Karnataka - Udupi   

‘History lessons bequeathed by the British’

Udupi: Deputy Chairman of State Planning Board D.H. Shankaramurthy said on Monday that students in the country were still following the history bequeathed by British historians.

Mr. Shankaramurthy was speaking at the inaugural function of the “School Government” (“shala sarkara”) of Government Composite High School at Volakadu here.

Mr. Shankaramurthy said the British historians had reduced the significance of the First War of Indian Independence of 1857 by calling it a Sepoy Mutiny. The aim of the British historians was to belittle the country and its significant events.

It was the efforts of the soldiers who had participated in the First War of Indian Independence in 1857 which was responsible for the growth of the freedom movement later on. The sacrifice of the soldiers in 1857 bore fruit 90 years later, when the country got its Independence.

He questioned the rationale behind Indians calling the Greek conqueror Alexander as “Alexander the Great”. This was another contribution of British historians.

“When it is known that Alexander came to conquer and plunder our country, why should he be called ‘the great’?. As a student of ninth standard I had told my history teacher that it was better to call him Alexander, the robber, Mr. Shankaramurthy said.

Forums such as “School Government” would help the students grasp the finer precepts of democracy.

In-charge president of Udupi Zilla Panchayat Gerald Fernandes, councillors Shyamprasad Kudva and Gita Shet, Deputy Director of Public Instruction (DDPI) K. Ananda, Headmaster of the school Ashok Kamath, president of Students Council of the school Yamunappa, were present.

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