india

Updated: Dec 13, 2018 12:09 IST

The 79th session of the Indian History Congress (IHC), which was scheduled to be held at the Savitribai Phule Pune University here from December 28, has been postponed, drawing criticism from the research body which dubbed the decision as “unilateral”.

A university official cited shortage of funds and accommodation-related issues as the reasons for postponing the mega history meet.

A brief note on the varsity’s website on Wednesday said, “The scheduled 79th session of the Indian History Congress, December 28-30, 2018, at Savitribai Phule Pune University, is postponed until further notice.” IHC secretary Prof Mahalakshmi Ramakrishnan said they were “shocked and deeply disappointed” by the university’s decision.

The secretary said they had a written offer from the university’s vice chancellor for holding the 79th session of the IHC at the varsity.

“We received an email from an anonymous “Team IHC” on December 11, which appeared to be emanating from the office of the local secretary in Pune, that due to financial difficulties and lack of arrangements for accommodation of delegates, they have at the last moment taken this unilateral decision,” Ramakrishnan said in a note on IHC’s website.

On December 12, the website of SPPU carried the announcement of the postponement of IHC, “without the approval of IHC’s executive committee”, the official noted.

“We have written to the vice chancellor of SPPU expressing our deep anguish and asking him toensure that the local delegate fee is returned immediately to members,” Ramakrishnan said.

“We regret that our members are being put to great inconvenience at this late hour but assure themthat we will hold the 79th session at a future date, the dates and venue of which will be conveyedby email to members and on the Indian History Congress website,” the note added.

Noted historian S Irfan Habib expressed surprise at the sudden decision of the university to postpone the event.

“Shocking to know that Savitri Bai Phule University in Pune suddenly decided not to host the 79th Indian History Congress session. IHC session was supposed to be held by the end of this month. Law and order issues are cited as one major reason by the university hosts,” Habib said in a tweet.

IHC is the largest professional and academic body of Indian historians. It promotes and encourages scientific study of Indian history, according to the IHC’s website.