Shri C. Raveendranath, Priyappetta Vidhyaabhyaasa Manthri,
Shri K. Muraleedharan M.L.A.,
Smt. Usha Titus, Principal Secretary, Higher Education
Department,
Prof. T.K. Ravindran, Eminent Historian,
Prof. K.N. Panikkar, Eminent Historian and former
Vice-Chancellor,
Prof. M.G.S. Narayanan, Eminent Historian,
Prof. Michael Tharakan, Chairman, Kerala Council for
Historical Research,
Prof. Suresh Jnaneswaran,
Prof. Kesavan Veluthat,
Prof. K.N. Ganesh,
Smt. Haritha V. Kumar, Director, Kerala Council for Historical
Research,
Friends in the Media,
Priyappetta Sahodaree Sahodaranmare,
Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram
I am very happy to address this august gathering after honoring three illustrious historians of our State. Panditha Aadaravu-2018, organized by Kerala Council for Historical Research is undoubtedly a true recognition of the contribution of these extraordinary scholars to the documentation and interpretation of our history.
Let me therefore begin by congratulating the three eminent historians namely, Prof. K.N. Panikkar, Prof. M.G.S. Narayanan and Dr. T.K. Raveendran who have been honored today. I also compliment the Kerala Council for Historical Research for having organized this function, which reminds us of the significance of historical research. As an institution that aims to promote research and historical awareness in society, the Council's activities, especially the excavations in Pattanam near Kodungallur have been widely appreciated.
As we all know, History is actually a mirror that reminds us of the past, reflects our present and projects a view of our future. The study of history helps us understand our existence as a species and a nation; it enables us to realize the follies of our past and places us in the right direction. That is why it is said that the endless chain of history roots us in time and also takes us into the future.
There was a time when history was regarded as the narrated or written accounts of political and military victories alone. But, the emergence of historical research and the use of its methods have recognized the intellectual and sociological contexts of history. Today, historical writing includes all human activities and analyzes their interconnections.
I understand that it was only sometime near 1890 that a scientific study of history was initiated in Travancore and British Malabar, the regions that constitute Kerala now. Some scholars mention the contribution of Prof. Manonmaneeyam Sundaram Pillai in highlighting the study of inscriptions on rocks through his book of 1894, entitled 'Some Early Sovereigns of Travancore'. There were similar attempts in the Malabar region too, which helped to establish the significance of evidence based historical studies in Kerala.
Though it took quite some time for the strengthening of the systematic study of history in Kerala, we have the pride of having produced some of the best historians in India. The three scholars being felicitated today are historians of national and international reputation. All of them have been visiting professors in a number of universities in India and abroad.
Prof. K.N. Panikkar, for instance, holds prestigious visiting professorship in many varsities in India, Europe and America and is reputed for his original and authentic views on the medieval and modern history of India and the world. The expertise of Prof. M.G.S. Narayanan, who is one of India's top authorities on ancient history, has benefited out institutions and those in Moscow, London and Tokyo. Dr. T.K. Ravindran, whose academic efforts were often directed in giving representation to the marginalized sections of society, has also proved his worth as a poet of repute. Like Prof. Panikkar, he had also served as Vice Chancellor of a university in Kerala.
The greatness of these scholars is that their studies, findings and informed interpretations have helped to establish the veracity of many events of the past. Their findings and inferences have also brought to light some historical episodes which had remained in the dark. Their deep inquiry into the manuscripts and inscriptions have thrown light on the sociological aspects of different ages and the events that altered our history.
As we honor these scholars whose contributions have renewed interest in the study of history, it would not be out of place to consider the role our educational institutions can play in creating awareness about the importance of history. We need to begin from the school level, since the very concept of history is intertwined with myth and story in many of our school text books. History may not be limited to just one truth; in fact, every historical event may have many truths to tell. Thus, a student who reaches the college or university level has the task of unlearning some of the myths learned at the basic level.
I would, therefore, suggest that research institutions like Kerala Council for Historical Research should take the initiative to orient our teachers towards a correct approach to the study of history. For a large number of students, the study of history often ends at the school level and for the rest of their lives, they live with distorted vision of the past, easily misled by those who misuse history to retain their power. Let us not forget that a history that misleads generations is more dangerous than a weapon of mass destruction.
I am also reminded of the Gandhian belief that the purpose of both history and human life should involve a search for the Truth. Today, technology helps us both in unearthing hidden facts and in compilingaXZ them. The use of new technology in analyzing historical evidence is now being mooted as well as debated. I am happy that the Kerala Council for historical is collecting and digitizing various sources into a repository of texts, images etc. The Council's desire to undertake the creation of an up-to-date historical, archaeological and heritage Atlas for Kerala for use in academic institutions is a truly farsighted move ambitious and deserves the cooperation of all institutions of learning. As Chancellor of the universities in Kerala, I shall certainly direct the Vice Chancellors to offer adequate academic cooperation in this venture.
I once again congratulate Prof. K.N. Panikkar,
Prof. M.G.S Narayanan and Prof. T.K. Ravindran on being honored today and wish them good health and never-ending enthusiasm to unravel historical truths. I also compliment the Kerala Council for Historical Research for conducting this function in a befitting manner.
Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal
Nanni
Jai Hind
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