Rajouri : The MA Persian Programme of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU), Rajouri, organized a distinguished extension lecture on the life and literary contributions of the celebrated Persian poet, moralist, and scholar, Sheikh Saadi Shirazi.
According to a statement issued from Public Relations Office IUST here the event commenced with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an by second-semester MA Persian students, followed by a soulful rendition of Naat Shareef. Dr. Manzar Alam, Coordinator of the MA Persian Programme, welcomed the guest of honour, Prof. Muzaffar Alam from the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), Hyderabad.
Prof. Jawaid Iqbal, Vice Chancellor of BGSBU, lauded the initiative of the MA Persian Programme. “The legacy of Sheikh Saadi Shirazi is an integral part of the Persian literary canon and holds immense relevance in today’s world. I commend the Persian Program for organizing such intellectually stimulating engagements that foster academic curiosity and promote intercultural literary understanding. BGSBU remains committed to advancing scholarship in classical literature and encouraging critical dialogue across disciplines,” he said.
In his illuminating address, Prof. Alam provided a deep and nuanced exploration of Sheikh Saadi’s life, literary evolution, and philosophical insights. He underscored the enduring relevance of Saadi’s magnum opuses, Gulistan and Bostan, which are revered for their profound ethical teachings, universal wisdom, and humanistic values. He also highlighted the wide-ranging influence of these works, noting their translations into Arabic and Urdu, which extend Saadi’s literary reach far beyond Persian-speaking communities.
The lecture drew active participation from students and faculty members across multiple departments, including Arabic, Urdu, Education, and English, along with scholars from diverse academic disciplines.
The programme was adeptly conducted by Dr. Kousar Jafri, faculty member of the MA Persian Programme, and concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Akhter Hussain Shah, also a faculty member of the department.
