International Seminar on the Life and Poetic Contributions of Talib Amuli
Aligarh : Scholars, litterateurs and faculty members described the life and poetic contributions of Mohammad Talib Amuli, poet laureate of the court of Mughal emperor Jahangir in the one day international seminar entitled “Revisiting the works and vision of Mohammad Talib Amuli”, organized by the Institute of Persian research, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), in collaboration with the Iran Culture House, New Delhi.
Presiding over the inaugural session Prof Mohammad Gulrez, Pro Vice Chancellor, AMU said Mughal emperors patronized a large number of poets, musicians and artists from across regions and sections of society, which was the result of socio-cultural connections among communities, and non-partisan attitude of the rulers.
Describing the close historical and cultural relations between India and Iran he said India considers Iran her extended neighbor and imports about 20% crude oil from there. He also threw light on other commercial and economic collaborations between the two countries.
“There is a need to adopt and propagate the thesis of dialogue among civilization, instead of the thesis of clash among civilizations”, Prof Gulrez pointed out. He said “we have shared cultural exchanges since very old times and this has to be highlighted and celebrated”.
Prof. Gulrez also emphasized on exploring collaborative avenues between AMU and institutes from Iran and starting short term courses of appreciation of fine arts, folk music, literature and poetry for the young students.
In his inaugural speech Dr Mohammad Ali Rabbani, Cultural Counsellor, Iran Culture House, said Talib Amuli came to India from Iran and became poet laureate in the court owing to his poetic genius and peculiar style of composing poems. Dr. Rabbani also described the cultural and literary relations between India and Iran.
Delivering the keynote address Prof Azarmi Dukht Safavi, Advisor and Founder Director, Persian Institute said that Talib Amuli was the greatest exponent of Indo-Persian style of poetry which later got widespread currency across India.
Throwing light on the literary-lingual scenario in India and Iran in the backdrop the things happening in the political, societal, economic, military and literary arena of Central Asia, West Asia, the Indian sub continent and the Ottomans’ Turkey she said “the reign of Akbar and Jahangir produced a great upsurge in literature, and Talib Amuli is one of the harbingers of the Indian spring of Persian poetry”.
“In those days, several poets, artists and musicians came to India because it was considered ‘Darul Amaan’ the place of security and safety” Prof Safavi remarked.
She recited several couplets of Talib Amuli and highlighted the key features of his poetic style.
Attending the programme as special guest, Prof Murtaza Mohsini from Mazandaran University, Iran said, Talib Amuli came to India from Mazandaran region of Iran which is very rich in art and culture.
Prof Arif Nazir, Dean, Faculty of Arts said that for India world is one family and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam has been our motto since time immemorial.
He stressed on the values of brotherhood, fraternity and solidarity among communities and described Talib Amuli as the representative of composite culture of India.
Prof. Rana Khursheed, Chairperson, Department of Persian also spoke on the occasion.
Earlier, Prof Mohammad Usman Ghani, Director of the Institute welcomed the guests and introduced them to the audience.
A number of Indian and Iranian delegates attended the seminar.
Prof Naima Khatoon, Principal, Women’s College, AMU, Prof Zakia Athar Siddiqui, faculty members, research scholars and students were present on the occasion.
Dr. Md. Ehteshamuddin conducted the proceedings.
After the inaugural session an Iranian folk music and poetry recitation programme, Talib Khwani, by Iranian artists Ostad Ali Asghar Rostami, Mortaza Neekzad and Buruz Behrami was also held.