Suryanath Kamath's Presidential Note

Karnataka Itihas Academy was founded in 1985 by a group of history loving enthusiasts under the leadership of late Dr. G.S. Dikshit (1911-2004) and Dr. Suryanath Kamath (b.1937) both distinguished scholars of the region. Dr Kamath has declined to preside over any annual historical conference earlier, insisting that he is satisfied in just being founder-member. This year, however he was forced to preside over the conference by the members of the managing committee by electing him unanimously!

Dr. Suryanath Kamath is respected for his encyclopedic knowledge of Karnataka and Indian history and he has spent lifetime in research and writing books. He has 54 books in kannada and English to his credit and, innumerable articles. He has been editor of Quarterly Journal of Mythic Society for the last 33 years. He was president of that august body as well. He retired as Chief Editor of Gazetteer of Karnataka. He is president of the Itihas Academy for several years now.

Notes From Presidential Speech

In his presidential address, he briefly mentioned about the depletion of natural wealth of Karnataka over centuries, which has continued till the present day. In the past, especially during 17th and 18th centuries, due to incessent wars of Moguls and Marathas, to gain supremacy, the fertile land of Deccan became fallow. Constant moving of the huge armies called for perennial supply of fodder, food, water, and other accessories.

As a historian he revealed, he is consulted by several experts, when famine, floods and earthquake hit the land and whenever socio-political upheavals took place. He reminded the omnipresence of historical factor in all developmental activities as also economic life of the country.

Opening of several medical and engineering colleges in the state for the past twenty five years though most of them were on caste-basis, was a healthy trend contributing to overall development and helping student community at large. Like Phoenix bird, Indian economy may boom again rising from its ashes. History has shown such splendid examples, he said.

He also stressed the need for a good big museum as also smaller ones at district level in the state, which, it lacked pitiably. As ex-director of Karnataka Archives, he felt the conditions of the department were not encouraging. The department of archives is housed in Vidhana Soudha, the administrative hub of state government. For safety reasons, entry to the main buildings is restricted few seholars who want to consult archival material, can hardly make it. The department started only in 1973, whereas those of Chennai and Mumbai are more that 250 years old. Goa's archival system is now 400 year old!

He stressed the need for joint effort of government, technocrats and citizens in preserving old monuments. Dr Kamath, it may be remembered, started a movement of Aitihasika Parampare Ulisi (save our historical heritage) two decades ago, involving local teachers, citizens, and members of Itihas Academy. It has created considerable awareness in different districts of Karnataka. The state has umpteen number of monuments in rural areas. Only unceasing efforts of history-lovers can make villages aware of their past glory and surviving monuments. Dr. Kamath opined.

See Also:

• Interview with Suryanath Kamath