All revolutions in the world arose after people learned from history.

• The movements against slavery, the struggles for independence, and the cries for human rights, all were results of historical awareness
• History is the foundation of our national and cultural identity. When we study our past, we discover the struggles, sacrifices, and achievements of our ancestors

Abdullah Usman Morai | Sweden

What is history? It is not merely a list of past events, the names of kings, or the accounts of wars. History, in reality, is a mirror of humanity’s life across ages, its experiences, achievements, and failures. It reflects who we are and where we come from. In this mirror, nations not only find their identity but also discover the path for their future. Many people think of history as nothing more than old tales and incidents, but in truth, history is of immense importance in building human consciousness and thought.

In today’s fast-paced world, many believe that the past should be left behind and focus should be placed only on the future. But this thinking is flawed. If history is recorded truthfully, reading and understanding it remains crucial for us even today.

History is not only about rulers and wars, it is also the source of culture, customs, and traditions. When a person studies their history, they come to know how their clothes, food, music, and language evolved over time. This awareness teaches them to take pride in their culture.

For Sindhi youth, studying history is even more essential. The history of Sindh is full of sacrifices, struggles, and intellectual pursuits. The message of Sufi poets, the eras of the Arghuns and Tarkhans, the struggle against the British, all of these teach us how the people of Sindh kept their land, language, and identity alive. If the new generation does not study this history, then in the future, they may drift away from their roots.

History Expands the Mind

A person who studies history does not see the world only through the eyes of the present, but in relation to the past and the future. Such thinking makes one more tolerant, responsible, and aware. History teaches that no condition, whether prosperity or hardship remains forever, but keeps changing.

Understanding the Present through History

Our present society, politics, religion, and culture have all gone through countless changes and events. Behind every custom or law lies a long history. For example, to understand today’s movements for social justice or international relations, one must study the historical circumstances of the past. History helps us uncover the true causes behind today’s problems and progress. A person who does not know their past cannot fully understand their present.

Only one who knows their past can preserve their identity. For Sindhis, history is essential because it contains stories of their civilization, language, resistance, and love. If a young person does not know what Mohenjo-Daro was, what message Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and other Sufi saints gave, what is the history of our famous castles, why the Battle of Miani near Hyderabad took place, or what the eras of the Soomras, Sammas, Kalhoras, and Talpurs were like, then they will remain empty of their true identity.

Learning from Mistakes and Finding the Path Forward

History is a great teacher. It provides thousands of examples where nations progressed through wisdom and unity, and others where disunity and poor decisions led to their downfall. History reveals the outcomes of good and bad choices. Which decisions in the past caused destruction, and which brought progress and success? Through continuous study of history, we can understand patterns in human behavior, social changes, and economic systems, and also identify the mistakes of our ancestors, so we can avoid repeating them.

History helps us plan better, recognize problems in advance, and make wise decisions. For instance, the history of wars tells us what happens when people choose violence over peace and dialogue. History is like a ladder, it acts as a teacher, taking us from the present toward the future.

Political and Social Awareness

All revolutions in the world arose after people learned from history. The movements against slavery, the struggles for independence, and the cries for human rights, all were results of historical awareness. If people study history, they advance with social and political consciousness. But if they remain unaware of it, they can easily be deceived and lose their rights.

Developing Critical Thinking

History is not just one story but a collection of many. Viewing historical events from different perspectives develops critical thinking. It teaches us not to accept any claim or piece of information blindly but to examine its sources. This nurtures the ability to understand any issue with deep thought and analysis.

Understanding Identity and Culture

History is the foundation of our national and cultural identity. When we study our past, we discover the struggles, sacrifices, and achievements of our ancestors. Learning about Sindh’s history, its folklore, Sufi poets, and ancient cities makes us realize the value of our heritage and culture. This knowledge makes us feel that we are not just individuals but part of a vast national and cultural legacy.

Conclusion

Last but not least, history is not just the past; it is also our present, our teacher, and an essential part of our identity. Studying history is as necessary for every individual as air and water are for daily life. The purpose of reading it is not merely to know about the past, but to learn lessons from it, improve our present, and lay the foundation of a brighter future.

Truthfully written history gives us knowledge of truth and wisdom, teaches lessons, raises awareness, and connects us to our culture. Every individual should give importance to studying history for their personal, social, and national development. A person unaware of their history is like a tree without roots, standing fragile, ready to fall at any time.

We all must read history, understand it, and pass it on to the next generations. For history itself is the guarantee of our identity and our future.