Spectrum Lecture Series and Historical Exhibition Organized by PG Department of History & Research Centre

 

“Unveiling Mahatma Gandhi’s Kerala Connection: Insights from Archival Records”

On 10th December 2024, the PG Department of History & Research Centre at Sree Narayana College, Chempazhanthy, successfully organized a lecture series as part of Spectrum 2024-25. The event, which began at 2:00 PM in the Seminar Hall, witnessed an enthusiastic turnout of approximately 100 students from both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, along with faculty members and research scholars.

The lecture was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. P. Sivadasan, Senior Professor of History at the University of Calicut, who delivered an insightful presentation titled “Unveiling Mahatma Gandhi’s Kerala Connection: Insights from Archival Records.” In his lecture, Prof. Dr. Sivadasan explored rare archival records documenting Mahatma Gandhi’s visits to Kerala, shedding light on their impact on the socio-political reform movements and freedom struggles within the state.

The speaker effectively illustrated how Gandhi’s philosophy instilled a sense of purpose and inspiration among the people of Kerala. He discussed the varied interpretations of Gandhi’s ideals across different communities and critically examined efforts to undermine his legacy, emphasizing the importance of preserving the true essence of his teachings in contemporary society. Additionally, he elaborated on how Gandhi’s persona was utilized in mobilizing the masses and fostering a Gandhian consciousness in Malayali minds.

The function was presided over by Prof. Dr. Raakhee A.S., Principal, who expressed her gratitude to the guest speaker and highlighted the relevance of Gandhi’s ideals in today’s socio-political landscape.

The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Prathibha P.R., Head of the Department of History, who set a positive tone for the event, emphasizing the educational significance of the lecture series.

The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Vysakh A.S., who acknowledged the efforts of all those involved in making the event a resounding success.

A special moment in the event was the felicitation of Sandra Santhosh, the First Semester topper of the MA History program, by the Chief Guest, Dr. Sivadasan. This recognition served as a motivational gesture, encouraging students to pursue academic excellence.

The sessions were efficiently managed by research scholars from the Department of History, showcasing their organizational skills and commitment to academic excellence.

Overall, the lecture series was a great success, fostering meaningful discussions and engagement among students and faculty regarding Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy in Kerala.

As part of the seminar series, a historical exhibition titled "Malabar Vignettes" was organized to highlight the rich historical legacy of Malabar within Kerala and its various facets.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Dr. P. Sivadasan, whose insightful address set the stage for an engaging and informative experience. The ceremony was presided over by Prof. Dr. Raakhee A.S. (Principal), alongside Dr. Prathibha P.R. (HoD) and Dr. Vysakh A.S. (Coordinator of the exhibition), along with faculty members from the Department of History.

Exhibition Highlights

Curated by Prof. Vasisht from MCC Calicut, the exhibition featured a meticulously selected collection of historical materials, reflecting the diverse and significant contributions of Malabar to Kerala’s historical narrative.

The exhibits included:

• Rare historical documents
• The role of the press in Malabar’s history
• Significant episodes from the freedom movement
• Social reform movements and their impact
• Profiles of influential leaders and reformers
• Aspects of pre-history, culture, and traditions unique to Malabar

The exhibition provided students and visitors with a unique opportunity to engage with historical artifacts and gain a deeper understanding of Malabar’s socio-political influence on Kerala.

The “Malabar Vignettes” exhibition was not only an educational initiative but also a celebration of Malabar’s historical significance. It successfully encouraged academic curiosity and discourse, fostering an appreciation for Kerala’s rich and diverse heritage.

Both the lecture series and the exhibition reaffirmed the commitment of the PG Department of History & Research Centre to promoting historical research, education, and intellectual engagement among students and faculty members.

The event was highly appreciated by attendees and marked yet another notable contribution to Spectrum 2024-25.