A two-day seminar on “Sir Syed in Post-Colonial Perspective” was organized by the International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI), where intellectuals, researchers, experts, literary figures and academicians expressed views on the topic.
The conference was a joint venture department of Urdu of the university and Iqbal International Institute for research and Dialogue (IRD).
Inaugural and concluding ceremonies were joined by the renowned academicians, famous personalities including Dr. Shahid Sidiquie (AIOU VC and Chief Guest, concluding ceremony), Dr. Ahmed Yousif Al-Draiweesh, (IIUI, President and Chair of the concluding ceremony), Iftikhar Arif (Chairman National Language Authority and Chief Guest of opening ceremony), Dr. Masoom Yasinzai, IIUI Rector and Chair of the opening ceremony and Special Advisor to the Premier Barrister Zafarullah Khan.
Executive Director IRD, Dr. Husn ul Amin, Dean Faculty of Languages and Literature, Dr. Munawar Iqbal Gondal, Chairperson Urdu, Dr. Najeeba Arif, Head of the Department Urdu, Dr. Aziz Ibn ul Hassan also spoke to the conference and were also hailed by the participants for arranging a constructive seminar.
“Sir Syed was one of the less discussed intellectuals in previous five decades and both rationalists and non-rationalists can be pointed for this negligence” said Iftikhar Arif in his address to the seminar. He furthered that contributions of Sir Syed for the welfare and progress of Muslims are matchless. Dr. Masoom, in his views on Sir Syed called for steps to introduce Sir Syed and other legends to the youth. “Sir Syed pointed out that Muslim youth would have to mold itself as per the contemporary changes and same is the need of hour” said IIUI Rector.
Amid two days session, researchers and scholars benefited from various critiques of Urdu literature and prominent literary figures and all the sessions had jam packed audience.
Dr. Al-Draiweesh, in his presidential address called upon the youth to find heroes from the Muslim history. He furthered that Muslims have a legacy which is golden era of this universe. He lauded the IRD and Urdu department for arranging seminar and paid tributes to Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. He vowed that IIUI would be found among leading ranks when it comes to celebrate the services of Muslim heroes.
The event was also
addressed by Dr. Shahid Sidique who felicitated the organizers on arranging successful event and hailed the services of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. He said Sir Syed was one of the intellectuals who came forward to make a new momentum of Muslims towards the future progress.
Dr. Aziz Ibn ul Hassan presented the recommendations and Dr. Najeeba Arif thanked a IIUI leadership and departments for cooperation and support in her vote of thanks.
Later, IIUI President also hosted a dinner in honour of the participants and guests of the seminar .