The Proceedings of the 82nd session of Indian History Congress held at the Kakatiya University (4)

The Proceedings of the 82^nd session of Indian History Congress held at the Kakatiya University (4)

IHC opposing RSS for demonizing Nehru: Expressing grave concern over the growing communal politics in the country, the newly elected General President of the Indian History Congress (IHC), Prof Aditya Mukherjee stressed the need to embrace the ideology of former Prime Minister late Jawaharlal Nehru which will help ‘to explain our present and chart out a vision of the future[1]’. Delivering the General President’s address on “Jawaharlal Nehru in Our Past, Present and Future” at the 82^nd Session of Indian History Congress soon after his installation at the Kakatiya University (KU) campus here on 28-12-2023, Thursday, Prof Mukherjee said, “It is because of what Nehru stood for that he is demonized so blatantly by the communal forces today[2]. All kinds of lies and abuse are spread about him using the massive propaganda machinery that the communal forces command today[3]. Nehru is blamed for all of India’s problems for the partition of the country.”[4] Detailing the attempts to tarnish the image of Nehru by the RSS, he said, “A book called 97 Major Blunders of Nehru has now been expanded to “Nehru Files: Nehru’s 127 Historic Blunders”. The list keeps growing as new ‘facts’ are invented. He is even said to have a secret Muslim ancestry.”

Why Aditya is repeating the stuff again and again?: “The demonizing of Nehru and the values he stood for could only be done by distorting history and that is what communal forces have done blatantly,” Prof Mukherjee alleged. Summing up his speech, Mukherjee said “Nehru’s fantastic efforts to raise India from what Tagore called the ‘mud and filth’ left behind by the British has now been replaced with the Indian people being pushed back into that same ‘mud and filth’ of ignorance, obscurantism, dis-empowerment, unfreedom and above all communal hatred.” Incidentally, it is noted that he has repeated the stuff that already appeared in the “National Herald,” the Congress mouth piece[5]. Ironically, the title also appears similar, “Why they demonize Nehru.”[6] Of course, in 2015 when he addressed a seminar at AMU organised ahead of November 14, the 126^th birth anniversary of India’s first PM said[7], “it had become quite the fad to “demonize” India’s first prime minister and hold him responsible for whatever ails modern India. “This tendency can be countered with a proper reading of history”[8].

Mridula Mahajan flayed the incumbent government at the Centre: Earlier, the Chief Guest of the programme, Dr Mridula Mukherjee, Professor of History (Retd.), Jawaharlal Nehru University, in her address also flayed the incumbent government at the Centre for its attempts to misuse and distort Indian history. She stressed the need to stand up against the assault on democracy. It is not known why historians should be associated with any political party, when the talk about secularism, communalism, sectarianism, fascism and so on. Ironically, they have already been accused of holding Government jobs and as well as associating with political parties. In fact, Mridula faced such charges. When they preach to others for some values, then, they should first follow the same. We know what Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa has advised, “One should have the badge of authority for preaching, as otherwise, preaching becomes mockery”!

Mridula Mukherjee wrote “History of Congress Party”: Historian Mridula Mukherjee is a member of the editorial board that brought out the official history of the Congress, although she is the director of Nehru Memorial Museum & Library (NMML), an autonomous body under the ministry of culture[9]. As per the rules, she is prohibited from associating with any political party[10]. “Congress and the Making of Indian Nation”, a two-volume publication brought out by the Congress and released recently during its plenary session, has finance minister Pranab Mukherjee as chief editor and commerce minister Anand Sharma as convener of the editorial board[11]. The book was released by PM, who is also the culture minister, and Congress president Sonia Gandhi[12]. There is a team of professional historians associated with the project. Mridula, her husband Aditya Mukherjee, a professor of history at Jawaharlal Nehru University, her sister Sucheta Mahajan, also in JNU’s history department and Bhashyam Kasturi, her colleague in NMML, and Rizwan Qaiser, from the department of history and culture, Jamia Millia Islamia, are all part of the team. Kasturi is a contract employee. While sources in the JNU and Jamia administration could not confirm if association with a political party is flouting service rules, in case of Mridula Mukherjee, the violation is clear. She has just over eight months left of her tenure.

What S A Nadeem Rezavi talked about: Secretary of Indian History Congress, Prof S A Nadeem Rezavi, in his welcoming address, also expressed similar views and gave a brief about how the IHC fought against the communal and dictatorial forces since its inception. He appears to be of “Anti-Modi” campaigner type, as had confronted his own VC in such an ideological war[13]. SAZ Rezavi was suspended by the AMU VC in 2016 for his objectionable comments on VC[14]. It is surprising that the historians have been contradicting or confronting each other whenever they were involved with politics. When, the AMU Vice Chancellor Lt. General (retd.) Zamiruddin Shah’s remarks on BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Mr. Narendra Modi in an interview published in The Times of India on 7 May 2014 was of appreciative nature[15], a number of History academics of AMU, JNU and Delhi University on 9 May 2014 adopted a resolution objecting to and criticising him[16].

