NALGONDA, NOVEMBER 15, 2026: The 45th annual session of the South Indian History Congress (SIHC) concluded on Sunday, hosted by the Department of History and Tourism at Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU), Nalgonda, with Registrar and Congress Convenor Prof. K. Anji Reddy calling upon historians and young researchers to make history a living, socially responsible discipline.
Participating as the chief guest at the Valedictory, Prof. Anji Reddy said that the three-day session had reaffirmed the importance of rigorous research, open discussion, and interdisciplinary inquiry in understanding South India’s past. He said that history must not remain confined to textbooks and archives, but should help society understand the roots of its institutions, cultures, identities, and regional traditions. Prof. Anji Reddy described MGU’s hosting of the 45th SIHC session as a significant academic milestone for Telangana, noting that it was the first time the annual session had been held in the State after its formation.
He expressed happiness that historians, research scholars, teachers, and delegates from different States had come together to present and discuss research papers on diverse themes relating to South Indian history, archaeology, culture, polity, economy, and society. Exhorting the researchers to combine archival evidence, field studies, epigraphy, local histories, and modern research methods, Prof Anji Reddy said that credible historical writing should be based on evidence and should avoid narrow, divisive interpretations of the past. “The responsibility of the historian is not merely to record events, but to interpret them with honesty, empathy, and intellectual courage,” he said.
He added that institutions such as the SIHC play a vital role in promoting socially responsible historical research and in creating a platform for scholars across generations. Prof. Anji Reddy thanked the SIHC office-bearers, delegates, faculty members, research scholars, and administrative staff for making the 45th Annual Session a grand success. He said that MGU was honoured to host an event that brought together scholars from across South India and provided an opportunity to showcase the university’s academic environment and the rich historical heritage of the Nalgonda region.
He also acknowledged the contribution of the Department of History and Tourism and the conference organising committee, including Co-Convenor Prof. K. Vijaya Babu and SIHC Local Secretary Dr Ramakrishna Panasa, for their efforts in arranging academic sessions, hospitality, and logistics for the delegates.
Concluding his valedictory address, Prof. Anji Reddy appealed to young historians to pursue research with curiosity, discipline, and social commitment. He said that the study of history should inspire citizens to value pluralism, preserve heritage, and learn from the experiences of earlier generations. The Valedictory was chaired by Principal of the University College of Arts and Social Sciences and Coordinator of the SIHC Dr K Aruna Priya and Dean of the Faculty of Business Management Prof Aluvala Ravi and Dean of the Faculty of Commerce Prof Akula Ravi as guests of honour.
Providing feedback on the occasion, an Asst. Prof of History at the Dept of History and Research Centre, Nesamony Memorial Christian College at Marthandam of Kanyakumari district Dr GM Sunder Singh said, “It was a truly a pleasant experience attending the Congress and thanked the organizers for their warm hospitality, dedicates service and wonderful arrangements.”
About the Author
