The FoHS Award
The FoHS Award was instituted in 2020 by Friends of Heritage Sites (FoHS) as part of its 6th FoHS Day celebrations, with the aim of recognising and honouring individuals who have made significant and sustained contributions to the study, documentation, preservation, and promotion of Tamil Nadu's rich heritage. The award is presented annually on FoHS Day to acknowledge scholars, archaeologists, epigraphists, artists, and other heritage practitioners whose work has contributed meaningfully to the understanding and appreciation of South India's cultural legacy. Padmashree Manohar Devadoss was the first recipient of the FoHS Award in 2020, and the award has since honoured distinguished contributors across fields including art, archaeology, rock art, epigraphy, Tamil studies, and heritage research.
Padmashree Manohar Devadoss
The first recipient of the FoHS Award, honoured for his outstanding contribution to art, heritage, and the cultural documentation of Tamil Nadu.
Mr. K. T. Gandhirajan
Honoured for his enormous contribution to archaeology and rock-art studies, particularly his work in documenting and researching Tamil Nadu's rock-art heritage.
Dr. V. Vedhachalam
Honoured for his enormous and sustained contribution to archaeology and epigraphy, and for inspiring generations of students and heritage enthusiasts.
Mr. R. Balakrishnan IAS (Retd.)
Honoured for his outstanding and multifaceted contributions to Onomastics, Indology, and Tamil Studies, and for his significant work in advancing the understanding of Tamil history and culture.
Dr. S. Balusami
Instituted in honour of Dr. S. Balusami, Former Associate Professor and H.O.D., Department of Tamil, Madras Christian College, this recognition celebrates significant contributions to Tamil studies, history and scholarship.
Dr. Jean-Luc Chevillard
Honoured for his significant contribution to Classical Tamil studies and linguistics, and his efforts in bringing global attention to Tamil's classical legacy.
Prof. V. Selvakumar
Honoured for his significant contributions to archaeological research, South Indian archaeology, heritage, and the study of ancient cultural landscapes.
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