By Salman Sultan, TwoCircles.net,
Azamgarh: Dr. Karim Najafi Barzegar, Cultural Counsellor, Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, New Delhi, visited Darul Musannefin Shibli Academy in Azamgarh to sign an MoU between the Academy and Iran Culture House of the Embassy.
Dr. Karim Najafi and Professor I.A. Zilli, Director, Darul Musannefin Shibli Academy, jointly addressed a press conference prior to signing of the MoU in Academy’s Library.
Press Conference
Signing and exchanging of documents (MOU)
A function was organized in the Conference Hall of the Academy after ‘Maghrib’ prayer which was presided by Mr. Abdul Mannan Helali, Joint Secretary of the Academy. Mr. Abdur Rahman Abbasi recited holy verses of Quran followed by its translation.
Mr. Abdur Rahman Abbasi (recitation of verses from Holy Quran)
After which Professor Zilli welcomed the distinguished guest expressing his gratefulness to the hospitality and affection of Dr. Karim Najafi at their first meeting in Tehran. He told the intellectual gathering about the efforts made by Dr. Najafi, a well qualified person trained in both traditional sciences and modern learning, to activate the Office of Cultural Counsellor. He further mentioned Indo-Persian relations prior to Mughals in the period of Sultans and laid emphasis on the immense contribution of Allama Shibli Nomani R.A. to the Persian language. He said that Allama Shibli’s ‘Sher-ul-Ajam’ is held in high esteem in Iran.
Professor Zilli told about the importance of signing of the MoU which will, Insha’Allah, open the door of Academic and Cultural Exchange with Iran. He gave the salient features of the MoU as follows:
1. Exchange of Scholars between Shibli Academy and Iran
2. Collaboration in organization of Seminars and Conferences.
3. Cataloguing of Manuscripts (over 600 manuscripts of Arabic and Persian)
4. Exchange of Books (a large number of books on Islamic Sciences has been published in Iran)
5. Collaboration in printing books of mutual interest.
6. Publication of Manuscripts
Professor Zilli expressed confidence in the MoU for opening new possibilities for the Academy. He quoted Allama Shibli Nomani that “ailment of Muslims can be alleviated only by creation and pursuit of knowledge”. This Academy has few rivals as far as publication of authentic research work is concerned, said the Director (Professor Zilli).
Professor I.A. Zilli
Attentive audienceDr. Karim Najafi was praised for observing simplicity in the footsteps of his President Ahmadi Nejad and was formally introduced. Dr. Najafi holds double doctorate degree in Islamic Studies (University of Iran) and History (J.N.U. New Delhi). He is also a Post Doc in History from J.N.U. He taught History in different Universities of Iran and held the post of Vice Chancellor, Pyame Noor University, Iran. Dr. Najafi is member of Indian History Congress, Indian Sociological Society, Iran Society of West Bengal, Asiatic Society of West Bengal in addition to being Editor-in-Chief of Indo-Iran Society Quarterly Journal, New Delhi and Qand-Parsi Quarterly Journal published by Persian Research Centre of Iran Culture House, New Delhi. He has published four books while five are under publication. He has authored more than 50 articles and participated in International Seminars and Conferences in India, U.K., Syria, Italy, Pakistan, Iran and China. He has revived and revitalized the Indo-Iran Society after a gap of 30 years in order to strengthen the existing cordial cultural relations between India and Iran.
Dr. Najafi appreciated the initiative and persuasion of Professor Zilli for bringing this Centre (Shibli Academy) at par with other educational institutions and hoped that under his guidance and supervision the Academy will flourish. He told how the culturally rich and old civilizations of India and Iran have enriched each other and quoted Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru “Few people have been more closely related in origin and throughout history than the people of India and the people of Iran”. He dwelled upon the friendly and fruitful contacts between the people of India and Iran from ancient times (Aryan, Achamenian and Sassanid period). He told about the pioneering effort of Mirza Ghalib, Allama Shibli Nomani and Allama Iqbal in the rise of Persian language after the downfall of Mughal Empire. He particularly mentioned the great role of Allama Shibli in the revival of Islamic values and cultural heritage.
Dr. Najafi briefly described critical evaluation of Persian poetry by Allama Shibli in his “Sher-ul-Ajam”. He also mentioned the importance of this centre (Academy) through association of famous students/trainees of Allama Shibli namely, Mohammed Ali Jauhar and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and attachment of prominent personalities like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Fakhruddin Ali Ahmad.
Dr. Karim Najafi Barzegar
Professor Zilli remarked (on behalf of Mr. Abdul Mannan Helali) that this will not only be the first visit of Dr. Najafi but it will pave the way for a long association. He said that we can move forward only by strengthening our past heritage.
Professor Zilli thanked the distinguished guest, members of Iran Culture House and the select gathering for making the program a success.
Dr. Karim Najafi had forgotten to announce biennial award for critical appraisal of work done by Allama Shibli Nomani R.A. and this he did at the dinner table.
In the Museum
At dinner table
Scholars and Staff of Shibli Academy