It is a rude shock that the neutrality and independence of historical studies in India are being eroded by some powerful lobbies in our country (“ >Historian rues ‘right-wing’ turn at ICHR ”, April 20). Why should we remain mute spectators? The resignation of the Chief Editor of Indian Historical Review is no doubt the high point in the protest against evil designs. Unless scholarly and right-thinking persons unite and carry on the struggle, the chaining of history may soon be complete.
A. Dasgupta,
Kolkata
Ever since the Modi government has come to power, left-leaning scholars appear to be feeling ideological isolation. The anxiety over a right-wing turn in academia especially in history highlights their frustration. So what if history is written from the point of view of the right and if it is in accordance with accepted scientific methodology at the same time? Left-wingers can counter these historians over the issue of objectivity and not on the basis of ideologies and their affiliations to organisations like the RSS, to which they are averse.
There must be a place for every point of view in academia. Those scholars who are fighting these ideological battles are one-sided in their approach as there are still many reputed universities in India that are well-known nurseries of the Left. Why aren’t there any objections to this?
Anoop Suri,
New Delhi
