Eminent historian K N Panikkar dies at 90
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): Eminent historian and academic K N Panikkar died at a private hospital here due to age-related ailments on Monday, family sources said.
He was 90.
A towering figure in the field of history, Panikkar was widely recognised for his Marxist interpretation in history writing and for advocating secular and scientific approaches in the sector. He was also a known critique of communalism.
The veteran played a key role in shaping progressive perspectives in the study of modern Indian history.
After higher studies, Panikkar joined as a history faculty at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi, where he later served as head of the department.
Panikkar also served as Vice-Chancellor of Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit in Kalady in the state.
He was the founding chairman of the Kerala Council for Historical Research and headed the institution from 2001 to 2017.
In addition, he also held visiting professorships and fellowships at several universities abroad and served as the president of the Indian History Congress in 2008.
He also authored several influential works on Indian history, particularly on colonialism and modernity.
Panikkar is survived by two daughters. His wife, a native of Rajasthan and a former classmate, predeceased him.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, CPI (M) state secretary M V Govindan, general education minister V Sivankutty and so on were among those who condoled his demise.
Vijayan, in a detailed message, described Panikkar as a cultural figure who steadfastly defended a scientific and objective understanding of history.
"Panikkar consistently reminded society—through his writings, speeches and teaching—that India’s pluralism had evolved through historical processes and that any attempt to undermine it would weaken the very foundations of the country," he said.
Vijayan noted that Panikkar’s interventions had often served as a guiding light during periods when secular values in India faced challenges.
By studying and presenting India’s historical evolution to younger generations, the historian helped raise awareness against distortions of history, he said.
The Chief Minister also said Panikkar was at the forefront of resisting attempts to alter the narrative of India’s freedom struggle and to communalise educational curricula.
His contributions to safeguarding secular and democratic values in the cultural sphere were significant, Vijayan added.
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KKR defeat LSG via Super Over
Lucknow (PTI): Kolkata Knight Riders edged Lucknow Super Giants via Super Overs in a battle between two bottom-placed teams in the IPL, here on Sunday.
Chasing a modest 156, LSG suffered a batting collapse and managed to tie the contest and take it to Super Over with No. 9 Mohammed Shami striking a last-ball six against a wayward Kartik Tyagi, who leaked 16 runs in the final over.
But Sunil Narine bowled a stunning Super Over conceding just one run and taking two wickets to give KKR an easy target.
Rinku Singh then finished the chase with a boundary off first ball from Prince Yadav.
Earlier the KKR were in deep trouble with 93/7 in 15 overs but Rinku smashed a sensational 83 not out from 51 balls including four sixes in a row in the final over to lift them to 155/7.
Cameron Green (34) was the only other batter to reach double-digit scores as KKR suffered a familiar batting meltdown with Mohsin taking his maiden fifer.
In reply, LSG continued their dismal show with the bat to succumb to their fifth loss in a row.
Brief Scores:
Kolkata Knight Riders 155/7; 20 overs (Rinku Singh 83 not out, Cameron Green 34; Mohsin Khan 5/23). Lucknow Super Giants 155/8; 20 overs (Rishabh Pant 42). KKR won via Super Over.
