This refers to the article, “To learn from history, declassify all the files” (October 22) by Claude Arpi. he tragedy is that there are very few true scholars, despite the fact that many get UGC fellowships. Where there is a desire, almirahs will get opened.
Sometime back, I met a German PhD student in India, studying the history of Indian Railways. He went to many institutes and places in India to get archival information. I am sure he has done a good job. Now, how many Indian history researchers put in that effortIJ Most researchers lack the drive, as there is hardly any appreciation for good research, and few incentives.