Vaikhari Centre for Research in Kerala Heritage

Objectives of the Practice

Kerala is well known for its rich traditional indigenous knowledge. Vaikhari Centre for Research in Kerala Heritage was formed to protect and promote indigenous knowledge for cultural diversity and sustainable development in Kerala. The objectives of the Centre are:

• To create a centralized repository for storing and sharing indigenous knowledge.
• To promote awareness and appreciation of indigenous cultures and practices.
• To support research and collaboration on indigenous knowledge systems.

Vaikhari strives to be a global leader in heritage conservation, promoting innovation, and inspiring future generations to value and protect their cultural heritage.

The Context

Situated in the heritage-rich village of Sreekrishnapuram, Palakkad district, the Vaikhari Centre is an initiative of Sreekrishnapuram V T Bhattathiripad College. This region, steeped in tradition, provides an ideal setting for the Centre's endeavours. The establishment of Vaikhari in 2019 was a strategic response to the need for a focused approach to preserving and promoting Kerala's indigenous knowledge systems. Aligning with the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) Division's (which was established by the Ministry of Education) mandate, the Centre strives to contribute to the national effort of safeguarding and extolling the virtues of indigenous wisdom.

Vaikhari's mission is to serve as a repository of Kerala's cultural heritage, making it accessible to scholars, students, and the public. Through research, documentation, and dissemination, the Centre aims to revitalize interest in and appreciation for the state's rich traditions.

The Practice

The Centre's operational framework is structured into distinct phases to ensure a comprehensive and sustainable impact.

Adhītidīkṣā –Acquisitions, collection and documentation of Knowledge

A cornerstone of Vaikhari's activities is the meticulous collection and documentation of Kerala's heritage. Archaeological artefacts from Sreekrishnapuram and its vicinity form the nucleus of the Centre's museum collection. To develop a sense of appreciation, the museum is regularly opened to the public, especially school children. To broaden the scope of knowledge acquisition, the Centre organizes heritage walks and visits to iconic sites across Kerala. Students are actively involved in exploring ancient centres of learning, such as

• Brahmaswam Madham,
• Irinjalakkuda Yajurveda Pathasala,
• Raghavapuram Vedapathasala,
• Jaiminiya Samaveda Pathasala Kodunthirappilli,
• Samaveda Gramam Panjal, 
• Sukapuram Vedic Village,
• Remains of Parthivapuram Sala and
• Kanthallur Sala, where they engage in manuscript collection and immerse themselves in the rich accumulation of Vedic knowledge.

Bodhadīkṣā – Archiving and Preservation of Knowledge and Inherited Traditions.

To ensure the long-term preservation of collected artefacts and knowledge, the Centre is establishing a state-of-the-art Archaeological Museum. This repository will serve as a valuable resource for researchers, students, and the public. Recognizing the significance of digital preservation, Vaikhari is also developing a digital manuscript library to ensure accessibility and wider dissemination.

Pracāraṇadīkṣā – Research Promotion and Education

Research and education are at the core of Vaikhari's mission. The Centre is spearheading a pioneering project that seeks to bridge the gap between ancient Vedic wisdom and contemporary computational research. Supported by a UGC STRIDE Component 1 grant worth ₹ 32.5 Lakhs, this endeavour aims to unravel the scientific underpinnings of Vedic knowledge. To develop a deeper understanding of Kerala's heritage, the Centre offers certificate courses and seminars for students, researchers, and the public. By providing opportunities for specialized learning, Vaikhari contributes to capacity building in indigenous knowledge studies.

Prasāraṇadīkṣā - Community Engagement and Empowerment

Vaikhari believes in the power of collaboration. To strengthen its impact, the Centre has forged partnerships with leading institutions such as

• Vedagurukulam Karalmanna,
• Vedasrauthagurukulam, Edappal,
• Krishnan Acari Memorial Koppu Nirmanasala, Vellinezhi,
• Tholpavakothu Kendram,
• Brahmaswam Matham, Thrissur,
• Yajurveda Pathasala, Irinjalakkuda, and
• Kodunthirappilli Samaveda Pathasala.

These collaborations facilitate knowledge sharing, resource optimization, and joint research. To bridge the gap between academia and the community, Vaikhari organizes field visits to historical sites, empowering students to connect with their heritage.

Evidence of Success

Since its inception, Vaikhari has emerged as a leading centre for the study and preservation of Kerala's heritage. The Centre's research output, encompassing a wide range of topics from Indian philosophy to ancient sciences, has garnered significant academic acclaim. The successful completion of six research projects under the UGC STRIDE initiative and the production of a documentary on Kerala's oral traditions are testament to the Centre's research capabilities.

Through collaborations with historical centres, Vaikhari has introduced students to

Kerala's rich Indigenous knowledge, Encompassing innovations like

• The Nanotechnology-based Thottara Kathi
• Traditional arts such as Tholpavakoothu, Kathakali Koppu.

Over 70 student projects, inspired by field visits to historical sites, demonstrate the Centre's commitment to developing a deep appreciation for Kerala's heritage among future generations.

The Centre's impactful research, spanning Indian philosophy, Vedic education, ancient sciences, and educational philosophy, has contributed significantly to the academic discourse.

The research outputs, previously detailed, serve as a compelling testament to the Centre's achievements. These endeavours demonstrate the Centre's commitment to preserving and promoting Kerala's heritage for future generations.

