Coimbatore :

It was T Govindan, a professor and avid lover of ancient history, who established the Krishnagiri District Historical Research Centre (KDHRC) in Hosur in 2009. Even though it almost immediately began conducting one-day seminars and talks, KDHRC became defunct in 2010 due to lack of public support, but it was revived by a few committed individuals, following Govindan’s death in 2012. The centre aimed to preserve the culture of the region, mainly Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri, where a number of hero stones and inscriptions lay unattended, some even ruined. With more than 40 members, the KDHRC is today a strong promoter of ancient history in the region. It has published five books and conducted a number of seminars and talks, including the two-day seminar on hero stones held on July 21 and 22.

It has now also started publishing ‘Nalli’, a quarterly. “Nalli will cover new excavations and discoveries in the region. It will also create awareness among people about our rich culture and heritage,” says Sugavana Murugan, editor of Nalli and member of KDHRC. “KDHRC is planning to also document all the hero stones and inscriptions in the region, many of which were destroyed by vandals.

Lack of funds, however, poses problems. “We function with the help of donations made by people,” says Murugan. He hopes they continue to receive the resources needed to conduct seminars and talks, and organize events like the recently concluded seminar.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Coimbatore / TNN /  June 30th, 2014