By TCN Special Correspondent,
Azamgarh: An exceptionally hot and humid evening got enlivened with the presence of elected representatives of Azamgarh in the conference hall of Darul Musannefin Shibli Academy. It was indeed a rare occasion when almost all invited public representatives of Azamgarh and senior leaders of Samajwadi Party took time of their busy schedule to reach almost in time (quite an exception) in response to the invitation of Darul Musannefin Shibli Academy.
With an informal introduction by Maulana Umair-us-Siddique Nadvi, the program formally started with recitation of verses from holy Quran by Mr. Qamar Abbasi. After proposing the name of Mr. Balram Yadav, Minister for Panchayti Raj to preside, Professor Ishtiaq Ahmad Zilli, Director, in his welcome address apprised the august audience with the difficult circumstances in which Shibli Academy not only sustained its existence but churned out remarkable literature by exceptionally dedicated Scholars. He enlightened the audience with the extraordinary personality of Allama Shibli Nomani who thought of the importance of quality literature in society’s development and established this unique Academy almost a century ago. He clarified that except for one time government grant through Nehru-Azad effort, Academy has never sought financial assistance. He, however, mentioned changed circumstances which made it incumbent upon State government to appreciate the role of Shibli Academy in promoting communal harmony through well researched literature, its vital role in the freedom movement, the exalted position it held and continues to hold in the eyes of political stalwarts irrespective of political affiliation and periodic limitation. Professor Zilli submitted a project proposal to all three Ministers sitting on the dais.
Group of SP elected representative and leaders
Mr. Waseem Ahmad, Minister of State for Basic Education, who is a descendent of Allama Shibli Nomani, pleaded the case of Academy playing as host and asked for patience of Public for much needed and overdue development of Azamgarh.
Mr. Durga Prasad Yadav, Minister for Urban safety, Stamp registration etc. mentioned the role of his alma mater (Shibli National College) in building up his career and his association with the Academy. He specifically mentioned discussing the issu6e of power shortage with Chief Minister along with Mr. Balram Yadav.
Mr. Hawaldar Yadav, District President of Samajwadi Party, appreciated the role of internationally renowned Shibli Academy and described it as the ‘pride of Azamgarh’.
In his presidential remarks, Mr. Balram Yadav mentioned his earlier visits to the Academy to seek guidance from Late Maulana Ziauddin Islahi, former Director, and gave the title of ‘Tapaswi (ascetic)’ to the Scholars who produced remarkable literature from the sweat of their brow. He mentioned the stay of Mr. Akhilesh Yadav in Shibli National College Guest House during his election tour and the great regard he (CM) has for institutions established by Allama Shibli Nomani. He underscored the duty of government as well as all right minded people to help this unique Academy which actually is Azamgarh’s introduction to the world.
Audience
Present in the audience were Samjwadi leaders like Mr. Salman Khan, Mr. Nafees Ahmad, President Yuvjan Sabha, Mr. Sangram Yadav (MLA Atraulia), Mr. Adil Shaikh (MLA Deedarganj), Mr. Abhai Narain (MLA Sagri), Mr. Bechai Saroj (MLA Lalganj), Mr. Shyam Bahadur Yadav (MLA Phoolpur). Mr. Wasiuddin etc
Dr. Salman Sultan proposed vote of thanks and Maulana Umair-us-Siddique Nadvi conducted the proceedings.