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.

* To get the Report of Adhītidīkṣā, Click Here

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.

* To get the Report of Bodhadīkṣā, Click Here

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.

* To get the Report of Pracāraṇadīkṣā, Click Here

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 Madham, Thrissur
• Yajurveda Pathasala, Irinjalakkuda
• 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.

* To get the Report of Prasāraṇadīkṣā, Click Here

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.

* To get the Report of Vaikhari Centre for Research in Kerala Heritage - Best Practice 1, Click Here