Mangaluru: Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Sports and Fisheries, Abhaychandra Jain inaugurated a two-day national seminar by lighting the traditional lamp along with other dignitaries at Ravindra Kalabhavan, University College here, on April 12.
The seminar titled, ‘Karnataka through the Ages; New Historiographical Perspectives’ is jointly organised by Department of History, Mangalagangothri and Department of History, University College Mangaluru (UCM).
The principal of UCM, Prof Udaya Kumar introduced the dignitaries and welcomed the gathering. Prof Lokesh in his inaugural speech said that the British historians while writing the history of Karnataka had written it with a perspective of a colonial agenda which glorified the British Empire. He spoke about the challenges faced by the modern historians and said, “While writing history on critical issues questions arise if historians can write history without any fear. But the truth has to be stated and care has to be taken so that the fabric of the society are not destroyed while history is being recorded.”
Jain said, “It is important to know history as they decide various policies in a democracy. History should not lead us into darkness but serve to lead a path towards light. It should be accurate and should be recorded with the principle of ‘Satyameva Jayate’, the dharma followed by Gandhi.” He said that though truth appears to be bitter at times, it should be heard and applied for the benefit of the people.
Specialist in Coorg history and culture, Dr B Nanjamma Chinnappa narrated her experience of documenting the ‘Ain Mane’ (ancestral home) of Kodagu and said, “We were fascinated to know that each home had a unique piece of history attached to it. History was recorded orally and passed on from generation to generation as stories and some were converted to songs. Those songs still survive in most of these homes.”
“Oral history is one of the oldest techniques of recording history. Though we cannot say that they are accurate, but they do have some element of truth attached. When we ask someone to share their history, people generally have the habit of making their history sound grand. But historians must apply certain techniques to get the accurate knowledge.” she said.
Head of Department of History, UCM, Rajeshwari C delivered the vote of thanks. Organising Secretary, Dr Meenakshi M M, Seminar Coordinator, Prof Lokesh KM and other dignitaries were also present.
