If there is no Hitler Road in Tel Aviv, why does India have a Babur Road, Akbar Road, and institutions named after invaders who committed genocide? This searing discussion at SRCC features author Abhas Mitra unpacking his book on Babur — a direct confrontation with India’s Stockholm syndrome toward its medieval conquerors.

A key historical correction emerges: the Babri Masjid is shown to have first appeared during Aurangzeb’s era, not Babur’s — with traveller records and Abul Fazal’s own writings confirming the Ram Janmasthana Mandir’s existence throughout. The speakers anchor the conversation in a defining civilisational principle: what separates a living civilisation from a defeated one is the present generation’s willingness to correct historical injustices committed against its ancestors. The discussion connects the controversy around the Sambhaji Maharaj film to this larger pattern of erasure and makes the case for an unapologetic reclaiming of historical memory.

About the Speakers:

Aabhas K. Maldahiyar is an Indian architect, urban designer, historian and author. He has authored both fiction and non-fiction works, including Restart: An Architect’s Journey to the Parliament House, Crossing the Line, and #Modi Again: Why Modi Is Right for India — An Ex-Communist’s Manifesto. He also works on architectural and urban design projects, and is known for integrating historical narratives into spatial and built environments.

Dr. Anand Ranganathan is a scientist, author, and professor at the Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi. His research focuses on infectious diseases — especially tuberculosis and malaria — exploring topics such as the directed evolution of proteins, pathogenesis, drug resistance, and the development of new therapeutic solutions. Books he has authored include The Land of the Wilted Rose, For Love and Honour, The Rat Eater (co-authored), Soufflé, and Hindus in Hindu Rashtra.