Dr. Dev Kothari and Dr. M.P. Jain Honored with Baba Saheb Apte National Award

- National Anthem Represents an Undivided India: Dr. Pandey
- Constitution Determines the Future Direction: Prof. Sarangdevot
- Two-Day Ninth National Young Historians’ Seminar Concludes

Udaipur, February 9: The two-day national seminar on ‘Indian History, Culture, and Constitution’ concluded with a resolution to uphold the values embedded in the Indian Constitution. Hosted by Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan Vidyapeeth under the aegis of the Akhil Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Yojana, New Delhi, and Madhav Sanskriti Nyas, New Delhi, the seminar concluded on Sunday with a commitment to strengthening Indian values. During the valedictory session, Dr. Dev Kothari and Dr. M.P. Jain were honored with the prestigious Baba Saheb Apte National Award for their exceptional contributions to Indian history. Along with them, four other distinguished historians were also felicitated.

During the closing session, chief guest and National Organization Minister of Itihas Sankalan Yojana, Dr. Balamukund Pandey, emphasized that the Indian national anthem is a symbol of an undivided India. He pointed out that the anthem mentions regions like Punjab, Sindh, Gujarat, Maratha, Dravid, Utkal, and Bengal, representing the unity of the nation. He stated that those who revere Bharat Mata still aspire for an undivided India.

Dr. Pandey also highlighted that India had a constitutional framework even before the present Constitution. Ancient India had assemblies of scholars and sages, which functioned similarly to today’s Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The scholars discussed political matters, while the sages provided moral perspectives. He emphasized that the king was never absolute; he was bound by dharma and could be punished for misconduct. Citing ancient texts, he remarked that even Indra, the king of gods, considered himself accountable. He asserted that whenever monarchy turned autocratic in India, the people established a democratic monarchical system.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Shiv Kumar Mishra, a member of the executive committee of Itihas Sankalan Yojana and head of its tribal division, stressed that history should be written by those who live it; otherwise, hunters would always be portrayed as heroes. He asserted that constitutional provisions like elections, judiciary, and republicanism have existed in Indian traditions since time immemorial. He called upon historians to make the glorious history of India accessible to the masses.

Hemant Dhing Majumdar, National General Secretary of Itihas Sankalan Yojana, presented five key points, stating that prioritizing civic duties would help resolve many societal issues. He urged people to adopt indigenous products, promote environmental conservation, strengthen family values, and teach native languages to the younger generation.

Sanjay Mishra, Associate Organization Minister of Itihas Sankalan Samiti, stressed the need to integrate nationalism into everyday conduct. He highlighted that while people tend to associate within their own regional groups at national events, they should also engage with individuals from different linguistic and regional backgrounds to foster true nationalism. He remarked that history is like nectar, and it should be presented without biases, extracting truth from myths.

Presiding over the valedictory session, Vice-Chancellor Prof. S.S. Sarangdevot stated that history reveals our origins and evolution, culture reflects our unity in diversity, and the Constitution defines our future direction. He emphasized the importance of staying connected to one’s mother tongue, as it is a foundation of originality and intellectual depth.

The seminar report was presented by Dr. Jeevan Singh Kharkwal, who shared that young historians from across the country participated in eight technical sessions, presenting 165 research papers. Rajasthan Regional Organization Minister Chhaganlal Bohra delivered the welcome address, while Dr. Mahamaya Prasad Choubisa led the Saraswati Vandana. The session was moderated by Dr. Suresh Pandey.

Honoring Two Eminent Personalities with Baba Saheb Apte National Award

Chhaganlal Bohra announced that Dr. Dev Kothari and Dr. Mahavir Prasad Jain were conferred with the Baba Saheb Apte National Award for their lifelong dedication to historical studies. Additionally, Himmat Lal Duggar, Roshan Mahatma, Harkalal Pamecha, and the late Mohanlal Shrimali were honored with the Senior Historian Award for their contributions. The late Mohanlal Shrimali’s award was received by his son, Bhupendra Shrimali. Floral tributes were also offered to Mohanlal Shrimali, former president of the Itihas Sankalan Samiti, Chittorgarh region, and founder of the Haldighati Museum.

Dr. Kharkwal Appointed as Chittorgarh Regional President

During the valedictory session, Dr. Balamukund Pandey announced the appointment of Dr. Jeevan Singh Kharkwal as the new regional president of the Itihas Sankalan Samiti for Chittorgarh. Until now, Dr. Kharkwal had been serving as the Udaipur district president.

Tribute to Haldighati’s Legacy

On Sunday morning, researchers from across the country visited Haldighati, paying tribute to the historic battlefield. They toured the Haldighati Museum and honored the site by applying tilak with its sacred soil. On Saturday evening, they also visited the Rajasthan Vidyapeeth Literature Institute and enjoyed a cultural program showcasing Rajasthan’s folk traditions.

This seminar served as a significant platform for fostering scholarly discourse on India’s rich historical and constitutional heritage while promoting a deeper understanding of national values and traditions.