2nd Chola Conference – New Delhi 2023

The Raja Raja & Rajendra Cholan and Kadaram Conference convened on the 5th of January, 2023 at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, India, marked a significant stride in illuminating the legacy of the Chola Empire and heralding Kadaram (Bujang Valley) as a compelling global tourist destination.

Spearheaded by Mr. Gunasekaran Sreerangan, President of GOPIO Malaysia, the conference drew extensive support from the Global Tamil Organisation (GTO) and other NGOs. Gunasekaren indicated that there are two more conferences in the pipeline for 2023, the 3^rd in Thanjavur and the 4^th in Sungai Petani, Kedah. The 1^st Chola Conference was held in Chennai on the 25^th and 26^th of August 2023.

The conference’s objectives were twofold: first, to shed light on the unparalleled eminence of the Chola Empire, an epochal era of Indian history, and second, to spotlight Kadaram’s latent potential as a captivating tourist haven.

Guided by the Chief Guest, Professor Santishree Dhulpudi Pandit, Vice Chancellor of JNU, the conference drew together an assembly of 75 participants, comprising scholars, postgraduate students and distinguished delegates from India, Malaysia, Singapore and Sri Lanka. This unique amalgamation of scholarly minds resonated a dynamic discourse on the multifaceted history of the Chola Empire and the allure of Kadaram.

Among the Speakers was Prof. Kanagasabapathi on Maritime Trade Practices during Chola Period, Dr. M. Rajendran on Chola’s Emergence as the First Naval Superpower, Dato Nadarajah on Indianisation of South East Asia with Special Reference to Bujang Valley (Kadaram), Mr Chezhiyan on Chola Origin and their Invasion of Southeast Asia & Burma, Dr. Gautam Kumar Jha on Legacy of Intimate Encounter: India and South East Asia (Indonesia’s Role) and Honourable Dr. Summugam Rengasamy on Bujang Valley and its Potential to be World Class Archaeological Tourist Destination.

Undeniably, the conference catalysed fostering awareness and appreciation of the Chola dynasty’s profound historical achievements and contributions. The captivating deliberations ignited an awareness ripple, extending not only among the participants, sparking conversations about Chola heritage and its enduring impact on regions in India and Southeast Asia.

By championing the Chola legacy and propelling Bujang Valley’s tourism prospects onto the global stage, this academic assembly catalysed a broader understanding of India’s rich heritage. The conference also highlighted the percolation of Indian culture and traditions in faraway regions. All resonating with the potential of Bujang Valley to invigorate its tourism landscape and scholarly engagements.