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News India Live, Digital Desk: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj… Every Indian’s head becomes proud on hearing this name. Examples of his courage, ethics and self-respect are cited even today. But imagine, if the most prestigious university in the world writes something wrong or derogatory about him in its books, then it is natural to feel sad and angry.
Recently something similar has happened, which has once again proved how important it is to protect the true history. close to after 22 yearsThe famous Oxford University Press (OUP) has apologized for the wrong things written about Maharaj in a book published in 2003.
What was the controversy after all?
The whole controversy was about that Oxford book, in which the life and works of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, were not presented correctly. There were allegations that the book portrayed Maharaj with wrong adjectives instead of a king or public leader, tarnishing his image. It was impossible for any self-respecting citizen to accept that such a thing would be written about their ‘adorable’.
Why did ‘Oxford’ wake up now?
Often such mistakes remain buried, but this time some alert citizens and conscious organizations raised this issue legally and socially. The pressure started increasing and when the matter directly came to the credit of the institute, they realized their mistake.
Oxford University Press not only apologized, but also made it clear that they are withdrawing the current version of this controversial book from the market and that content has also been removed from its digital platforms. He has assured that he does not intend to disrespect any religion, culture or historical great man.
Why is tampering with history dangerous?
History is not just the past, it is our roots. If today’s generation reads wrong information, they will not be able to recognize their real heroes in tomorrow. Be it Shivaji Maharaj’s method of ‘guerrilla warfare’ or his just governance, it is a lesson to be learned for today’s management students also. Making a wrong mention about such a great ruler in a foreign book was a big mistake.
a big win
This apology is not just a formal letter, but a victory for all those who fight for their history. This message is clear, whatever be the university in the world, it cannot play with facts and emotions in the name of its writings.
What do you think? Shouldn’t foreign publishers be more careful while writing Indian history? Is an apology enough or should action be taken against such writers in future? Please share your opinion.