Organizers: Kerala Council of Historical Research in collaboration with the Post Graduate Department of History, N.M.S.M. Govt. College, Kalpetta

Date: March 18, 2024

Venue: Vykhari Auditorium

Introduction

The National Seminar on Historical Research, Oral History, and Local History, held on March 18, 2024, at Vykhari Auditorium, Kalpetta, marked a significant event for scholars and students interested in these interconnected fields. The seminar, sponsored by the Kerala Council of Historical Research, was effectively organized by the Post Graduate Department of History at N.M.S.M. Govt. College, Kalpetta.

Program

Following registration at 9:30 am, the inaugural session commenced at 10:00 am. Smt. Bindu Mathew, Assistant Professor of History, delivered the welcome address. Dr. Rajimol M.S., Vice Principal, presented the presidential address, while Prof. Dr. Subin P. Joseph, Principal, offered the inaugural address. Kum. Shadiya Sherin P.P., Association Secretary (History), delivered the vote of thanks.

Academic Sessions

The core of the seminar comprised three focused academic sessions:

• Session 1 (10:30 am – 11:20 am): Chaired by Smt. Shalini P., Assistant Professor of English, this session explored the theme “What Can Oral History Offer to Local History Studies?” Sri. A.M. Shinas, Assistant Professor and Head of the P.G. Department of History at Govt. College, Madappally, served as the esteemed resource person. Sri. Adharsh M.A., a Second-Year PG student, delivered the vote of thanks.
• Session 2 (11:25 am – 12:15 pm): Chaired by Kum. Sunu Muhsin, Guest Lecturer in History, the session investigated the topic “Colonialism and Transportation Infrastructure: The Wayanad Case.” Dr. Jineesh P.S., Assistant Professor at the P.G. Department of History, Govt. College, Madappally, presented his research findings. Sri. Niranj K. Indran, First Year Degree Representative of the College Union, delivered the vote of thanks.
• Session 3 (12:20 pm – 1:10 pm): Chaired by Sri. Afeef K.J., Guest Lecturer in History, this session delved into “Writing Regional History Through Inscriptions and Hero Stones.” Dr. Joshy Mathew, Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of History at Pazhasshi Raja College, Pulpally, delivered insightful presentations. Sri. Bineesh Babu, P.G. Representative of the College Union, delivered the vote of thanks.

Conclusion

The seminar fostered a valuable platform for participants to engage in stimulating discussions on historical research methodologies. The program emphasized the significance of oral history in understanding local narratives and the role of inscriptions and hero stones in reconstructing regional history. The insightful presentations by the resource persons, coupled with interactive sessions, were met with great reception by the audience.

Overall, the One-Day National Seminar on Historical Research, Oral History, and Local History served as an enriching experience, fostering a deeper appreciation for these essential aspects of historical inquiry.