to the Government of India.

(Rai Bahadur) Shri V. Venkayya, born in 1864 in the lineage of the illustrious scholar Appaya Dikshita of the 16th century, was one of the pioneering epigraphists of India. His contribution to understanding the inscriptions of Pallavas, starting with Mamallapuram and Cholas with the Brahadeeswara Temple, broke new ground in the field of Epigraphy in India. He also deciphered the writing (legends) on coins. A chance meeting with Dr. E. Hultzsch, the famous German Indologist and ASI’s first Chief Epigraphist, at Mamallapuram, turned the obscure school teacher into an expert in epigraphy, who eventually became the first Indian Chief Epigraphist to the Government of India.  His stellar effort in unravelling, recording and deciphering hundreds of lithic and copper-plate inscriptions of Pallavas, Cholas, Pandyas and others through publications like “South Indian Inscriptions” inspired many epigraphists and historians to record, reconstruct and write the history of South India in a new light with clarity and scholarship. 

The V. Venkayya Epigraphy Award (VVE Award) seeks to honor outstanding individual contributions in the discovery of unrecorded inscriptions, the interpretation of inscriptions from new perspectives, the dissemination of their knowledge through traditional and digital mediums, and the preservation of epigraphic resources for future generations.  

The nominees can be professionals in the field of epigraphy, independent researchers, or enthusiasts with a substantial body of work in advancing epigraphy in India. Collective entities such as societies, trusts, Section 8 companies, and other interest groups are ineligible for this award.

The Award is based on a nomination and selection process. The Award consists of a citation and a prize of Rs. 50000/- 

Dr. Y Subbarayalu, one of India’s eminent Epigraphers and Historians, received the inaugural V Venkayya Epigraphy Award in 2022. Dr P V Krishnamurthy, one of the foremost Kannada Epigraphers, was conferred the second V Venkayya Epigraphy Award in 2023. Dr V. Vedachalam, one of the best-known Tamil Epigraphers, received the third V Venkayya Epigraphy Award in 2024.  Dr Shrinivas V. Padigar is a distinguished historian, epigraphist, and archaeologist was the winner of the award in 2025.

Nomination Process

1. Any individual can nominate another or self-nominate for noteworthy contributions to epigraphy.
2. Only one nomination per individual is allowed.
3. Nominations from 2024 and 2025, if not awarded, will automatically be considered this year.  No re-nomination needed.
4. Nominees must be Indian citizens residing in India.
5. Email nominations to awards.tht@gmail.com by July 19, 2026.
6. No standard nomination form is required, but submissions must include: 
• Personal Details: Name, address, contact info, photograph, and brief biodata.
• Contribution Details: Summary of work in epigraphy, focusing on the past decade (in MS Word, PowerPoint, or PDF).
• Supporting Documents: Evidence like published papers, articles, website/blog links, talks, courses, or social media activity.
• Submissions must be in English.

Selection of Winner

A jury comprising experts from the field of Epigraphy, History and Heritage and members of the THT Award Committee will select the winner.   As a part of the selection process, the members of the jury may choose to have an interaction with the nominee in person or over the phone. 

Award Ceremony & Award Lecture

The V Venkayya Epigraphy Award will be presented at a formal function on August 22, 2026 in Chennai. 

The winner will be invited to deliver an Award Lecture on a topic of their choice and is requested to submit the manuscript for publication at least a week before the function. The lecture is preferably to be in English

FAQs

Am I eligible to enter?

We welcome nominations from any individual who is a citizen of India and is ordinarily resident in India.  Organisations and institutions – like Societies, Trusts, Interest Groups, etc – are not eligible.

Nominations not considered for the award in the years 2024 & 2025 need not be sent again this year. Those nominations will be automatically considered for the award this year 

  

What is the Last Date for Nomination?

The last date for the Nomination to reach THT is July 19, 2026. 

What are the criteria for selection?

The judges will look for, among other qualities and parameters:

• New epigraphical discoveries or insights
• Thoroughness of knowledge in the chosen area
• Scholarly rigour in the individual’s output
• Demonstrable eagerness to share with the public and involve them in a dialogue
• Consistency and persistence of the effort 

In what language should the Nomination be submitted? 

Nominations can be sent in English only. 

Is there an Entry Fee? 

No, there is no fee involved. 

When will the winner be announced?

The winner will be announced shortly before the Award Ceremony and the Award Lecture.

 

When and where is the Awards Function?

