Historians must contribute towards reviving and strengthening humanities and social sciences in educational institutions and those like A.R. Venkatachalapathy must write more in English to reach a wider audience, stressed speakers at the inauguration of a two-day seminar here on Friday.

‘Virivum Aazhamum’, the seminar on historian and author A.R. Venkatachalapathy was jointly organised by Kalachuvadu, Kadavu and The Hindu Lit for Life.

Pointing out that history as a subject is not taught beyond the high school level, V. Vasanthi Devi, educationist and former Vice-Chancellor of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, said the relationship between historians and educational institutions must be improved to revitalise the neglected subject. She recalled the days when Mr. Venkatachalapathy started his career at the Manonmaniam Sundaranar University.

A diverse career

Recalling her association with the historian, Nirmala Lakshman, director of The Hindu Group of Publications, said he wrote on diverse topics, including reflections on literature, culture, politics, Dravidian ideology and contemporary issues like jallikattu. He wrote for The Hindu since 1996 on varied subjects, she added. Elaborating on his book, In Those Days There Was No Coffee, she said it brought to life cultural and sociological practices in colonial Tamil Nadu, such as coffee drinking.

Besides being a genius, Mr. Venkatachalapathy was also bilingual, which was evident from his books.

He also mastered bridging the divide between academia and popular interest, Ms. Lakshman added. Historian and writer Ramachandra Guha described Mr. Venkatachalapathy as a historian beyond chauvinism and said he was one of the few who recognised history as both a branch of literature and social sciences.

Dravidian movement

Describing Mr. Venkatachalapathy as a historian with utmost rationality and honesty, Carnatic vocalist T.M. Krishna said the nation needs to hear more from such people.

He also spoke on the historian’s works on the Dravidian movement.

Writer and former diplomat Gopalkrishna Gandhi elaborated on the historian’s translation of poet Bharathiar’s letters to The Hindu. Srinath Raghavan, senior research fellow, Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi; Mugam Mamani, editor of Mugam Magazine; and Kannan Sundar, editor and publisher of Kalachuvadu; also spoke.