The 80th session of Indian History Congress held at Kannur University – were the organizers not ready or decided to proceed in that way? [1]

The 80^th session of Indian History Congress held at Kannur University – were the organizers not ready or decided to proceed in that way? [1]

The delegates arrived at the Kannur Railway station on 27-12-2019 from Tamilnadu, Andhra, UP, Orissa etc

The politicization of Indian History Congress and the way, it has been going since 1980s and 1990s: Earlier, when I became a life member of Indian History Congress (IHC), I used to attend the sessions regularly and presenting papers also. Then, IHC had gone in the political way with a lot of brawls, tussles and infightings, leading to uglier scenes. In Calcutta session, when dinner was hosted by the Governor at the Victoria Memorial Hall, the historians virtually pounced on the food putting their hands on the biryani. At that time, we were four[1] from the Central Excise department attending the session. We asked them to stand in the queue, come in order to take the food, of course, we started serving the food also. Then, some people came running and taken over the job of serving. The 1992 events divided them and every session was politicized with RJM-BM issue one way or the other. In fact, the “RJM historians” and “BM historians” were openly talked about and mentioned in the media[2]. Te WAC-III witnessed more ugly scenes exposing the political affiliation of the so-called eminent, elite and emeritus historians[3]. So, I stopped attending from 1993 onwards. After 20 years, I attended the 74^th session of at Cuttack in 2013. As I lost my mobile phone and the laptop data, I could not post my blog, like that of TNHC, SIHC and APHC.

Decided to attend Kannur session of IHC: After 2013, now, I attended the 80^th session of IHC at Kannur[4], as my friends insisted to do so. Particularly, Mahendran wanted to present a paper there. He has been an explorer and rock painting researcher. Of course, another friend C. I. Nagarajan also joined. In fact, both applied for initial membership and Mahendran was given membership, but, Nagarajan’s application was rejected. He has been a Siddha medicine researchers growing several herbs and so on. Anyway, we all the three attended booking our tickets in advance. We proceeded Mangalore Mail on 26^th evening from Chennai Central. In our compartment, I could see some old faces, and I enquired about them. Indeed, they were old friends and they were on their way to Kannur and I was happy to meet all of them. Now, I could note that all of us have been above 60s, 70s and 80s.

The women-volunteers at the registration counter who could not get the internet connection or so, making the delegates to wait

Registration counter

Registration counter -2

Technical and scientific snag delayed the process of registration and verification of already registered members: We reached Kannur by on 27^th morning and I could see hundreds of delegates there at the station. We reached the Kannur University campus by bus arranged by the organizers. We had to wait for an hour, as they [the volunteers] at the Registration counter could not get an internet connection, their “application” not working etc. There were nearly 20 volunteers sitting with laptops, but, delaying the registration process.  The “delegate fees” collecting volunteers refused to receive money, without the “membership” verification, even for Life members and showing the number and other details. It was an irony that when they claim “scientifically” for their history, historiography, historiographical methodology etc., “it” was not functioning properly. Then, they verified the Membership, given clearance chit, so that the delegate could pay their delegate fees. They charged Rs 3,500/- and it was definitely excessive. Of course, they had tariff for the students and observers @ Rs 2,500/- and Rs 1,500/- respectively. Incidentally, no kit was given. They informed that the kit was not ready and provide later!

Delegate fees collection counter

Accommodation allotment, that lady had been indifferent

Standing for accommodation allotment

For allotting accommodation also they kept the delegates waiting: Then, we had to go to another counter after getting a message on our mobile. It took time and the delegates had to remind the delegates at the registration counter to clear. After getting a message, when approached for accommodation, they also took time. In fact, they had been impartial in allotting the accommodation that could be easily observed from their murmuring, gossiping and talking silently among themselves, and also keeping the delegates at a distance. Those who had been waiting for more than one hour was not given, but, who came then, were given immediately. After reminding 5 / 6 times, only, they allotted accommodation at different lodges and hotels. For this also, we had to get a message in phone. After getting a message, we proceeded to the bus and we were dropped at the respective lodges and hotels. I received the message, “Dear KV RAMAKRISHNA RAO (IHC-KANUR-205), Welcome to Kannur University. Your accommodation details as follows, Single-Non A/C at Plaza Tourist Home. Best wishes, Thank you, Kannur University, Kerala 27 Dec, 12.15 pm”! We were dropped at “Plaza Tourist Home” near to Kannur Railway station.

