Jamia Journal Independent Student-run News Website of Jamia Millia Islamia (a Central University)
[Following is an official JMI press release dated Aug. 27, 2014]
Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia was the most influential Sufi saint who represented the secular character of the Indian culture, said Prof. Akhtarul Wasey. Delivering the 2nd Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia Memorial Lecture on “Tasawwuf: Tareef, Taaruf aur Ahmiat” today in Jamia, Prof. Akhtarul Wasey observed that Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia promoted universal understanding in the service of humanity. Prof. Wasey, a noted scholar of Islamic Studies, went on to elaborate how Nizamuddin Aulia empowered people to transcend categories of caste, creed, colour, region and race and became spiritual mentor for people. He represented the Sufi way of life.
Prof. Wasey cautioned people against fissiparous tendencies and rumours that have potential to rupture the secular fabric of India. He counseled the audience to promote secular tradition of India that had no room for divisive forces. He felt that all such forces did disservice to Indian nation and humanity at large.
Earlier, underlining the need for Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia Memorial Lecture, Prof. Talat Ahmad, Vice-Chancellor, Jamia Millia Islamia felt that the great Sufi tradition would help strengthen the secular fabric of the country and was the need of the hour. He applauded the Faculty of Humanities and Languages for instituting a Memorial Lecture in honour of Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia for it reinforced a supremely profound tradition. He averred that students of Jamia would draw inspiration from the life of Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia and would commit themselves to the service of human kind.
The Memorial Lecture was a big draw amongst students, faculty members and staff. Prof. M.P. Sharma, Officiating Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Languages, welcomed the Chief Guest and Prof. Iqtedar Mohammad Khan thanked the audience for their huge support and encouragement.