“secular and scientific study of history”: KU VC, Prof T Ramesh, who presided over the programme, has praised the IHC for its secular and scientific study of history. He reminded the audience that the KU hosted the IHC in 1993. Registrar Prof T Srinivas Rao, outgoing General President of IHC Prof Kesavan Veluthat, and several other noted historians were present. Again the problem has been what is exactly “secular and scientific study of history”, what is “secular and scientific study ..” etc., when the IHC members have been reading, listening and watching the papers, books, speeches and acts of the elite, emeritus and popular historians.  

KU Vice-Chancellor appeals to historians to research Kakatiya irrigation system: Kakatiya University (KU) Vice-Chancellor, Prof Thatikonda Ramesh, emphasised the imperative for historians to adopt a scientific approach to studying history amidst contemporary challenges[17]. Addressing the valedictory session of the 82^nd session of the Indian History Congress (IHC), Prof Thatikonda Ramesh highlighted the dwindling interest in historical disciplines, stressing the responsibility of historians and researchers to revive this interest[18]. He underlined the crucial role of history in administration and lamented the lack of enthusiasm for social sciences, contrasting it with the rapid advancements in technology. Prof Ramesh also praised the enduring usefulness of Kakatiya tanks and irrigation systems and urged members of the IHC to spearhead extensive awareness programmes for history’s study and preservation. KU Registrar Prof T Srinivasa Rao presided over the event. General President of the Indian History Congress, Prof Aditya Mukherjee, IHC Secretary SA Nadeem Rezavi and others spoke. The conference saw 1,063 researchers presenting papers over three days, culminating in the passing of several resolutions during the session.

Valedictory session: Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka is scheduled to attend the concluding session of the IHC annual session on December 30^th 2023. However, it appears that he did not turn up.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

01-01-2024

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[1] Telangana Today, Communal forces demonizing Nehru, says Prof Aditya Mukherjee, BY UPDATED ON – 03:25 PM, THU – 28 DECEMBER 20.23

[2] https://telanganatoday.com/communal-forces-demonizing-nehru-says-prof-aditya-mukherjee

[3] Deccan Chronicle, Adopt Nehru’s ideology to protect democracy in country: IHC, DC Correspondent, Published on: December 28, 2023 | Updated on: December 28, 2023

[4] https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/281223/uhc-calls-for-fight-against-communal-politics.html

[5] National Herald, Why they demonise Nehru, Purushottam Agrawal, Published: 14 Nov 2022, 12:00 PM

[6] https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/opinion/why-they-demonise-nehru

[7] Times of India, Demonizing Nehru has become quite the fad : Historians, Eram Agha / TNN / Updated: Nov 12, 2015, 20:28 IST

[8] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/demonizing-nehru-has-become-quite-the-fad-historians/articleshow/49759429.cms?from=mdr

[9] Times of India, Nehru library head on Cong panel, flouts rules, Akshaya Mukul / TNN / Dec 29, 2010, 01:18 IST.

[10] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/nehru-library-head-on-cong-panel-flouts-rules/articleshow/7181440.cms?from=mdr

[11] The Telegraph, Congress confronts dark chapter 125-year history, as the party sees it, Our Special Correspondent, Published 29.12.2010, 12:00 AM.

[12] https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/congress-confronts-dark-chapter-125-year-history-as-the-party-sees-it/cid/450385

[13] Indian express, AMU prof suspended for objectionable FB post, By: Press Trust of India, Aligarh | July 24, 2014 04:34 IST

[14] https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/amu-prof-suspended-for-objectionable-fb-post/

[15]    Radiance weekly, Academics Slam AMU VC’s Remarks on Modi, Written by…., Published on September 29, 2022  https://radianceweekly.net/academics-slam-amu-vcs-remarks-on-modi/

[16] The signatories to the resolution released by the Deputy Coordinator, Centre of Advanced Study in History, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, are Irfan Habib, Professor Emeritus, AMU; D.N. Jha, Professor of History (Retd.), Delhi University; P.K. Shukla, Formerly, Member Secretary, Indian Council of Historical Research; I.A. Khan, Professor of History (Retd.), AMU; Shireen Moosvi, Professor of History (Retd.), AMU; Mridula Mukherjee, Professor of History, J.N.U.; Ramesh Rawat, Professor of Hindi, AMU; S.A. Nadeem Rezavi, Associate Professor, AMU; Aditya Mukherjee, Professor of History, J.N.U.; Farhat Hasan, Professor of History, Delhi University; S.Zaheer Husain Jafri, Professor of History, Delhi University; Ishrat Alam, Associate Professor of History, AMU; and Shalin Jain, Associate Professor, Delhi University.