The so-called Plaza Tourist Home

“Plaza Tourist Home” – The accommodation that was provided to us: It was an old building where, “India Coffee House” was also functioning. There was no lift and we were allotted rooms at the second and third floors. I explained my problem and after keeping waited for one hour, they allotted a room on the first floor. The room was not so good and the larine cum bathroom worst. No heater and hot water facility. There were broken plastic bucket and mug. Because of health problem, I decided to stay there. Of course, Nagarajan was with me. Later, I came to know that many delegates coming from Tamilnadu had been accommodated there. Ironically, one female delegate, Assistant Professor and blind too, was given a room on the third floor. Therefore, it is evident that the volunteers and the persons, who were deciding the allotment had no sense, reason or logic. Perhaps, IHC had given the worst accommodation this type charging Rs 3,500/- In fact, I wanted to question them, but, my health prevented and I decided to keep quiet.

The gentleman who prevented me at the Food court!

Inside food court

Simple food served

Dinner, authoritarian host and “food-token”: Around 7.00 pm, we went to the campus for dinner. A pandal was put-up at a distance from the place of registration, for the purpose. There were a few volunteers and one person. When we went there, they asked “food tokens.” When we told that no kit was given, they were adamant in insisting the “food tokens” again and again. I showed the messages received on the phone to prove that we had already paid the delegate fees and accommodated also. Yet that person had been harsh and rude virtually shouting, “Without food tokens, I will not allow.” The souvenir gives “Food committee: Chairperson: Prof T. V. Balan, Convener: Sri P. J. Saju.” Then, I decided to go inside, I told him, “I have paid the delegate fees and shown the proof of message received in phone. As the organizers did not give the kit, you cannot prevent.” Immediately, he was shouting at somebody through the phone. Then, slowly other delegates also started coming inside. The behaviour of that person was shocking, as he could not understand the reality of the issue. Had they been so meticulous, then, the things would not have happened, as I pointed out above.  The dinner was simple – white rice, dry roti, dhal and subji.  I really wondered for this, that gentleman behaved differently. After dinner, we returned to our room. For going and coming, no transport provided and we spent on the auto.

The entrance of the room allotted, both the doors main door and the bathroom door cannot be closed!

The wonderful bathroom

The flush/cistern did not work

The broken bucket without handle, the mug too

The broken mug, closer view!

The doors of the bathroom, room and the sleep: As mentioned, Nagarajan stayed with me in the room allotted No.123. After going to the bathroom only, Nagarajan found that the door was not getting closed. I went inside and noted that the cistern/flushing was not working. So we had to pour water with bucket. The bucket was broken without handle.  That means, we had to virtually lift it and pour. Coming to the broken mug, it was still worse. He informed at the reception, but, they did not bother. After talking some time, he tried to close the door of the room, it was also not getting closed. So, I myself called the person sitting there and informed about the door. He came and tried to close, but not possible. Then he told to sleep and they would take care of. Thus, the day 27-12-2019 was and we went to bed! There were mosquitoes also!

The organizing committee with CM and others

The 17 sub-committees with the battalion of learned volunteers

The Souvenir, the committees and the persons: Though, they had not given the kit, later I saw the souvenir[5] inside the cloth bag given. There were organizing Committee starting with the chief minister to VC and 17 subcommittees with professors to officers running to about 100. It is evident that they knew how the “Plaza Tourist Home” would be! Somebody must have come, enquired, decided and confirmed to be fit enough for the delegates, from who they charged Rs 3,500/- Yet, the learned great persons of the “God’s own country” have treated us in the above manner. We had wait and see how things were going to be! Good night, hoping for Good morning and day!

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

08-01-2020

[1] Sridharan [he joined excise and then Income tax, of course passing through SSC examinations], Thiruvengadam, Perumal and Radhakrishnan became Life member later.

[2] The Babri historians had been dominant, as their articles, statements and other features used to appear in the national dailies, magazines and TV channels. In fact, they also acted as witnesses giving “historical and archaeological evidences” before the High and Supreme Courts.

[3] India Today, Political wrangles add a touch of bizarre to archaeology conference in New Delhi, KAI FRIESE, December 31, 1994, ISSUE DATE: December 31, 1994UPDATED: July 19, 2013 10:16 IST; http://indiatoday.in/magazine/indiascope/story/19941231-political-wrangles-add-a-touch-of-bizarre-to-archaeology-conference-in-new-delhi-810050-1994-12-31

[4] Kannur (also known by its former anglicized name Cannanore and Portuguese name Cananor) is a city and a Municipal Corporation in Kannur district, state of Kerala, India. It is the administrative headquarters of the Kannur District and situated 518 km north of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram.

[5] Indian History Congress Souvenir, 80^th session, Kannur University, 28-30 Dec.2019 containg articles and advertisements.