Assadullah Afaqi’s contributions recalled on his 12th death anniversary

Srinagar, Dec 1: The writers, speakers and scholars on Monday recalled the contribution of late Assadullah Afaqi in the literary world while commemorating his 12th death anniversary at Tagore Hall, Srinagar.
Born in 1938, Assadullah Afaqi acquired considerable expertise in Arabic, Persian and Kalam-e-Sheikhul Alam from his late father, Haji Ahmad Baba.
In 1956, he completed his matriculation. and after several years, he became the founder of the Markaz-e-Noor, University of Kashmir, where he spent three years as one of the Research Founding Fellows for Sheikh-ul-Alam centre.
He was associated with research for 38 years and dedicated his life to scholarly work. Besides various publications, Assadullah Afaqi authored over half a dozen books as well.
On Monday, a function was organised by Life Foundation Chrar-e-Shareef in collaboration with Kashmir Markaz Adab Wa Saqafat and J&K Academy of Art Culture and Languages at Tagore Hall Srinagar.
On the occasion, the writers, authors and scholars recalled the life of Assadullah Afaqi while paying rich tributes to him on his 12th death anniversary.
The function was organised to honour the life, literary legacy and spiritual contributions of a renowned Kashmiri scholar and author.
Besides personalities, academics, writers, and educationists, students from Life School Kashmir also participated in the event.
Former Director General School Education Kashmir (DSEK) Dr G N Itoo who is now serving as a professor at IUST Awantipora in his address remembered Assadullah Afaqi as a visionary personality and a man of principles.
“During his time, people could never reach the level of his magnanimity. His dealing with people was altogether different,” G N Itoo said.
He said Assadullah Afaqi had a modest lifestyle as he believed in simple living and high thinking.
“He would never think or speak ill about anything or anyone. But he always wanted to contribute towards society in every aspect,” he said.
G N Itoo urged the management of Life School run by Nazrul Islam Baba son of late Assadullah Afaqi to rope in some research foundation with the Life School Kashmir to start research on writings and publications of Assadullah Afaqi.
“People have now started their research on ideas of Assadullah Afaqi which he left behind in the form of writings and publications,” he said.
MLA Kulgam M Y Taragami, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Syed Mubashir Bukhari, Prof Bashar Bashir besides others were present at the occasion.
On the occasion, the students of Life School highlighted the lifestyle of min Afaqi through recitations and presentations themed around Afaqi’s philosophy and teachings.