Why Study History? An Intellectual Dialogue with Historian Dr. Rai Shabbir Ahmed!”

In his magnum opus, The Historian’s Craft, the French historian Marc Bloch left behind a timeless truth that serves as the lodestar for all who engage with the past: “History is not merely a graveyard of events, but a living river of human consciousness, flowing from the roots of the past through the jagged landscapes of the present, toward the ocean of the future.” It is a profound tragedy that by sidelining disciplines like history, philosophy, and the social sciences in our academic priorities, we have effectively withered our own civilizational roots. A few days ago, a long and detailed conversation with my friend and scholar, Dr. Rai Shabbir Ahmed—the head of the Department of History and Pakistan Studies at the University of Gujrat—brought this intellectual vacuum into sharp relief: why does the modern student fear or remain detached from the profound depths of these subjects?

Dr. Rai Shabbir’s diagnosis is as piercing as it is essential. To him, the primary cause of this detachment is the prevailing materialistic obsession of our education system, which has reduced knowledge to a mere “commercial product”—a commodity to be traded. Under the suffocating pressure of parents and society, students now weigh every field of study on the scales of “economic profit.” In this frenzied pursuit of material gain, they have forgotten that history is not about memorizing dates or events; it is the most potent tool for understanding the rise and fall of civilizations, deconstructing the hidden threads of global politics, and guarding our own cultural identity against the pressures of the marketplace. Dr. Rai Shabbir maintains with conviction that as long as history is viewed as a burdensome syllabus, students will remain averse to it. It must be repurposed as a “creative and critical instrument” to meet the demands of our time.
Discussing the decline of social sciences in our universities, Dr. Rai Shabbir expressed profound sorrow at how we have reduced centers of learning into mere factories for degree distribution. If history classes remain confined to dry, archaic narratives, the alienation of students is only natural. Bridging the gap between the student and the modern requirements of history is an urgent necessity. Today’s student of history is not just a traditional chronicler; they can enter the arena of action armed with modern techniques like ‘Digital Humanities,’ ‘Public History,’ ‘Archive Management,’ and ‘Social Data Analytics.’ The way the Department of History at the University of Gujrat has been structured on these modern lines is a testament to the fact that by equipping students with skills like ‘Source Research Methods’ and ‘Critical Discourse Analysis,’ they can be transformed into vital, active participants in national development and policy-making.
Dr. Rai Shabbir believes that the process of historical understanding functions like the nervous system of a nation. If the nerves weaken, the body’s vitality fades. He noted with deep empathy that our curriculum has reduced history to mere tales of ‘conquests and defeats.’ Yet, the true essence of history lies in the ‘clash of ideas’ and the ‘evolution of human values.’ When we present history as a living experience, it becomes inevitable for students to find it compelling.
The renowned philosopher George Santayana rightly observed: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” This adage acts as a chilling warning in our turbulent times. If we fail to learn from the mistakes of our past, we remain trapped in an endless cycle, losing our very sense of identity. History is not just a record; it is a map of the possibilities for the future. Dr. Rai Shabbir emphasized that studying history is not an ‘intellectual luxury’ but a matter of survival. The mind of a history student is a laboratory where they test the experiences of the past to find solutions for the burning problems of the present. Edward Gibbon, in his timeless work The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, showed how institutions collapse due to inner rot. This book is not just the story of Rome; it is a mirror for every nation that loses itself in the shadows of negligence while drunk on the wine of success.
The study of history teaches humanity and grants an expansive perspective to the mind. It reveals that no matter how powerful a human may become, the tides of time wash everyone away. This field is not limited to teaching; it opens bright career paths in ‘Think Tanks,’ ‘Museum Management,’ ‘Tourism and Cultural Heritage,’ ‘Diplomacy,’ and the ‘Civil Services.’ Under the leadership of Dr. Rai Shabbir, the Department of History at the University of Gujrat is committed to arming students with knowledge ranging from ‘Colonial and Post-Colonial History’ to ‘Social and Cultural History’—disciplines that command respect not just nationally, but globally. Crucially, a long list of scholarships, including ‘Vice Chancellor Special Scholarships,’ ‘HEC Need-Based Scholarships,’ and ‘Merit Scholarships,’ ensures that economic hardship never hinders a student’s quest for knowledge.
