He also suggested that scholars keep up-to-date on their subjects as well as subjects related to their fields of study, maintain integrity in research, and demonstrate a willingness to share knowledge. | Photo credit: File photo
Critic and Central Sahitya Akademi awardee, Rahmath Tarikere, urged scholars in universities to embark on thematic and perspective research instead of information or survey oriented studies.
Speaking on research at the Sahyadri Arts College in Shivamogga on Monday, November 17, Mr. Tarikere said that countless researches have been done in recent years on a few select subjects that have hardly resulted in any breakthrough findings. However, no research has been done on the trade routes that were active during the reigns of various rulers in Karnataka. Similarly, there are no serious studies that trace the history of horse culture, which played a significant role in migration and warfare.
Prof. Recalling his visit to Stanford University as a scholar, Tarikere said one of the university’s students conducted a study on the language used by the California police when working with the black community. “I wish research scholars in Karnataka universities would take up the thematic issues and come up with a perspective,” he said.
He suggested that scholars keep up-to-date on their subjects as well as subjects related to their fields of study, maintain integrity in their research, and demonstrate a willingness to share knowledge. “The results of many important researches do not reach the public. The purpose of every study must be to share with the public. Scientists should rewrite the articles in a simple format and address people outside the academic space. Similarly, every research does not have to end up in a volume. An article of a few pages is enough,” he says.
When he spoke about the social responsibility of researchers, prof. Tarikere said he has to respond when society calls for it. “There are many scholars who have studied the microscopic nomadic communities of the state. When the state government denied them a separate reservation during the reclassification of the reservation among scheduled castes, scholars had a duty to respond. Similarly, historians must respond when politicians distort history for their political gains,” he said.
Published – 17 Nov 2025 20:07 IST