[17] Telangana Today, KU Vice-Chancellor appeals to historians to research Kakatiya irrigation system. PUBLISHED DATE – 08:54 PM, SAT – 30 DECEMBER 23

[18] https://telanganatoday.com/ku-vice-chancellor-appeals-to-historians-to-research-kakatiya-irrigation-system

The Proceedings of the 82nd session of Indian History Congress held at the Kakatiya University (1)

The Proceedings of the 82^nd session of the Indian History Congress held at the Kakatiya University (1)

Delegates arriving Kakatiya University: The Kakatiya University hosted the 82^nd annual session of the Indian History Congress (IHC) from December 28^th to 30^th 2023 after 30 years[1] i.e, after 1993. Registrations commenced on December 27^th, with dedicated desks set up at Warangal and Kazipet Railway Stations and the university premises[2]. These stations facilitated delegate pickups, ensuring a smooth transition to the Kakatiya University venue. It is reported that 1,500 delegates registered for the Conference. The delegate fees of Rs 5,000/- was considered to be heavy by the delegates[3]. After registration, they were allotted accommodation at different places – within the University campus and outside. As the organizers expected more than 1500 delegates would come, they arranged accommodation at various lodges, hostels and guest houses. Food was provided at the conference venue within the Kakatiya University campus.

Kakatiya University is a very frequently visited place: The Kakatiya University campus has not been new to me, as I visited many times to attend national and international seminars and conferences for the last 30 years. In fact, I attended the 53rd session of IHC in 1993 and presented a paper, “Self-determination, secession and sedition.” Arjun Singh, the then Minister descended there by helicopter to inaugurate the session, as there was a Naxalite threat. The delegates were virtually kept in the security zone, till he came and went away after inauguration. The IHC organizers were so happy, as he announced funds of Rs  5 lakhs. As long as Dr Badru Naik was in charge of the Dr Ambedkar Study Centre, I used to come every year to present papers. After his retirement, I stopped receiving any messages from them. The last seminar attended was in 2020[4], when the seminar was cut short abruptly and the outstation delegates to leave, as the Government declared a complete “Lock down” because of Corona spread. Had I delayed one day, I might have locked up at the campus of Kakatiya University. Fortunately, I left by evening to catch a train and return to Chennai. This time, I could not attend, as I was preoccupied with other work.

28-12-2023 (Thursday): The inaugural session of the IHC was held at the KU auditorium with the office bearers and KU VC and others. As usual, the inaugural session went on with the routines. The lighting of lamp also went on with the learned historians with their shoes on. Though, I have been watching this for the last 40 years and recording in the blogs, this continues. Only one or two conscious persons remove their shoes or chappals and light the lamps. The rituals of installation of a new President etc., facilitations, releasing proceedings, books, booklets continued. Then, the best paper awards were also given. Though Ramachandra Guha was to be honoured for the “Life-time-Achievement” Award, he did not turn up. However, it was reported in the media.

Jawaharlal Nehru in Our Past, Present and Future – Aditya Mukherjee: Expressing grave concern over the growing communal politics in the country, the newly elected General President of the Indian History Congress (IHC), Prof Aditya Mukherjee stressed the need to embrace the ideology of former Prime Minister late Jawaharlal Nehru which will help ‘to explain our present and chart out a vision of the future’[5]. Delivering the General President’s address on “Jawaharlal Nehru in Our Past, Present and Future” at the 82nd Session of Indian History Congress soon after his installation at the Kakatiya University (KU) campus here on Thursday, Prof Mukherjee said[6], “It is because of what Nehru stood for that he is demonized so blatantly by the communal forces today. All kinds of lies and abuse are spread about him using the massive propaganda machinery that the communal forces command today. Nehru is blamed for all of India’s problems for the partition of the country.”

A book called 97 Major Blunders of Nehru has now been expanded to “Nehru Files: Nehru’s 127 Historic Blunders: Detailing the attempts to tarnish the image of Nehru by the RSS, he said, “A book called 97 Major Blunders of Nehru has now been expanded to “Nehru Files: Nehru’s 127 Historic Blunders”. The list keeps growing as new ‘facts’ are invented. He is even said to have a secret Muslim ancestry.” “The demonizing of Nehru and the values he stood for could only be done by distorting history and that is what communal forces have done blatantly,” Prof Mukherjee alleged. Summing up his speech, Mukherjee said “Nehru’s fantastic efforts to raise India from what Tagore called the ‘mud and filth’ left behind by the British has now been replaced with the Indian people being pushed back into that same ‘mud and filth’ of ignorance, obscurantism, dis-empowerment, unfreedom and above all communal hatred.”

