AMU teachers present paper at University of Delhi

ALIGARH  : Dr. Abdul Shakil and Dr. Diwan Taskheer Khan, along with Prof. Latif Hussain Shah Kazmi, former Chairman, Department of Philosophy, Aligarh Muslim University presented papers at the international conference on “Meaning of Life from the point of View of Mahatma Gandhi and Imam Khomeini”, organized by the Department of Persian, University of Delhi, in collaboration with the New Delhi Branch of Al-Mustafa International University, Iran.

Presenting a paper on “Gandhi’s Philosophy of Non-Violence and its Relevance in Today’s World,” Dr. Shakil pointed out that Mahatma Gandhi’s idea of non-violence was not just the absence of physical violence but a way of life that encompassed thoughts, words, and actions, forming a principle of Satyagraha which is universal and can be applied in politics, social reform and interpersonal relationship.

Dr. Diwan spoke on “Gandhi and Khomeini’s Principles of Human Rights: An Analysis.” Calling Khomeini as the Gandhi of Iran, he pointed out that both Gandhi and Imam Khomeini took their campaign with non-violence and both leaders used the means of religious principles to support their causes. Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence (ahimsa) was deeply influenced by his Hindu beliefs, while Khomeini’s leadership was grounded in Islamic principles.

Prof. Kazmi delivered a lecture on “Relevance of Mahatma Gandhi and Imām Khomeini’s Thoughts in our Time” and brought out the similarities between the two great leaders. He highlighted the basic common elements in their thoughts and socio-political activities which included trust in God and guidance from the Holy Scriptures, including the Gita and the Quran, truth, honesty and non-violence, among others.