Srinagar: A Three- day National Seminar on ‘Contribution of Shaikh-ul Aalam to Reshi- Sufi traditions of Kashmir’ organised by Markaz-i- Noor, Centre for Shaikh-ul Aalam Studies (CSAS), University of Kashmir, Srinagar started at GDC Chrar-i-Sharief on Wednesday.
While presiding over the inaugural session of the seminar Vice Chancellor University of Kashmir Prof Talat Ahmad who was the chief guest on the occasion said that there is a paramount scope for propagating and adhering to the legacy of Sheikh-ul Aalam (RA) in the prevailing chaotic global and regional scenario.
Prof Talat stressed upon the need for revisiting the iconic role of Shaikh-ul Aalam (RA) in the cultural transformation of Kashmir at an important juncture of its history.
He said, “Shaikh-ul Aalam (RA) became the biggest source of connection for all the people of Kashmir and his message on pluralism and peaceful co-existence has universal appeal.”
Prof Talat hopped that serious research on the varied aspects of Shaikh-ul Aalam’s philosophy shall be carried forward in future as well.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice-Chancellor Central University of Kashmir Prof Meharaj-ud Din affirmed that the legacy of Shaikh-ul Aalam (RA) is indispensable to the Kashmir heritage and culture and efforts need to be made to incorporate his teachings in the curriculum “so that our younger generation is also connected to this glorious spiritual and cultural heritage.”
In his remarks, Prof. Mushtaq Ahmad Siddiqi Vice-Chancellor, Islamic University of Science & Technology evaluated the role of Shaikh-ul Aalam (RA) in view of Reshi-Sufi traditions in Kashmir and unravelled the reality that a serious disconnect is observed in the present generation towards the spiritual realities.
“Therefore, urgent need is to create a robust mechanism that alongside excelling in different fields of knowledge, our students should be acquainted with the spiritual dimensions also,” said Prof Siddiqi
Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir, Registrar, KU and Principal GDC, Chrar-i Sharief Prof. Tabasum Rafiq were special guests on the occasion.
Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir highlighted the role of Shaikh-ul Aalam (RA) in promoting harmony and brotherhood in Kashmir. He expressed his full support to the future pursuits of CSAS.
Prof. Ghulam Yahya Anjum, acclaimed authority on Mysticism and Islamic Studies from Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi in his keynote address enlightened promotion and evolution of mystic ideas in the subcontinent and distinctive position of Shaikh-ul Aalam (RA).
Earlier Chairman Markaz-i Noor Prof. G.N.Khaki In his introductory cum welcome address highlighted the importance of organising such academic events and welcomed the worthy participants, academics and scholars.
The seminar was attended by a galaxy of scholars, writers, poets, administrators, educationists and renowned personalities.
Meanwhile on Wednesday first academic session of the seminar was chaired by Prof. Muhammad Zaman Azurdah wherein six research papers were presented and four technical sessions were held in the Seminar Hall of CSAS, University of Kashmir. The scholars and academics drawn from different universities, colleges and research institutes across the country contributed their research papers on various aspects of Shaik-ul Aalam’s contribution to Reshi Sufi traditions.
