By TwoCircles.net staff reporter,
Munger (Bihar): The three-day seminar (May 3-5) on ‘Role of Bihar and Bengal in Independence War and the Contribution of Urdu Language and Literature’ saw scholars and researchers from across the country making presentations on various aspects of the topic.
Presenting his paper on the battle of Plassey, Asim Shahnawaz Shibli of Kolkata elaborated on how treason caused defeat of a big army of Nawab Sirajuddaula. The topic of Raza Ali Haider was “Urdu Poetry and War of Independence.” In the War of 1857, Indians suffered not only political and military defeat but also civilizational and cultural defeat, he said. Other topics discussed in the seminar included life of Bahadur Shah Zafar and role of tribals in Independence war.
Prof. Shakir Khalique of Darbhanga talked about the contributions of Maulana Shafi Daudi. He said Daudi played a key role in strengthening the freedom struggle in North Bihar but he has seldom been mentioned in history books.
Advocate Basharat Hussain, general secretary, Rahmani Foundation, presided over the last session. In his address, Hussain said the seminar was not meant to count freedom fighters on communal line. Rather, it was aimed at taking inspiration from those great souls who sacrificed their lives for freedom so that we could be above communalism and work united for the society and the nation. The seminar jointly organized by Rahmani Foundation, Munger and National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language, New Delhi concluded on 5th May.
It was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Water Resources Jaiprakash Narayan Yadav on 3rd May. The minister in his speech highlighted the role of Bihar and Bengal in the war of Independence. Praising in high tone the contributions of greatest freedom fighters like Shah Waliullah, Mir Qasim, Ali Wardi Khan, Sirajuddaulah and Tipu Sultan, the minister said their sacrifices for Independence and their thoughts which proved stepping stone in nation-building must be saluted.
Addressing the gathering, Maulana Wali Rahmani, chairman, Rahmani Foudation and secretary, All India Muslim Personal Law Board, reminded people of wars of Independence fought much before the famous 1857 war but unfortunately, or rather by design, were overlooked by historians.