Vice-Chancellor tells students to analyse history beyond exam perspective

Dignitaries at the inauguration of an international history conference in Mysuru on Saturday. | Photo Credit: M. A. Sriram Vice-chancellor of University of Mysore N. K. Lokanath on Saturday said colleges and universities are not merely centres that award degrees; they are centres of knowledge that promote research and nurture new ideas.He was speaking after inaugurating an International History Conference – Puducherry World History Congress Edition 4 - organised jointly by Maharani’s Women’s Arts College, Mysuru, and the Puducherry World History Congress in association with the Department of Collegiate Education, at Maharani’s Women’s Commerce and Management College here.Mr. Lokanath said that students of history should not merely study names and dates from the perspective of examinations. Instead, they should develop the ability to examine, analyse and understand historical events.Delivering the keynote address, Sheikh Masthan, retired Professor of History at Bangalore University said that history should neither be exaggerated nor neglected. Accuracy and objectivity are essential in historical records, he said, emphasising the importance of reliable sources in understanding history.Welcoming the gathering and delivering the introductory remarks, Anita M. S., Principal of Maharani’s Women’s Arts College said that history is not merely about dates and the names of kings. It is the study of understanding the past deeply and objectively. She noted that women have made immense contributions to the history of every region, but their contributions have often been kept away from the mainstream of historical narratives.Prof. Musugu Srinivasa Rao, Registrar, Potti Siramulu Telugu University, Andhra Pradesh, who was the chief guest, said that the events of today would become the history of tomorrow. Wars, conflicts and clashes taking place across the world today would be recorded as history in the future, he said.Presiding over the programme, Aravind Kumar, president, Puducherry World History Congress said that history must sensitively understand social discrimination in the contemporary context. The opinions of ordinary people, social structures, foundations and events are integral parts of history. The addition of new knowledge to history is a continuous process, he added.Prathima D. S., Joint Director, Department of Collegiate Education, Mysuru was the special invitee.Sandeep Kumar Dasari, General Secretary of the Puducherry World History Congress and Renukabai, Principal of Maharani’s Women’s Commerce and Management College were present on the occasion. Nagaveni T., Local Secretary of the Puducherry World History Congress was present. Published - July 25, 2026 07:30 pm IST