By TCN News,
New Delhi: An International Conference on “Sufism in India and Central Asia” is being organized by MMAJ-Academy of International Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, on February 11-12, 2015.
The Inaugural Session was held this morning in Edward Said Hall, Jamia Millia Islamia. The Conference was inaugurated by Shambhu S Kumaran, Joint Secretary, (ERS), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India and the session was chaired by Prof. Talat Ahmad, Vice-Chancellor, Jamia Millia Islamia, who also gave the Welcome Address. H.E. Ibrahim A Hajiyeh, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan was the Guest of Honour.
Shambhu S Kumaran highlighted the socio-religious culture fabric of India in his speech and established the connection of this fabric with central Asia from a historical and political perspective. He appreciated the significance of the organization of a Conference on Sufism in India along with Central Asia, as this perspective broadens the subject for a more enlightened scholarly enquiry.
Prof. Talat Ahmad, in his welcome address, had also expressed his views on the significant role of Sufis in the history of India. H.E. Ibrahim A Hajiyeh also expressed his happiness at the organization of an academic debate on such an important subject as “Sufism in India and Central Asia”.
All the sessions were well attended by distinguished scholars and students alike. The academic programme will conclude at 5.30 PM tomorrow, and will be followed by an evening of Qawwali in Dr. M.A. Ansari Auditorium, 6.30 PM onwards.