By TCN news,
Aligarh: The Department of Persian, Aligarh Muslim University inaugurated an international seminar on “Shahnama of Firdawsi” in the Cultural Hall of Maulana Azad Library on Saturday. A large number of delegates across the globe are participating in the three-day seminar.
Professor Charles Melville of Cambridge University, UK delievered the keynote address at the inaugural session. He said that the Shahnama has a very interesting life in India and several manuscripts of it are available in different Indian libraries.
Prof. Melville pointed out that the Aligarh Muslim University has a valuable collection of its manuscripts and the Maulana Azad Library of the University provides fantastic resources for scholars visiting it from across the globe.
AMU VC, Lt. Gen. Zameer Uddin Shah giving presidential address at the international seminar on Shanama Firdawsi.
In his presidential remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Zameer Uddin Shah said that Shahnama has a mystical and historical importance and it is a book of history. He said that Persian was official language of India during Mughal period. It greatly influenced the Indian architecture, music, painting and the Urdu language and literature.
Lt. Gen. Shah urged the faculty members of the Department of Persian to work for the promotion of Persian language.
Professor Charles Melville of Cambridge University, UK delivering the keynote address at international seminar on Shanama Firdawsi.
AMU Pro-Vice Chancellor, Brigadier S. Ahmad Ali considered Shahnama of Firdawsi as one of the best epics in the world. He said that Mughal emperor Babur used Shahnama for motivating his soldiers. He said that Shahnama borne the history of Persian language and all concerned should make effort to preserve the language.
AMU PVC, Brig. S. Ahmad Ali addressing at international seminar on Shanama Firdawsi.
Professor Asif Naim Siddiqui, Chairman, Department of Persian in his welcome address said that a large number of delegates from Iran, Afghanistan, UK and other countries are participating in the deliberations.
A scene of audience at the ianugural session of international seminar on Shanama Firdawsi.
Professor Jafar Yahashi, Director, Firdawsi Studies, Iran, Dr. Ali Fauladi, Cultural Counsellor, Embassy of Iran, Dr. Usman Ali, Chargé d’affaires, Embassy of Republic of Tajikistan, Professor Abdul Khaliq Rashid of Afghanistan also addressed the inaugural function. Dr. S. M. Asghar proposed a vote of thanks.