International Centre Goa had hosted a conversation with Narayani Basu about her works on V.P. Menon and K.M. Panikkar was a truly thought-provoking experience. Both figures played influential roles in shaping India's independence and its early political and diplomatic frameworks. Although I haven't yet read Basu's books, the insights shared on the intricate process of writing about such iconic personalities were captivating. The dedication required to sift through historical records, uncover anecdotes, and paint a nuanced portrait of these individuals extends beyond mere factual accounts—it seeks to capture the essence of their stories.
One of the intriguing aspects discussed was the challenge of accessing historical records and archives. Often, these records are simply unavailable, and an interesting reason given, albeit somewhat humorous, was that 'the monkey took them away.' Even when records are technically archived, some remain labeled as 'N.T.' – not transferred – meaning they are yet to be accessible. The conversation also highlighted how V.P. Menon and K.M. Panikkar, though not traditional civil servants, rose through sheer determination and competence to impactful positions, showcasing their ability to garner political support, which is often reserved for the highly capable.
This historical perspective stands in stark contrast to today's reality, where it is nearly impossible for a non-bureaucrat to ascend to influential positions. A salient point from the discussion was the consideration of how history is written, especially in the age of social media, where opinions are often polarized into black and white. There's a growing concern about the lack of patience for nuanced perspectives, as quick sound bites dominate discourse.
Questions were also raised about the difficulties inherent in writing about historical figures, particularly the dearth of documented accounts of women leaders in India. The challenges of documenting their contributions were given due emphasis, shedding light on the ongoing struggle to capture a comprehensive and balanced history.
The conversation was well moderated by Dr. Pushkar, Director, International Centre Goa, who provided interesting perspective including past discussions with other biographers.
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