By TwoCircles.net correspondent
Munger(Bihar): A seminar organized in Munger remembered the contributions of Bihar and Bengal during the independence movement. Maulana Wali Rahmani recalled now forgotten wars of independence dating earlier than 1857 to highlight the fact that 1857 was not the first war of independence.
A three day national Seminar on the ‘Role of Bihar and Bengal in independence war and the contribution of Urdu Language and literature’ was inaugurated by Jaiprakash Narayan Yadav Minister of State for Water Resources, Government of India. The three day seminar was jointly organized by Rahmani Foundation, Munger and National Council for promotion of Urdu Language, New Delhi.
While inaugurating the seminar Mr. Jaiprakash Narayan Yadav said that Bihar and Bengal has contributed a lot during the war of independence. We must salute those who sacrificed their lives for Independence and their thoughts are the foundations for building a strong and prosperous India. He further said that this seminar has a vital importance as its message will go through the country and people will be able to know the greatest freedom fighters like Shah Waliullah, Mir Qasim, Ali Wardi Khan, Sirajuddaulah, Tipu Sultan and others. Munger is the place where Mir Qasim has fought with Lord Clive in 1763. He said that this is the right time to recall the contributions of these greatest sons of the soil who gave up their lives for getting the independence. Dakra Bridge and broken Walls are still seen as witnesses of those wars. It is very unfortunate that we could not recall their sacrifices even after 150 years. Talking about the contribution of Urdu Language & literature, he further said that we must appreciate the role of Urdu in the freedom struggle. Slogans like “Inqelab Zindabad” had given new life to freedom struggle. Urdu is the language of love and affection and brings people together with its sweetness and charm.
In his presidential address the foundation’s chairman, Maulana Mohammad Wali Rahmani, said that we have forgotten those who sacrificed their lives and wealth at the very initial stage of independence war. Referring to the contribution of Shah Waliullah Dehalvi in 1731, even scholars don’t bother to highlight this, he said. Even people of Munger have forgotten the war between Mir Qasim and Lord Clive in the year 1763. It was Ali Wardi Khan who successfully fought for the first time with British in 1754. In 1757 Sirajuddaulah fought a battle with the East India Company and unfortunately he was killed in the same battle. He further elaborated the contribution of Tipu Sultan, who was not only a successful administrator but also a very wise scholar. It was him who introduced the Missile to the world for the first time in history, and even NASA acknowledges the role of Tipu Sultan, as the pioneer of rocketry warfare.
Maulana Rahmani, who is also the secretary of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPB) said that historians generally refer 1857 as the first war but this is a very big historical mistake they are making. The first war of independence was held in 1731. It is very unfortunate that the historians and scholars have forgotten this period of struggle.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Ali Jawed, Director, National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language, has said that we must acknowledge the role of Urdu language and literature. He emphasized the role played by the Urdu language in the war of independence, being the language of masses. He also reminded people not to associate language with any religion. Appreciating the effort of Maulana Wali Rahmani for organizing and taking up this challenging work at a very important time, he said that no one can harm our composite culture.
While speaking during the inaugural session Dr. M. J. Warsi of Washington University, USA has said that the sweetness of Urdu language can be seen everywhere, wherever it is spoken and understood. He said no one can ignore the role of Urdu language and literature in the freedom struggle. Urdu has become the global language and being spoken in almost every continent. He suggested that the proceedings of the three day seminar must be published and the untouched story must be documented so as the new generations may not forget the contributions of theses great heroes.
Dr. Lutfur Rahman has recalled the statement of the Nawab of Bengal who warned the people by saying that Britishers are real threat to everyone. If we allow them now they will rule the entire nation in few years. He said we must be aware to recognize and differentiate the people like Mir Zafer and Mir Sadiq of this time.
Maulana Abu Talib Rahmani has said that the three days seminar will throw light on the faded passage of history. The inaugural programme ended with a vote of thanks by Mr. Basharat Hussain, general secretary, Rahmani Foundation.
Rahmani foundation is part of Khanqah Rahmani, which has contributed considerably in freedom movement. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Lal Nehru, Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar had come here to generate the freedom movement. Shri Krishna Sinha, The first chief Minister of Bihar, took shelter in Khanquah Rahmani for 22 days to evade arrest during the Quit India movement of 1942.
Khanqah was established in 1901 by Hazrat Maulana Mohammad Ali Mungeri. After the death of Hazrat Mungeri (R.A), his son, Hazrat Maulana Syed Minnatullah Rahmani (R.H) become the Sajjada Nasheen and led the flame of freedom struggle. He was jailed at Saharanpur Jail in 1932 for taking active part in freedom struggle by the British Rulers.
The seminar will continue for next two days.