Press Note
Day-1
Markaz-Noor, Shaikh al-Aalam Centre for Multidisciplinary Studies (SACMS), University of Kashmir, oragnised a Two Day National Seminar titled “Analytical Study of Kalam-i Shaikh al-Alam (RA): Selected Poems” on 20-21st September, 2022. As part of a significant initiative undertaken by Markaz-i Noor towards authenticating his kalam, the seminar engages with the selected poems of Shaikh al-Alam (RA) in order to understand their stylistic, linguistic and socio-cultural underpinnings.
The inaugural session of the seminar was held in the Gandhi Bhawan auditorium. The session was presided over by Prof. Nilofer Khan, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, who was the Chief Guest on the occasion, while Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice Chancellor, IUST was the Guest of Honour. Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir, Registrar, Kashmir University was the Special Guest of the session while Prof. Shad Ramzan, Former Head, department of Kashmiri, University of Kashmir delivered the Keynote address.
In his welcome address, Prof. G. N. Khaki, Chairman SACMS emphasized the need to research the kalam of Shaikh al-Alam (RA) so that it is authenticated and also serves the important purpose of reinforcing the secular Kashmiri traditions of peace and tolerance that are embodied in Shaikh al-Alam’s poetry. In her presidential address, Prof. Nilofer Khan, spoke of Shaikh al-Alam (RA) as a sage par excellence whose kalam and teachings need to reach a wider audience and therefore the theme of the seminar was very timely and worthwhile. Speaking on this occasion, Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo congratulated SACMS for its endeavours in disseminating the Shaikh’s message while acting as an interlocutor between the academia and the masses. Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir deliberated on the socio-cultural undercurrents of Shaikh’s times and the efficacy of his verses in modulating the contemporary behaviour and psyche of Kashmiris. In his keynote address, Prof. Shad Ramzan situated Shaikh al-Alam (RA) on a very high literary pedestal describing him as a visionary man whose kalam has left an indelible impression on the canvas of the Kashmiri mind. Dr. Muhammad Ilham (Faculty, SACMS) conducted the proceedings while Dr. Saltanat Farooq (Faculty, SACMS) presented the vote of thanks.
On this occasion, three books in English, Urdu and Kashmiri, were released at the event. The books published by SACMS are focused around various aspects of Shaikh al-Aalam’s life and thought. Other than the book released, Dr. Masood Ahmad Masoodi (sajada nishin, Dsargah Sharief, Alamadar-i Kashmir, Qaimoh), Haji Mohd. Younis sajada nishin, Dargah Sharief, Alamadar-i Kashmir, Chrar-i-Sharief) and Dr. Inayat Gul (Chrar-i-Sharief) felicitated both the Hon’ble Vice Chancellors. Besides, the dignitaries on the dais were also presented with mementos.
Following the inaugural session, ten research papers were read in two technical sessions by eminent scholars of Shaikh al-Alam Studies that analyzed various poems of the Shaikh including Kroud no Musalmaans Pazi, Yus Karu Gongul Suy Kari Krav and Wyn Pyoom Cheyatas Graki wiz Noon. The sessions were chaired by Prof. Basher Bashir and Prof. G.N. Adfar. The proceedings were attended a galaxy of intellectuals, academicians, scholars and students from across the Valley of Kashmir.
Day-2
The Two Day National Seminar titled “Analytical Study of Kalam-i Shaikh al-‘Alam (RA): Selected Poems” organised by Markaz-i Noor, Shaikh-ul Aalam Centre for Multidisciplinary Studies (SACMS), University of Kashmir concluded on 21st September 2022. The entire proceedings of the day were conducted in the Seminar Hall of the Centre in which fifteen (15) papers were read over three sessions chaired by Prof. Shad Ramzan (Former Head, Department of Kashmiri, University of Kashmir), Prof. Hamid Naseem Rafiabadi (In charge Director, Centre for Spiritual Studies, IUST) and Dr. Afaq Aziz (Formerly Associate Professor, CCAS) respectively. Other intellectuals, academics and scholars who participated in the seminar provided concluding remarks towards the end of the day emphasizing the need to research Shaikh al-‘Alam’s poetry in a more analytical manner and with the hope that SACMS will continue its efforts to authenticate his kalam. Chairman SACMS, Prof. G. N. Khaki thanked everyone for participating in the seminar assuring the audience that the Centre will ensure that scholarship on Shaikh al-‘Alam (RA) is promoted even further and that more seminars on similar themes are conducted in the future.
Prof. G.N. Khaki
Chairman
SACMS
Shaikh-Ul-Aalam Centre for Multidisciplinary Studies