University of Kashmir holds seminar on contribution of Sufi saints in Valley
Tribune News Service
Srinagar, February 26
A three- day national seminar on the ‘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 Government Degree College, Chrar-i-Sharief, on Tuesday.
While presiding over the inaugural session of the seminar, Vice-Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Professor Talat Ahmad who was the chief guest on the occasion said that there was scope for propagating and adhering to the legacy of Sheikh-ul Aalam (RA) in the prevailing chaotic global and regional scenario.
Talat stressed upon the need for revisiting the iconic role of Shaikh-ul Aalam (RA) in 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.”
Professor Talat hoped that research on the varied aspects of Shaikh-ul Aalam’s philosophy would be carried forward in future as well.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Kashmir, Professor Meharaj-ud Din affirmed that the legacy of Shaikh-ul Aalam (RA) was indispensable to the Kashmir heritage and culture and efforts needed 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 Professor 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 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,” Professor Siddiqi said.
Nisar Ahmad Mir, Registrar, KU, and Principal GDC, Chrar-i Sharief Prof Tabasum Rafiq were special guests.
