PALAKKAD: Cultural Affairs Minister K C Joseph on Sunday came down heavily against the efforts of a section of political leaders to playdown the contributions of Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi in shaping the country’s policies, saying it showed their ignorance of history.
He was speaking after inaugurating the national seminar on the ‘History of Kerala and the Science of Archaeology’ held at the Gangothri auditorium in Ottappalam. Pointing out that Nehru and Indira were the tallest leaders of the world, the minister said their contributions to the country’s development could not be overlooked. “I can understand political differences, but all should have same views on historical truths.
The contributions of Gandhiji, Sardar Vallabhai Patel and Nehru to the freedom movement can’t be easily forgotten. Nehru’s concept and fruition of non-aligned nations was a historical achievement,” he said.
The minister also highlighted the role that Indira played in the country’s modernisation. “These contributions cannot be erased from history as per the whims and fancies of certain politicians,” he added. The seminar was organised jointly by the Kerala Archaeology Department and the Chettur Sankaran Nair Foundation for Historical Research and Cultural Studies.
MLA M Hamza presided over the meet, while historian M G S Narayanan engaged the session on the ‘History of Kerala and the Science of Archaeology’.
Chettur Foundation secretary S Rajashekharan Nair delivered the introductory address, while Archaeology Department director G Premkumar welcomed the gathering. Among those who offered felicitations included CSN Foundation vice-president K V Mohan Menon, Archives Department director J Rejikumar and archeologist Sreelakshmi. Shakeela, head of Archaeology Department at MES Kalladi College, delivered the vote of thanks.
‘History Book on Ottappalam Soon’
Cultural Affairs Minister K C Joseph on Sunday said the state government would make efforts to publish a book on the history of Ottappalam, which has produced a large number of freedom fighters. He said the contributions of the people of Ottappalam in the freedom struggle and formulation of policies in the post-independence era needed to be published for the future generation. The minister said the Culture Department would arrange the research facilities for bringing out the book.
Joseph also unveiled the government’s plans to set up a statue of Chettur Sankaran Nair at an ideal place. “The contributions of Chettur Shankaran Nair were not given due regard as deserved. This void will be plugged,” he said. The minister also said there was a need to set up historical museums in all districts, to protect archaeological remains and documents. “The work on such museums are progressing in six districts,” he said.