Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi remembered in Kashmir
Srinagar, Oct 1: A special commemorative conference was held on Wednesday at the Amar Singh Club in Srinagar, bringing together leading intellectuals, academicians, and cultural figures of Kashmir to reflect on the life and teachings of the great philosopher-poet Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi.
The event celebrated Rumi’s timeless message of love, humanity, and spiritual enlightenment. His 13th-century poetry, originally written in Persian, continues to transcend cultures and faiths, inspiring people around the world to embrace compassion, tolerance, and unity.
The conference featured a distinguished gathering of scholars, educationists, writers, lawyers, and other eminent personalities of the Valley, who deliberated on the enduring relevance of Rumi’s philosophy in today’s world. Speakers highlighted how his vision of love and human dignity provides guidance for fostering harmony, understanding, and mutual respect in contemporary society.
Senior Counsel Advocate Zaffar A Shah said, “Rumi’s poetry reflects the true spirit of Islam, emphasizing love, compassion, and justice. His words guide us toward kindness, respect for all humanity, and a closer connection with Allah.”
Former Vice Chancellor, IUST, Prof Mushtaq A Siddiqi, said, “Rumi’s words touch the heart and unite people. They inspire love, kindness, and understanding, guiding us toward harmony, compassion, and inner peace.”
Visiting Professor, University of Malaysia, Prof Naseem Ahmad Rafiabadi, said, “Rumi’s message is truly universal. From Turkey to Kashmir, his words reflect spiritual wisdom rooted in Islam, inspiring love, compassion, understanding, and fostering meaningful dialogue among peoples and civilizations.”
Head of Department, Persian, University of Kashmir, Prof Jahangir Iqbal, said, “As a Persian teacher, I see Rumi as someone who filled the hearts of people with love, faith, and wisdom. His words remind us that knowledge and faith always go hand in hand. To truly understand Rumi is to feel the deep love, kindness, and humanity that Islam inspires in every soul.”
Professor KU, Mushtaq Ahmad Ganie, said, “In today’s world, it is the need of the hour to guide our new generation through the wisdom of Rumi. True education goes beyond earning a livelihood; it nurtures the heart, mind, and soul, cultivating knowledge with purpose, character with compassion, and a life dedicated to Allah and service to humanity."
Former Director General of Tourism, M Saleem Beg, said, “Maulana Rumi’s wisdom teaches us that the essence of life lies in love for Allah, compassion for humanity, and the pursuit of knowledge that elevates the soul.”
Patron, Khanqah-i-Hyderi, Ashmuqam, Sameer Siddiqui, said, “Maulana Rumi’s message is a call for love, compassion, and humanity. In an age of division, his philosophy reminds us that unity, kindness, and mutual respect are the only paths to peace.”
HoD Persian, Government College for Women, Srinagar, Dr Syed Afzal Hussain, said, “Rumi has inspired writers and thinkers around the world for centuries. His poetry goes beyond any religion or country and speaks to the love and goodness of all humanity.”
Assistant Professor, Persian, GDC Bhelssa, Doda, Mudasir Nazar, said, “Rumi’s poetry brings together timeless wisdom and beautiful expression. As a teacher of Persian, it is our duty to keep his legacy alive.”
Secretary, Amar Singh Club, Nasir Hamid Khan, said, “It is an honour to host this special gathering. Today, Rumi has brought together thinkers from different backgrounds to share ideas and understanding.”
The event saw active participation from well-known scholars and other representatives, including State President Private School Association Jammu Kashmir (PSAJK), Ghulam Nabi Var; Muhammad Marouf Shah, Prof Aijaz Hussain, HoD Persian Amar Singh College, Wahid Ahmad, Aga Syed Muzaffar of MET Sopore, S M Akhtar, Dawar Mir, Syeda Mana Sanober, Ritu Kapoor, Sumairah Jeelani, Irfan Ahmad Shah, Ayaz Ali, Moonis Ali, Umair Ali, and H Manzoor.
The conference concluded with a shared commitment to carry forward the timeless message of Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi, emphasising interfaith harmony and the importance of integrating his philosophy into contemporary education, culture, and social life.
The gathering at Amar Singh Club Srinagar was widely hailed as a great tribute to one of the world’s greatest thinkers and poets, inspiring participants to uphold his timeless ideals of love, compassion and unity in everyday life.
