Srinagar: Vice-Chancellor University of Kashmir Prof Talat Ahmad on Tuesday inaugurated a two-day seminar on ‘Iqbal’s Contribution to New Perspective on Knowledge, Literature and Culture’. The national-level seminar has been organised by the varsity’s Iqbal Institute of Culture and Philosophy (IICP).
In presidential address, Prof Talat lauded the IICP for organising the seminar on Allama Iqbal (RA) who is regarded as a highly influential personality in the entire sub-continent for his traditional background of knowledge and studying critically the western/modern sciences. Dean Academic Affairs Prof Farooq Ahmad Masoodi, who was a special guest on the occasion, said the events like these provide an opportunity to young scholars of Iqbal (RA) to deliberate on his philosophy and poetry which is a treasure of knowledge and message for mankind as a whole. Former Director IICP Prof Bashir Ahmad Nehvi, delivered the keynote address and deliberated on the distinctive contribution of Iqbal (RA) to thought and literature. He highlighted Maulana Abul Hassan Nadwi’s understanding of Iqbal and its popularisation in the Arab world. Former Head, Department of Urdu, University of Delhi, Prof Obiad-ur-Rehman Hashmi, who was a guest of honour, highlighted the influence of Maulana Rumi on Iqbal which made Iqbal a great spiritual visionary.
KU Registrar Dr Nisar Ahmad Mir, who was also a guest of honour, said the stereotype that traditional education (learning Persian and Arabic) cannot lead to the high achievement of a person in modern age is not true vis-à-vis Iqbal who, on the contrary, rose to heights on the basis of his traditional background.
Coordinator IICP Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Ganai welcomed the guests and introduced the importance of the seminar theme. Dr Shahnawaz Shah, Senior Assistant Professor, recited the verses of Holy Quran, while Dr Fayaz Ahmad, Senior Research Scholar at IICP read the ‘Natiya Kalam’ of Iqbal (RA). Dr Rukhsana Rahim, contractual lecturer at IICP, presented a vote of thanks while Dr Shadab Arshid, Senior Assistant Professor, Department of Persian conducted the proceedings of the session.