The function will be held on Aug 22, 2026, at Arkay Convention Centre, Chennai, at 5:30 p.m. 

Is it necessary for the Winner to deliver the Award Lecture?

Yes, the Winner will be expected to deliver the Award Lecture at the Ceremony, in English, on a topic of her/his choice. 

Terms + Conditions of Entry

The Award will be made solely at the discretion of the Jury. No feedback or correspondence will be entertained about the results, and the Jury’s decision is final.

For any clarifications, please mail us at: awards.tht@gmail.com 

Phone: Ravishankar: 9500074247

Sherin Someetharan. "Buddhism: The Religion of Trade Routes & Maritime Connections". July 4, 2026.

In her talk "Buddhism: The Religion of Trade Routes and Maritime Connections", author and heritage researcher Sherin Someetharan explains how the evolution of Buddhism into a global religion was deeply tied to ancient trade networks. She also delves into the important role played by the Tamil region in sustaining and expanding these networks. About The Author: Sherin Someetharan, IRS, is a government servant, serving as an Additional Commissioner of Customs and GST. With an academic background in History, she is an avid researcher of Indian art, architecture, culture, and linguistics, exploring their nuances through comparative and scholarly analogies. An avid photographer since her college days, she uses photography to document heritage and artistic traditions, often showcasing her work through curated exhibitions. Sherin is committed to mentoring students, guiding them in academic pursuits and competitive exam preparation. A mother of two, she focuses on low impact living and conscious consumption, and actively pursues her interests in organic farming and gardening.

Indology Festival 2026 - Caves, Courts and Beyond - Painting Traditions of India, June 11-16, 5:30 PM IST

Subhashini Maniam. "Between Legacy and Self: Becoming Maniam Selven". May 2, 2026.

In her talk "Between Legacy and Self: Becoming Maniam Selven", renowned artist Ma.Se’s daughter, Subhashini Maniam, explores the life and works of Maniam Selven, tracing his remarkable journey from aspiring Air Force pilot to acclaimed artist. She highlights his evolving style, his constant experimentation with techniques and media, and his enduring legacy as a unique bridge between illustration and fine art. The online Talk in English is at 5.30 pm IST on Saturday, May 2, 2026. About the Speaker: ----------------------------- Subhashini Maniam, the daughter of Maniam Selven, is an experienced artist and educator based in Western Australia, with over 20 years of contributions to the arts communities in India, Malaysia, Singapore, and Western Australia. With a background in Fine Arts and Contemporary Art Practices, Subhashini is passionate about cross-cultural integration and nurturing the next generation of artists. She has conducted children’s workshops across various arts centres in Perth and specialises in watercolours, sketching, and Plein air painting, drawing inspiration from nature. Trained in Carnatic music, Subhashini brings a unique, multidisciplinary approach to her artistic practice. Her versatility is demonstrated in a wide range of projects, including visual design, set development, music presentations, workshops, and curatorial roles.

A Tapestry of Shared Voices: The 'Knit India Through Literature' Project by Sivasankari. Apr 4, 2026, 5:30 PM

Knit India Through Literature, the monumental sixteen-year literary and journalistic endeavour by acclaimed Tamil author Sivasankari is set against this backdrop. Conceived in the pre-internet era, this multi-volume anthology sets out to bridge India’s cultural and linguistic diversity by bringing the richness of regional literatures to a wider audience—ultimately fostering a shared, “collective literary identity.”

In her talk, "A Tapestry of Shared Voices: The Knit India Through Literature Project", Sivasankari, will take us through the vision and scale of this extraordinary project—its purpose, methodology, and enduring outcomes. She will recount her journeys across the country, the writers she engaged with, and the insights she gathered along the way. Reflecting on both personal experiences and broader literary currents, she will also explore the continuing relevance of Indian literature—past, present, and future—within both national and global contexts. About the Speaker: Sivasankari is one of Tamil literature’s most distinguished and widely read authors. Her works include over 36 novels, 48 short novels, 150 short stories, 15 travelogues, 7 collections of articles, one talking book, 4 volumes of literary research book, 2 volumes of anthologies, and 2 biographies. Her latest work is the publication of Suryavamsam, her autobiography in two volumes. Six of her novels have been filmed in Tamil receiving popular public acclaim for their integrity and social commitment. One of her stories has been filmed in Kannada and one in Telugu. Sivasankari has been reporting on significant events and has also presented several in-depth interviews with dignitaries from various walks of life, including the Prime Ministers late Smt Indira Gandhi and Sri Rajiv Gandhi, Mother Teresa and former president Sri APJ Abdul Kalam. Her landmark project, Knit India Through Literature, reflects her enduring commitment to fostering national integration through cultural understanding. In recognition of her immense contribution to literature and society, she was conferred the Padma Shri in 2026, one of India’s highest civilian honours. Through her writings and initiatives, she continues to inspire readers across generations and linguistic boundaries.

