A Historic Evening at IIC: Graduation Ceremony of the First Batch of Sir Jadunath Sarkar Fellowship for Indian History

A landmark graduation at IIC celebrated the first Sir Jadunath Sarkar Fellows, marking a new era in reclaiming and retelling Indian history.

on Sep 05, 2025

Graduation Ceremony of the First Batch of Sir Jadunath Sarkar Fellowship for Indian History

A landmark evening that celebrated research, rediscovery, and the promise of a renewed Indian historiography

On September 2nd, 2025, the India International Centre, New Delhi, played host to a momentous celebration — the Graduation Ceremony of the first batch of the Sir Jadunath Sarkar Fellowship for Indian History, organized by the Foundation for Indian Historical and Cultural Research (FIHCR) in association with the OLA Foundation.

The evening saw a distinguished assembly of researchers, cultural figures, and history buffs come together, all bearing one common objective: to be part of the realization of a year's worth of research that aims to reclaim India's stories from colonial silences.

The event was also dignified by the presence of Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon'ble Minister of Education, who gave the keynote address, and Dr. Shamika Ravi, Member of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council, as Special Guest. Their presence underlined the national importance of this initiative — one that hopes to redefine how India's past is narrated, studied, and commemorated.

Dr. Vikram Sampath, FIHCR Founder-Director, shared the vision and future roadmap of the fellowship, reminding the audience that authentic, fact-based scholarship is not just academic work but a cultural responsibility. His words struck a chord with the audience, laying the foundation for the evening ahead.

The ceremony also looked ahead with excitement, as the second batch of fellows (2025–2026) was announced. For Frontlist Media, to be attending this milestone was both a privilege and an inspiration. The event was not merely about graduation; it was a reminder that the past is not immovable but very much alive, and in need of being reclaimed and retold with pride and authenticity.

As the inaugural class of fellows is readying their books for publication, the promise of their work reaches far beyond the academy. It resonates with every reader, every citizen, and every one of India's seekers of the truth — that our history, in its plurality and richness, is our own, and narrating it on our own terms is the best celebration of all.