Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said that history is an integral part of our civilization, culture and literature. It should be based on facts and cannot be ignored. The Governor was addressing the inaugural session of the national symposium and webinar organized under the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ at Thakur Jagdev Chand Thakur Smriti Shodh Sansthan at Neri in district Hamirpur today. This two-day symposium was organized in collaboration with the Indian Council of Historical Research and the Department of History of Central University Dharamshala and Himachal Pradesh University Shimla.
While addressing the scholars across the country on this occasion, the Governor said that even after 75 years of independence, many important topics of our history have not yet been touched. He said that the symposium organized at Neri would prove to be a milestone in this direction. Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said that correct documentation and factual information of historical events should be passed on to today’s generation. He stressed on the need to carry forward our rich culture and traditions.
Emphasizing on the need of compiling the history of India, the Governor said that our country did not become a nation only after independence, but it has been maintaining its identity as a nation for thousands of years. He said that unfortunately many misconceptions have arisen in Indian history, which are the responsibility of the present historians and researchers to redress them. Governor expressed hope that after extensive discussion in the symposium organized at NERI, something new would emerge and lead the country towards a new direction.
The Governor said that today while our country is celebrating the Amrit Mahotsav of its independence, Goa is also celebrating its 60th year of liberation. He told that Goa was freed from Portuguese clutches after 14 years of India’s independence. He said that Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay and other great men have contributed a lot for the liberation of Goa. In this, he also mentioned Ram Singh of district Kangra. He said that the folk culture is alive in Goa even today.
During the program, the Governor also released a short documentary based on the freedom fighters of Himachal Pradesh produced by Dr. Om Prakash Sharma, Swaraj Sangharsh mei Himachal Nepthay Nayak a book by Dr. Shiv Bhardwaj, Itihas Lekhan mei Lok Gathaon Ka Yogdan by Dr. Om Prakash Sharma and a souvenir of the symposium. Renowned archaeologist of India Prof. Basant Shinde gave his address through virtual medium. Dr. Kuldeep Chand Agnihotri, Adviser, Union Ministry of Culture gave his views as the keynote speaker. Dr. Kanwardeep Chandra also spoke on the occasion.
Director of the Institute Dr. Chetram Garg welcomed the Governor and all other guests and detailed about the achievements of the Institute. MLA and Deputy Chief Whip Kamlesh Kumari, MLA Narender Thakur, Deputy Commissioner Debasweta Banik, Superintendent of Police Dr. Aakriti Sharma, officers of state government, scholars and researchers from different states of the country, office bearers of the institute and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion. Director of the institute, Vijay Mohan Puri and many scholars from across the country participated in this symposium through online medium.
