By Zaidul Haque, TwoCircles.net,
Kolkata: Newly-appointed Head of the Department of Philosophy and Contemporary Literature &Theology at Visva-Bharati University in West Bengal, Dr.Sirajul Islam was felicitated by a Muslim social organisationAmanat Foundation on 25th September, 2012 at Park Circus, Kolkata. Dr. Sirajul Islam is the first Muslim to head the department at the world famous institution after Independence. Visva-Bharati is a Central University founded by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The Chancellor of the University is Prime Minister of India.
Dr.Sirajul Islam is the first Muslim to head that department in last 65 years. So, Amanat Foundation, an NGO run by Muslims, thought it necessary to honor Dr. Islam, Secretary of the foundation Md Shah Alam told TCN.
Dr Sirajul Islam, HOD of Philosophy and Contemporary Theology in Visva-Bharati University felicitated by Amanat Foundation at Park Circus, Kolkata on 25th September, 2012.
In this felicitation programme, several clerics and Muslim intellectuals discussed the condition of Muslims and their present education scenario in this state. All the speakers stressed on education forupliftment of the Muslim society in West Bengal.
In his inaugural speech Secretary of Amanat Foundation Md Shah Alam said, this is the first time after Independence that, aMuslim is holding the post of Head of the department of Philosophy and Contemporary Literature &Theology of VisvaBharati University. Shah Alam also said, “Dr Islam is our pride and he will inspire the next generation to learn the higher studies.
DrSirajul Islam in his address said every religion is having a scientific theory. Islam is ahead of them where more importance is given to education. Islam begins with education. As a part of them Namaz (Salat) is mandatory in Islam. So you must learn education. But unfortunately we are careless towards education.
A large numbers of Students gathered in a Seminar of Campus Front of India, West Bengal Unit, held at Muslim Institute Hall, Kolkata on 25th September, 2012
Dr Islam said, once people of Europe would come to Arab world to learn. They would come to Nizamia Madrasa, Al-Azhar University of Egypt and Cordova University. The only way to development of the Muslims goes through education, he said.
All India Personal law Board member MaulanaIshaHaqueMadani said, Theology can teache the man, but they should know the religion to learn what to do and what not. Any violence is not permitted in Islam, he said. We should learn Islam very much and utilize the teachings of Islam in the life, then society can be changed. He advised the Muslim society to get education in a whole, then any one can be seated on the head post of the renowned University like VisvaBharati.