SRINAGAR: The ‘National Convention on Sufism’ organised by Cluster University Srinagar here witnessed a clarion call from scholars to revive the essence of Sufism to bridge the gap between the communities.
Speaking during the technical session of the convention, Vice Chancellor, Cluster University Srinagar, Prof. Qayyum Husain said that Kashmir is known as a bastion of Sufi traditions. “Infact, it won’t be an exaggeration to call Kashmir as the cradle of Sufism in South Asia. This tradition has been an integral part of the people’s ethos in the valley,” he said.
“Principles of Sufism are as relevant today as they were in medieval times because love and compassion, the two main planks of Sufism, will never age. By their humanistic teachings, Sufis bridged the gulf between people of different faiths,” said Prof. Qayyum.
In the technical session of the convention, scholars like Dr. Satish Vimal, Dr. Ghulam Nabi Haleem, Prof. Shad Ramzan, Prof. Mushtaque Barq and Prof. P. P. Singh presented their papers on the theme ‘Sufism: A Bridge between communities’. The session was chaired by Prof. Naseem Shifai.
Dr. Satish Vimal spoke about the different dimensions of Sufism while quoting different Sufi saints while as Prof. Shad Ramzan said that the younger generation needs to realise the vastly rich heritage of Kashmir including the Sufi movement.
Dr. Ghulam Nabi Haleem spoke about the tradition of tolerance embodied by personalities like Sheikh-ul Aalam (RA) while as Mushtaque Barq spoke about the distinction between a ‘learned sufi’ and a ‘living sufi’ while stressing on the practical aspects of the Sufi tradition.
Prof. P. P. Singh spoke about the affinity of Sikh community with Sufi traditions. He cited the example of Baba Farid who is revered by Punjabi Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs alike.
In her concluding remarks, Prof. Naseem Shifai congratulated Cluster University Srinagar for organising the convention on theme of Sufism and said more such programmes should be organised to rekindle the spirit of Sufism.
The programme was attended by Dean Academic Affairs, Registrar, Controller of Examinations, Deans of various faculties, Cultural Secretary of the university. The event was also attended by faculty members and students of constituent colleges.
During the valedictory ceremony, mementoes and certificates were also distributed among the paper presenters and participants.
Pertinently, the inaugural ceremony of convention was attended by Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha while Governor of Kerala, Arif Mohammed Khan was the Chief Guest and keynote speaker of the event.