SIO unveils logo for Coastal Karnataka History Summit in Bhatkal

Bhatkal, 24 February : (Press Release)  Karnataka: The Bhatkal Unit of Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) unveiled the  logo of the proposed “Coastal Karnataka History Summit” at a programme held at Dawat Centre on February 22, 2026, marking the beginning of an academic initiative aimed at documenting and preserving the history of Coastal Karnataka.

The summit will focus on the historical legacy of Uttara Kannada, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts, along with adjoining regions including parts of Kasaragod.

Senior journalist and community leader Dr. Haneef Shabab attended the programme as a guest. Also present were JIH Bhatkal President Moulana Syed Zubair SM, SIO Bhatkal President Mohammed Zayan Bangali, Unit Secretary Githreef Rida Manvi and Media Secretary Mashaikh Talish.

The summit is being organised by the Centre for Education and Research & Analysis (CERA). Organisers said the objective is to create an academic platform to revisit and critically document the layered history of the coastal belt, including its social, cultural, linguistic, political and economic dimensions.

During the event, the official Call for Papers was released, inviting researchers, academicians, historians and students to submit original and unpublished research papers. The summit aims to encourage interdisciplinary dialogue and bring regional histories into wider academic discussion.

The Call for Papers outlines five thematic areas. The first domain focuses on trade and economy, including maritime trade networks, port towns, merchant communities, fisheries and commodity-based economies that shaped the coastal districts.

The second domain deals with social structure and cultural interactions, including caste formations, inter-community relations and the influence of Islamic, Arab, Persian and indigenous traditions in the region.

The third domain centres on the formation and evolution of linguistic communities such as Tulu, Konkani, Beary, Moya Malayalam and Navayati, examining migration, trade and cultural exchange.

The fourth domain invites research on rulers and governance, including the administrative systems and social impact of the Alupa dynasty, Rani Abbakka, Tipu Sultan, the Nawaith Sultans of Bhatkal and post-Independence developments.

The fifth domain focuses on social reformers, including Narayana Guru, Syed Madani, Malik Deenar, Vakkom Moulavi, Sayyid Fazl Pasha and Kudmul Ranga Rao, highlighting their contributions to education, social reform and communal harmony.

As per the guidelines, abstracts of 200 words in English or Kannada must clearly state the research question, methodology and key findings. Submissions should be in Times New Roman, 12-point font with 1.15 line spacing. Papers must be original and unpublished.

The deadline for abstract submission is February 28, 2026. Notification of acceptance will be given on March 15, while full papers must be submitted by April 20. The summit is scheduled to be held on May 5, 2026.

Organisers said the initiative seeks to strengthen historical research and promote cultural understanding in the coastal districts. Queries and submissions can be sent to coastalkarnatakahistorysummit@gmail.com or through the contact number provided by the organisers.