August 2026 gave me one of the most cherished moments as a researcher. I was chosen by Dr. M. Rajamanikkanar Historical Research Centre, Thiruchirappalli as the Young Researcher of the year 2026. An annual award that recognises enthusiastic researchers and their contribution to history. The event was held in Chennai on August 02.
On the personal front, it was a special honour and a bounty for me to receive the award from not only a prestigious institution but also from my mentor himself. Dr. R. Kalaikkovan, Founder-Director of Dr. M. Rajamanikkanar Historical Research Centre, Thiruchirappalli, is my teacher who unfurled to me the true importance of the sculpture of Tamil saint Karaikkal Ammai in Cambodia. It was after that revelation back in 2014, that I started my journey exploring astonishing facts on history.
After my initial field work in the ancient temples of Cambodia and Thailand related to the sculpture of Karaikkal Ammai, Dr. Kalaikkovan introduced me to sculptures of Ammai in the temples of Tamilnadu. This comparative study of sculptures of Ammai in Tamilnadu with the temples of Southeast Asia in the initial years of my study, provided a strong foundation in understanding the important pillars of any historical research- literature, temple architecture, sculptures and inscriptions (apart from archeology). Among these, I have developed a strong passion towards literature and sculptures.
This award has motivated me to further explore much deeper into the vast ocean of the history of Tamils, and responsibly provide true facts based on evidences alone.
