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Uttar Pradesh State Archaeology Department, Lucknow
Lucknow, 20th August 2025.
Today, on Wednesday, 20th August 2025, the Uttar Pradesh State Archaeology Department, Lucknow inaugurated the “Archaeology Appreciation Course.” The objective of this course is to spread awareness among the general public about the preservation and promotion of archaeological heritage.
The chief guest and keynote speaker, Dr. Rakesh Tiwari, Former Director General, Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi and Former Director, U.P. State Archaeology Department, Lucknow, delivered an elaborate lecture on the theme of “Archaeology Appreciation.” He highlighted various branches of archaeology—survey, excavation, conservation, and cultural awareness—while emphasizing the importance of connecting everyday resources with cultural traditions.
Dr. Tiwari specifically discussed important archaeological sites such as Kalpi, Lahuradeva, Raja Nal-ka-Tila, Ladakh, and Jogeshwar (Almora, Uttarakhand). He also explained the significance of rock art, along with references from the Ayodhya Kanda of Valmiki’s Ramayana. Encouraging the students, he stressed that visiting monuments and archaeological sites is essential to gain a true understanding of the origin, development, and expansion of cultures.
On this occasion, Mrs. Renu Dwivedi, Director, U.P. State Archaeology Department, welcomed the chief guest with a plant and a memento. The program was formally inaugurated with the traditional lighting of the lamp by the chief guest.
The course has attracted wide participation, not only from Uttar Pradesh but also from other states including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi. More than 550 registrations were received; however, on a first-come, first-served basis, 300 participants were invited, with nearly 250 attending the inaugural session.
The program was conducted by Dr. Manoj Kumar Yadav, Assistant Archaeology Officer. Also present on the occasion were Mr. Ram Vinay, Excavation and Exploration Officer; Mr. Gyanendra Kumar Rastogi, Assistant Archaeology Officer; Mr. Balihari Seth; Mr. Abhayraj; Mr. Manoj Kumar Rawat; Mr. Ashish; Mr. Aqeel; Mr. Himanshu; Mr. Nirbhay, along with other departmental staff.