DrJennifer Howes. "Madras to London: East India Company Artworks in the 18th Century". Mar 7, 2026

In the mid-eighteenth century, the East India Company established its first-ever military base at Madras. As its army grew, the Company developed into a political power.

In her illustrated talk, "From Madras to London: East India Company Artworks in the 18th Century", art historian Dr Jennifer Howes examines artworks and buildings that the East India Company commissioned in the late eighteenth century, both at Madras and in London, which chart this transformation. These paintings, sculptures and buildings provide a unique framework for understanding the history of Madras Presidency. About the Speaker: Dr Jennifer Howes is a UK based Art Historian who writes about South Asia and colonialism. Her work connects archival sources with art to narrate new approaches to colonial history. She curates and advises on exhibitions, academic publications and other projects. Her most recent book, “The Art of a Corporation”, examines the East India Company through the lens of paintings, sculptures and buildings in London. Originally from Canada, Dr Howes received her doctorate in Art & Archaeology from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. Her first book, The Courts of Pre-Colonial South India, is based on her PhD thesis. Dr Howes worked in the British Library's India Office Collections for 15 years, first as a British Academy post-doctoral scholar, then as Curator of Prints and Drawings. Her second book, Illustrating India: The Early Colonial Investigations of Colin Mackenzie, was a British Library-supported project funded by the John Paul Getty Foundation and the British Academy.

Dr Kurush Dalal. "Rediscovering Mumbai: The Salcette Exploration Project". Feb 7, 2026.

The Salcette Exploration Project, an urban archaeological initiative jointly conducted by three institutions, focuses on uncovering history in the broader Salcette area, the larger island immediately north of the original seven islands of Bombay, extending from present-day Bandra, Kurla and Chembur to Thane in the north. Based on surface exploration surveys where teams scour every street of Salcette, the study looked for archaeological remnants of pre-colonial Mumbai in sites where they are more likely to be found - in congregational public spaces and residential zones. Since 2015, the team has unearthed microlithic stone tools, previously undocumented caves, religious artifacts from the Shilahara period, relics of temples and much more. In his talk, Rediscovering Mumbai: The Salcette Exploration Project, Dr Kurush Dalal shares his experiences in leading one of the largest urban archaeology projects. He takes us through the team’s findings that date back from over ten thousand years ago to medieval times. About the Speaker: Kurush F Dalal has a BA in Ancient Indian History and History from the University of Mumbai), an MA in Archaeology as well as a PhD on the early Iron Age in Rajasthan, both from Deccan College, Pune University. Subsequently he shifted focus to the Early Medieval Period predominantly on the West Coast of India and excavated the sites of Sanjan, Chandore and Mandad. These excavations and the data recovered have had a strong impact on scholarship in the region. Dr Dalal also actively works on Memorial Stones and Ass-curse Stones in India and dabbles in Numismatics, Defense Archaeology, Architecture, Ethnoarchaeology and allied disciplines. He is the Co-Director of the Salcette Exploration Project, a massive Urban Archaeology Project documenting the Archaeology of Mumbai since 2015, thus extending his interest from the Medieval into the Colonial Period. Dr Dalal taught archaeology and allied subjects at the University of Mumbai for 10 years. and is a visiting lecturer at various Universities, Colleges, Schools and Government Institutions. He has published 7 edited volumes, 44 academic papers and has read many more at National and International Seminars. He was Consulting Editor with Live History India writing about Food and Archaeology where he published 90 online articles and helped make 10 videos, amongst other materials. He was the Director, School of Archaeology, INSTUCEN Trust, Mumbai and is the founder, mentor, lecturer and research lead at Gyaan Factory, Mumbai Dr Dalal inherited a catering business and has been researching about food all his life. He has been actively lecturing about Food and Archaeology and Culinary Anthropology. He runs The Studying Food Workshop (with Ms. Rhea Mitra-Dalal) which teaches food beyond the usual scope of recipe, ingredient and technique but looks at the interfaces between food and archaeology, anthropology, history, politics, media, ethics, writing, religion, mythology and philosophy.