Monday, December 19 2005 11:27 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kochi: Pointing out that the knowledge of historians can make vital contributions to national security and economic development, President A P J Abdul Kalam yesterday (Dec 18, 2005) said that an 'authentic, comprehensive' history of India from 1857 to 2005 needs to be written.

"An authentic comprehensive unfolding history of India is yet to be written in such a manner and style that enables citizens, analysts and policy makers at all levels to understand the rhythms of social and economic change, locally and globally," the President said, inaugurating the diamond jubilee celebrations of the Kerala History Association here.

"Historians of the 21st century have a great challenge to write Indian history from domination to freedom: political and economic. This research and analysis recorded in history books of India will be the document of freedom, which should inspire all nations to protect their territorial and economic integrity," he said.

This would help in implementing strategies for social, technological and economic change by empowering people with knowledge to think strategically and create their future.

India was the 'theatre' of invasions from many nations.

"I ask myself why my nation succumbed to this phenomenon? Why my nation allowed many nations to have territorial and other ambitions? Why Indian history very rarely talked about India's invasion of other nations? These questions need to be answered," he said.

"There may be many reasons, but it is essential that the knowledge of history should strengthen the nation by a unified action', the President said.

"The time has come now to think of a new breed of historians, who can make the past meet the present and create the future. With value added approach to study and use of history, India can develop capabilities as a nation to think strategically and create a glorious future, " Kalam said.

"Let us dispassionately treat our history after 1857, the commencement of the war of Independence, as our baseline. Let us preserve data and start writing accurately after 1857, when the nation in an integrated way challenged the alien rule", he said.

He urged the association to partner academic, research, Government and industrial institutions in this endeavor.

The President said that some questions were raised a few years ago on why history should be taught as a subject in educational institutions. This was an 'extremely shortsighted' view, he said, likening history to a 'great teacher'. There is a lot to learn from the 'pluses and minuses' of the historical past. It was a fact of life, which cannot be wished away.

Historical research can compel a society to analyze itself carefully, construct coherent arguments, present those arguments persuasively and draw intelligent conclusions, enabling a future to be created, free from the past.

Kalam said historical writing must inspire the younger generation into enlightened action to realize their full potential.