S.A.N.Rezavi – reduction of historical events to mythology and the divisive forces attempting to warp historical truths: S.A.N Rezavi, the Secretary of the Indian History Congress (IHC), accentuated the organization’s commitment to safeguarding a factual comprehension of history[7]. He warned against the reduction of historical events to mythology and the divisive forces attempting to warp historical truths[8]. In his address, Rezavi hailed the IHC for its steadfast role in upholding historical understanding, even during trying times such as the Emergency period in India.

Chief Guest also repeated the same details: Guest of Honour Mridula Mukherjee and presidential speaker Aditya Mukherjee both articulated their concerns against the emergence of exclusionary nationalism. They championed the values of equity, secularism, and democracy, as enshrined in the Indian Constitution, advocating for a history that reflects these values. She flayed the incumbent government at the Centre for its attempts to misuse and distort Indian history. She stressed the need to stand up against the assault on democracy. Really, it is surprising as to why they hd chosen to attack their political opponents, instead of delving upon the issues related to Indian history. As most of their discourses appeared to have been spent only to condemn the BJP, RSS etc., it is evident that perhaps, they had set an agenda to come and delivered their speech accordingly.

What Mridula Mahajan and Aditya Mukherjee told to the media: Mridula Mahajan says, “IHC is the largest and most representative organization of Indian historians, very large number s and it always played a leading role in setting a path fooor Indian history in this country and it stands against any kind of attempt topush Indian history revivalist, sectarian, narrow directions. It always recognized scientific approach to history, broad approach to history, linking with history of other countries…”

Aditya Mukherjee says, “…it is the biggest professional historians. It started in as early as 1930s during the national movement. It is the most representative professional body.it stands up for the values of our national movement that democratic, scientific values of our national movement and as promoted history in this country in a manner across the country that we are proud that the Indian historiography is considered one of the best in this world. Today. The role of Indian History Congress in that way is very great and we are very very grateful that Kakatiya  University  is once aain holding this Indian History Congress……”

KU VC stressed for secular and scientific history: KU VC, Prof T Ramesh, who presided over the programme, has praised the IHC for its secular and scientific study of history. He reminded the audience that the KU hosted the IHC in 1993. Registrar Prof Srinivas Rao, outgoing General President of IHC Prof Kesavan Veluthat, and several other noted historians were present. The slogan, “secular and scientific study” of history has also been going on for many years, perhaps from Goa session, 1987, none could understand the so called “secular and scientific ” procedure applied in their historical research, writing and discourses.  By blaming BJP, RSS, Bajrang Dal, VHP and all other Right wing ideologists, these self-claiming secular-scientific brigades too have not changed during the last 40-50 years, as I have been carefully noting and watching.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

31-12-2023

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[1] The Hindu, Kakatiya University to host IHC 82nd annual session from December 28-30, Hanamkonda, The Hindu Bureau, , December 27, 2023 12:45 am | Updated 12:45 am IST –

[2] https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/kakatiya-university-to-host-ihc-82nd-annual-session-from-december-28-30/article67677375.ece

[3] Delegate Fee for All (with Hotel Accommodation) Rs 5000/- on Sharing Basis,

Delegate Fee for All (with KU Hostel Accommodation) Rs 2500/- on Sharing Basis,

Delegate Fee for Research Scholars / Students (Without accommodation) Rs 2000/- .

[4] The National Seminar on Rural Society, Culture and Economy in Telangana – Historical Perspective – held at the Kakatiya University on March 14th and 15th 2020.

I presented a paper on “Quarrying, granites and politics: Internal consumption for cultural development or export for economic exploitation?”.

[5] The Hindu, Indian History Congress calls for a scientific approach to our past, Serish Nanisetti, Warangal, December 28, 2023 12:48 pm | Updated 12:48 pm IST 

[6] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/indian-history-congress-calls-for-a-scientific-approach-to-our-past/article67682642.ece

[7] BNN, 82nd Indian History Congress Commences, Emphasizing Secular and Scientific Perspective, By: Dil Bar Irshad, Published: December 28, 2023 at 5:36 am EST.

[8] https://bnnbreaking.com/world/india/82nd-indian-history-congress-commences-emphasizing-secular-and-scientific-perspective/