The University of Madras will establish a Museum of Anthropology in Chennai, said the Vice-Chancellor G. Thiruvasagam.
He inaugurated a two-day workshop on, “Anthropological Research, Teaching and Training in Tamil Nadu: A Retrospect and Prospect,” organised by the Anthropological Survey of India (ASI), Southern Region Centre in association with the Department of Anthropology, University of Madras, Pondicherry University and the Tribal Research Centre here on Thursday.
Pointing out that a sum of Rs.25 lakh has been earmarked for setting up the museum, he said that the University will not be found wanting in the efforts to promote anthropology.
He expressed confidence that the number of students opting for anthropology will go up substantially.
Underscoring the need to put anthropology in the service of the contemporary society, he said that since research in its present form has its limitations focus should shift to applied research.
Adverting to the importance of equipping students with soft and communicative skills, Mr. Thiruvasagam said that like other disciplines anthropology also should be made multi-disciplinary.
Stating that the University was implementing a lab to land programme under which a grant of Rs.5 lakh was being given for products with promise, he said that to promote anthropology it would introduce a land to lab concept. The aim of higher education is to create a knowledge society. Efforts should be made to enhance awareness of social values. In this anthropology can play a vital role.
The president, Anthropological Association, Mysore P.K. Misra, who presided lamented that though the ASI has done remarkable work it has not been taken into account by the academic community.
The Former Director, Kerala Institute for Studies of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, P.R.G. Mathur said that the role of anthropology in various issues confronting the country should be studied.
The head, ASI, Mysore B. Francis Kulirani said that anthropology and Tamil Nadu share a long relationship.
