Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady (SP)
Beltangady, Sep 20: A country attains a personality based on its history. However, conservation of history has not been going on properly in our country. A nation-wide campaign needs to be initiated to drum up support and create awareness for the history conservation work, opined Dharmastala Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade.
He was speaking after inaugurating the 22nd four-day national convention of Karnataka History Academy at Mahotsava Hall of Dharmastala on the evening of Thrusday September 18. The convention is being held by Dharmastala Manjunatheshwara Dharmothana Trust in association with SDM College.
People fail to recognise that history and mythology are two totally different subjects. The countries are identified not by the economic, social and political scenario but by studying their histories, Dr Heggade said. India has a grand history. The stone inscriptions and the scriptures left behind our forefathers give an indication that they were highly intelligent and knowledgeable. Being conscious of history inculcates a sense of pride about our history and heritage, he said.
All historical items preserved in Manjusha Museum of Dharmastala have been registered. We have preserved 4,596 ancient literature on palmyra leaves and paper. 2,732 Old manuscripts in Kannada too have been conserved. Dharmothana Trust has renovated many temples, he described.
Dr Vasundhara Philiosa from Karnataka now based in France as a historian, advised the maths not to restrict themselves towards reconstructing and renovating temples but also get engaged in renovating schools. Sanskrit and Kannada should be taught in schools. The maths should also take steps to desilt temple tanks and solve water problems in villages and towns, she said. Philiosa also hoped, that the Academy will not suspend the history conservation work once the convention concludes.
Dr K K Jain, conservation department dean of National Museum Institute, New Delhi and Hemavathi V Heggade were the chief guest. Several works relating to history were released on the occasion. The souvenir titled 'Itihasa Darshana' brought out on the occasion, was released by Dr Lakshman Telagavi of Hampi Kannada University. Retied lecturer of Udupi MGM College Dr P N Narasumha Murthy was conferred with 'Ba Ra Gopal Award'.
Pa Anantraj Indra and others who secured their doctorates in history during the year, were felicitated. President of Karnataka History Academy Dr Sooryanath Kamath inaugurated he exhibition.