During our conversation, Dr. Rai Shabbir raised a vital point: the modern historian is not just a narrator of the past but a ‘social architect.’ He argued that when we introduce students to ‘Micro-History,’ they discover the stories of their own towns, villages, and common people. This process anchors them in their roots. He lamented that we have forgotten our local history. A historic region like Gujrat has a civilizational narrative spanning hundreds of years. Documenting and researching this is one of the primary responsibilities of a History Department.
Reflecting on the utility of history, E.H. Carr wrote in his famous book What is History? that “History is an unending dialogue between the present and the past.” If we sever this relationship, we are left with no foundation to build the future. When today’s student reads history, they don’t just consume facts; they read a story of human struggle, sacrifice, conspiracy, and triumph—a story that forces them to realize that human civilization is not a straight line, but a complex, arduous journey filled with ups and downs.
Dr. Rai Shabbir firmly believes that the greatest benefit of historical study is the awakening of ‘critical consciousness.’ When students see how different narratives were constructed in various eras, they learn to question. And questioning is the bedrock of knowledge. He noted that we teach our students not to accept any historical document as ‘unquestionable,’ but to analyze who wrote it, why, and for what purpose. This ‘Critical Discourse’ is the true source of power in today’s world.
The call of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan remains as vibrant today as ever: “If you want to keep your nation alive, teach them history, for history shows nations the paths of their rise and fall.” The tendency in our education system to present history as a “dead subject” has alienated our youth. The need is to present history as the story of living, breathing human beings. The lessons of history are not just in the pages of books; they are in the air we breathe. If we weave our local history, the story of our towns, and the experiences of our elders into the broader tapestry of history, it becomes an engaging and life-giving pursuit.
Furthermore, Dr. Rai Shabbir highlighted the importance of ‘Digital History,’ noting that we live in an era of ‘Digital Archives.’ We need to digitize our ancient documents, letters, and photographs. This is not just a task for technologists, but for historians. Only by preserving our heritage can we pass our identity to future generations. He added that the University of Gujrat is serving as a model in this direction, where history students are taught to use modern software and analytical tools.
Another crucial aspect of this dialogue is that history fosters tolerance and magnanimity. The study of global history allows us to realize that no civilization has ever progressed in isolation. The evolution of human knowledge is, in fact, a collective and social journey. Ibn Khaldun, in his Muqaddimah, explained that the survival of civilizations lies in their mutual interaction and social cohesion (‘Asabiyyah’). In these times of hatred, the study of history acts as a balm, showing us that human suffering is shared, our hopes are identical, and our ultimate end is common.
Dr. Rai Shabbir’s insight is noteworthy: when a student of history performs ‘Critical Discourse Analysis,’ they are not just analyzing words, but attempting to understand how centers of power have crafted their own narratives. This capability is essential for every young person today, whether they go into journalism, politics, or the corporate sector. History provides a vision that rises above temporary and superficial gains. Henry Ford might have called history “bunk,” but that was his limited, business-oriented viewpoint; the greatest leaders, political thinkers, and social experts of the world have always been students of history.
Dr. Rai Shabbir concluded by saying that the study of history helps man find his place in the flow of time. When a human realizes they are part of a vast, long-standing human journey, the shell of their ego breaks, and they begin to view themselves on a much larger canvas. This is the place from where the paths to humanity, peace, and progress emerge.
Finally, we invite all knowledge-seeking students to board this “ship of wisdom” that passes through the storms of the past to reach the shores of the future. The Department of History at the University of Gujrat is not merely an educational institution; it is a laboratory for intellectual training. Come here, open the windows of history, discover the truths hidden in ancient documents, and make yourself an heir to the great tradition that leads humanity from the dark caves of ignorance to the bright horizons of knowledge. This journey is certainly arduous, but the insight gained is more valuable than any material reward. Cling to history; it never disappoints its readers. Remember, those who close the book of history today will eventually be left out of the history of tomorrow. Come, make history a part of your way of life. History is not just the study of the past; it is the name of architectural work for the future. Just as a building stands on its foundations, nations stand on their history. If the foundations are weak, no matter how tall the building is, it will fall. Therefore, it is our collective duty to strengthen the foundations of our history. We must continue this journey of consciousness because history is the light that saves us from wandering in the darkness of the future. The journey continues, and it shall go on.