Bhopal, Jan 9 (NationPress) In a significant homage that merges cultural legacy with wildlife preservation, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav revealed on Friday that the newly established Ratapani Tiger Reserve will bear the name of the esteemed archaeologist and Padma Shri recipient, Dr Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar.

This formal declaration was made during CM Yadav's speech at the Dr Wakankar Award Ceremony and National Seminar, hosted at the Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre (Minto Hall) in Bhopal. The event serves to honor the significant contributions to archaeology and celebrates the lasting legacy of Dr Wakankar.

The Chief Minister lauded Dr Wakankar as a remarkable figure—an ardent follower of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), an artist, and a trailblazing archaeologist. He gained international recognition for his discovery of the Bhimbetka rock shelters in 1957, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated within the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary, approximately 40 km south of Bhopal. These ancient caves are home to some of the oldest rock art globally, with origins tracing back tens of thousands of years. Earlier, in 2024, CM Yadav announced that this sanctuary would honor Dr Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar, acknowledging his pivotal role in bringing the UNESCO-recognized Bhimbetka Rock Shelters to public attention within the reserve.

Emphasizing Dr Wakankar's values, the Chief Minister recounted a touching story from the Emergency period (1975 - 1977). “In spite of the ban on RSS and various political pressures, Dr Wakankar maintained his commitment to his traditional RSS attire, donning a khaki short, white shirt, and black cap while receiving the Padma Shri award.

The then-Chief Minister Prakash Chandra Sethi, representing the Congress party, initially hesitated but eventually permitted Dr Wakankar to accept the accolade in his RSS gear, with the exception of the black cap—signifying his esteemed stature and unwavering beliefs,” Dr Yadav remarked.

By naming the tiger reserve, the Madhya Pradesh government not only pays tribute to him but also ensures his legacy is etched in the annals of the jungle.

Recently designated as Madhya Pradesh's eighth tiger reserve and India's 57th in December 2024, Ratapani spans over 1,271 square kilometers and is rich in biodiversity, housing approximately 90 tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of plant life.

Choosing to name the reserve after Dr Wakankar highlights the state's dedication to safeguarding both natural and cultural assets in the area.

CM Yadav also recognized this year's recipient of the Dr Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar national award, Dr Yashodhar Mathpal.

Dr Mathpal (born 1939) is recognized as an Indian archaeologist, painter, curator, Gandhian, and Rock Art conservator. He is celebrated for his research on cave art, particularly within the Bhimbetka rock shelters, Barechhina (Uttarakhand), and Kerala.

The three-day seminar (January 9-11) continues to explore archaeological topics, with experts paying tribute to the 'father of Indian rock art research'.