Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 20: Underscoring the relevance of ‘Nund Rishi’s’ message for eradicating prevailing evils from the society, the Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs A. R. Rather has urged for in-depth and comprehensive research work on the socio-religious and cultural dimensions of the life of this revered sufi saint so that common masses especially youth are acquainted with his teachings, which has a universal appeal.
Speaking at a special programme organized in memory of Shaikh-ul-Aalam, Hazarat Shaikh Noor-ud-din Wali (RA) at the University of Kashmir last evening, Mr. Rather called for genuine research on the multi-faceted life of Shaikh-ul-Aalam (RA) and his understanding which he propagated by means of his poetry commonly known as Sheikh Shrukhs.
The programme was organized by the Markaz-i-Noor, Centre for Shaikh-ul-Aalam (RA) Studies in collaboration with the Regional Directorate of Indian Council for Culture and Research (ICCR).
Mr. Rather said that Shaikh-ul-Aalam (RA) remains embedded in the very soul of Kashmir, adding that both cultural and social life of Kashmiris bears his imprints in one way or the other. He said that Shaikh-ul-Aalam’s (RA) deft poetic touches and spiritual ecstasy encompasses day to day psyche of Kashmiris. Besides, “a great social reformer, Shaikh-ul-Aalam (RA) was an ace-social reformer also who tirelessly endeavored for upholding human values.
The Minister for Higher Education, Mohd Akbar Lone and a Galaxy of scholars, academicians, intelligentsia, writers, journalists including Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir Talat Ahmed, JnanPith Awardee Prof. Rahman Rahi, Chairman Markaz-i-Noor Prof. Bashar Bashir, Director Academic Staff Farooq Fayaz, Prof. Margoob Banhali, Farooq Nazki, Retd. Justice B.A. Kirmani, consultant education J&K Government Mohd Rafi, M.Y. Taing, Regional Director ICCR Ayaz Rasool Nazki, Prof. Shad Ramzaan, Aziz Hajni and ACR Pulwama Mr. Shah Faisal were also present on the occasion.
Mr. Rather called for translation of the poetry of Shaikh-ul-Aalam (RA) into other languages so that his message and ideals about life and religion are propagated world over. He said Government has acquired about 20 Kanals of land adjacent to upcoming Degree College Complex at Charar-i-Sharief for construction of a state of art Shaikh-ul Aalam (RA) Auditorium and asked the concerned authorities of University of Kashmir, Markaz-i-Noor and all other stake holders to suggest how better this asset could be utilized for research and propagation of the teachings of Hazrat Shaikh.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Talat Ahmad said that the Shaikh-ul-Aalam (RA) Chair has now been converted into the Centre for Shaikh-ul-Aalam Studies where 9 Scholars for M. Phil and Ph.D programme have been registered so far. He said University of Kashmir will provide extra fellowships to the Centre for Shaikh-ul-Aalam Studies in near future.
Mr. Rather also released some latest publications which include translation of Baba Nasseb-u-Din Ghazi’s “Reshinama” by Prof. Margoob Banihali, “Reshmoul” by Dr. Zulfikar and “Alamdar”and “Noor” both publications of Markaz-i-Noor.
Prof. Rehman Rahi in his lucid and peculiar style recited some Shruks of Shaikh-ul-Aalam (RA) which mesmerized the audience.
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