 Problems Encountered and Resources Required

Accessing and engaging with indigenous knowledge holders and local heritage hubs presents significant challenges due to geographical, cultural, and trust-related barriers. Building rapport, involving communities in the research process, and nurturing collaborative partnerships are essential to overcoming these obstacles.

Securing adequate funding is crucial for conducting comprehensive research and implementing effective preservation strategies. Exploring grant opportunities, forging partnerships with heritage organizations, and seeking community support can help address this challenge.

Preserving oral traditions poses unique difficulties, including data collection and verification. The dynamic nature of oral knowledge requires rigorous documentation and cross-verification methods to ensure accuracy and authenticity.

Report of Best Practice1

BEST PRACTICE 2

spandanaṃ – An initiative of social welfare to strengthen the foundation of the society

2. Objectives of the Practice

• Develop a sense of belongingness and promote good citizenship among the student community
• Strengthen qualities such as compassion, empathy, love, social responsibility, leadership traits, etc. among students
• Foster team spirit and cultivate a sense of VTB being a family among all stakeholders, including management, staff, students, alumni and parents
• Establish a distinctive brand for VTB college as a socially responsible institution
• Contribute to rural development by implementing changes in the lives of the local community through initiatives in rural education, housing, health care, livelihood, infrastructure development and watershed management
• Assist the society in rebuilding after disasters and pandemics

3. The Context

SPANDANAM is the social welfare programme organized by VTB College in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The programmes are meticulously planned to adhere to the Sustainable Development Goals and are executed through various projects. These initiatives range from aiding in disaster relief efforts to providing healthcare services for underprivileged segments of society. Situated in a rural part of Palakkad district, the institution aims to extend educational opportunities to the rural populace. A dedicated policy for the social welfare programme has been formulated in accordance with the decision of the College Council. The National Service Scheme (NSS) units of the college spearhead this programme, offering both financial assistance and manpower for diverse initiatives. Students partake in charitable activities such as fundraising events, collecting essential supplies for disaster-stricken areas like floods and the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, our students engage in physical aid for charitable causes like blood donation drives, palliative care programs, and the construction of homes for impoverished families in need.

4. The Practice

1. Suvasam – Home for homeless

The college planned and executed a social security program for housing construction, encompassing various activities such as strategic development, fundraising, site selection, foundation laying, construction, roofing, plumbing, painting, and final handover to the beneficiaries. Two National Service Scheme (NSS) units at the college collaborated to build homes for underprivileged individuals - one for a student ( Maithreebhavan) and the other for a woman from an economically disadvantaged background( Abhayam). The NSS volunteers energetically participated in the construction projects facilitated by the joint efforts of Mathrubhumi and Chittilapally Foundation. 

2. Athijeevanam – Disaster management programme 

The college actively participated in the disaster management programme during floods and COVID pandemic.

3. Sahayahastham  – Sustenance for deprived

The impoverished individuals in the adopted village receive assistance in the form of monetary donations and supplies such as essential goods kits during festive periods, clothing, educational materials for students, and medical aid for patients.

4. Jeevamritham – Blood Donation camps

Students of our college regularly conducts blood donation camps and awareness programmes on blood donation in association with the health department.

5. Sparsham – Palliative care programme

NSS volunteers of our college regularly participate in the palliative care programmes organized by panchayat palliative units. The activities include cultural programmes with palliative patients, tour with wheel chair patients, regular visits to bed ridden patients, and supply cloths for them.

6. Vikas – Extension on education

The college has introduced Digital Financial Literacy programs (VISAKA) to adapt to the digital era, benefiting students, local residents, households in the adopted village, and Kudumbasree members. Additionally, the institution has launched the Gothrayan project to support tribal education and the Mashithand programme to enhance the educational environment at the Anganwadi centre in the adopted village.

7. Urava – Watershed management programme

The college is engaged in a watershed management programme and water conservation initiatives within the community. This program encompasses activities such as pond, stream, and river clean-up, as well as the construction of bunds and rainwater pits in the selected village. 

6. Oppam – Empowerment of Divyangjan

Empowerment programs have been established by the college for individuals with physical disabilities in the village, along with various activities in schools catering to disabled individuals within the surrounding area.

7. Mukthi – Anti-narcotic programme

NSS units and Anti- Narcotic Cell of our college jointly conducts anti-narcotic programmes regularly on campus and in the community.

 5. Evidence of Success

• The housing project has been completed successfully and has been handed over to the family. The family members are now happily residing in their new home.
• Through engaging in welfare activities, our students showcase a commendable commitment to fulfilling their social responsibilities.
• Team spirit among members of the college community is exemplified.
• Participation in palliative care services and Medicaid programs has facilitated the students in cultivating a sense of belongingness and empathy.
• Local Self Government Institutions express their appreciation for the students' dedication to social activities.
• The NSS unit of our college, the programme officer, and the volunteers have received the NSS award for the year 2021-22 as part of this welfare program. 

6. Problems Encountered and Resources Required

Challenges encountered include difficulties in identifying individuals in need who may be hesitant to disclose their circumstances. Strategies such as regular visits, informal communication, and consistent engagement are employed to identify potential beneficiaries.

The mobilization of financial resources for housing projects, medical assistance, and disaster relief poses a significant obstacle for the college. Students have raised funds through coupon books, notices, and contributions from the Parent-Teacher Association, staff, and management.

Time constraints also present a challenge for the welfare program, as college hours cannot be used for these activities. Therefore, initiatives are typically carried out during holidays or after regular working hours.

Report of Best Practice 2