Barely two weeks after she asked Archeological Survey of India's Director General Anshu Vaish to submit a report on her role in the filing of the controversial Ram Setu affidavit, Union Culture Minister Ambika Soni surprised the audience at a public function on Wednesday by praising the ASI chief.

"You have come and joined on very good recommendations. I know you have a good background in archaeology," Soni told Vaish at the inaugural function of the Nizam's jewellery at the National Museum in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Vaish, who was present in the audience, received praise as Soni noted the work done by senior officials in the Culture Ministry and the organisations under it. The joint secretary of the Culture Ministry and the chairperson of the Manuscripts Mission were among the people mentioned by her.

In the wake of the Ram Sethu controversy, Soni had asked the ASI director general to give her a personal explanation about her role in the filing of the affidavit. Vaish has asked for more time to submit the report.

The Centre was forced to withdraw the affidavits after they created a nation-wide furor.

Based on the interim report of the inquiry conducted by Vaish, the Ministry had ordered the suspension of two senior ASI officials -- Director of Administration Chandrashekhar and Assistant Director of Monuments V Bakshi.

The Ministry had asked Bakshi to delete the objectionable lines in the affidavit, while Chandrashekhar was coordinating between the Ministry and the Additional Solicitor General on the affidavit.