Romila Thapar, a prominent historian and author, recently shared insights from her memoir 'Just Being', which reflects on her life and the broader historical context of India. At 94, Thapar recalls her early fascination with history, shaped by her upbringing and education, particularly her studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. She highlights the importance of understanding history as a dynamic field that goes beyond mere narratives, advocating for a focus on the 'why' and 'how' of historical events. Thapar expresses concern over the current ideological battles surrounding history, particularly the Aryan question, where she argues against the notion of Aryan indigeneity, asserting evidence supports their Central Asian origins. She also critiques the recent changes in educational curricula, particularly the exclusion of the Mughal period, which she believes undermines a comprehensive understanding of Indian history. Thapar laments the state of Jawaharlal Nehru University, where she taught, noting a troubling trend of suppressing dissent and intellectual inquiry. She warns of the challenges posed by social media and Artificial Intelligence in shaping historical discourse, emphasizing the need for rigorous academic standards to combat misinformation. Through her reflections, Thapar remains committed to the pursuit of knowledge and the importance of history in shaping contemporary society.