International Seminar Explore Persian Translations of Sanskrit Texts and its Impact
Aligarh : The Institute of Persian Research at Aligarh Muslim University inaugurated a two-day international seminar at Sir Syed Academy, focusing on the theme “Persian Translations of Sanskrit Texts and its Impact on Indian Culture and Society.” The event saw educators from India and abroad who marked a significant stride in fostering intellectual discourse and cross-cultural understanding.
The ceremony witnessed Dr. Firiduddin Farid Asr, Cultural Counsellor IR Iran, delivering the inaugural address. Dr. Farid highlighted the historical significance of Persian translations of Sanskrit texts, emphasizing the enduring cultural bridges between the two nations.
In his keynote address, Professor Sirajul Islam from Visva-Bharati University shed light on the history of religions, Indian civilization, and the rich literary tradition of Persian literature. Prof. Islam underscored the unparalleled richness of Persian literature, positioning it as a global literary treasure.
Mr. Qahrman Suleimani, Director of Persian Research in Iran, emphasized the vital role played by translations of Kalila and Dimneh in disseminating intellectual treasures globally. He expressed gratitude to India for this enduring gift, noting its continued relevance in Persian academic circles.
Assistant Ambassador of Tajikistan, Habibullah Mirzazadeh, highlighted the linguistic bond between Persian and Sanskrit languages. His speech included a personal anecdote, revealing the importance of this linguistic connection in his academic research.
Professor Azarmi Dukht Safavi, Presided over the function and provided an overview of the life and works of Professor Zameera Gaffari, showcasing her scientific and literary contributions. Additionally, the release of two other books, including the translation of Kalila and Dimnah into Tajik, was celebrated. Urdu translation of Sirr-e-Akbar of Dara Shikoh by Prof. Safavi was also released by her.
Professor Muhammad Usman Ghani, Director of the Persian Research Center, introduced the seminar’s theme and the ancient ties between Iran and India. He praised the valuable contributions of the speakers and provided insights into various Persian translations of Sanskrit classics, including but not limited to Kalila and Dimna, Tuti Nama, Mahabharata, and Ramayana, showcasing the profound impact of these literary exchanges. He extended appreciation for the valuable contributions of the speakers
A video recording from Dr. Balram Shukla, Director of Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center in Tehran, celebrated India as the birthplace of science. Dr. Shukla showcased how Iranians have contributed to the global dissemination of India’s knowledge through translations.
Professor SP Sharma explored Persian translations of Sanskrit texts, drawing attention to the prevalent focus on love stories and well-known cultural books. He highlighted the vast untapped potential of translating hundreds of books spanning various subjects.
Prof. Arif Nazir, Dean, Faculty of Arts, delved into the complexities of translation, emphasizing the importance of capturing the author’s original intent. He discussed the translations of Hindu religious books into Persian during the Mughal era, acknowledging challenges in maintaining accuracy.
On the occasion Dr. Habibullah Mirzazadeh donated several Hindi and Tajik books to the Persian Research Institute. The program was conducted by Dr. Md. Ehteshamuddin.