Srinagar, June 11, (Scoop News)- N.N. Vohra, Governor, today, inaugurated a two day International Conference on “Culture and Literature in Medieval Central Asia”, which is being held at the University of Kashmir. This Conference has been organized by the Kashmir Society in association with the Centre for Central Asian Studies of Kashmir University.
The Governor recalled the invaluable bonds which existed for centuries past between Central Asia and India before its subjugation by the colonial masters. He said that in India the evidence of these historical linkages can be observed in the art, literature, music, cultural- traditions, public gardens, fruits and vegetables, cuisine, handicrafts, town planning, architecture, fauna and varied other arenas.
The Governor said that in the medieval period the Central Asian countries had achieved great advances in the fields of science, mathematics, astronomy and many other subjects and the close and congenial ties contributed to the enrichment of the culture and civilization of the countries in the region.
The Governor urged the Centre for Central Asian Studies to undertake more extensive research on the historical linkages between India and Central Asian countries, and particularly encourage the studies of Central Asian languages and literature.
The Governor appreciated the initiative of Farooq Renzushah, Chairman, Kashmir Society, in collaborating with the Kashmir University to organize this Conference which, he hoped, would also go a long way in further enhancing ties between India and the Central Asian countries. He also welcomed the continuing efforts of the Kashmir Society to encourage and revive the Sufi traditions in Kashmir Valley.
The Governor, on the occasion, also released “Pani-Maa-Alamba” a book in Gojri which has been translated from the Urdu language by Sajjad Poonchi. The original work is by Farooq Renzushah.
Dr. Saidov Saidbeg Boykhonovich, Ambassador, Republic of Tajikistan, conveyed greetings on behalf of Government of Tajikistan and wished for fostering valuable ties between the two historically linked countries. He assured full support to the Centre for Central Asian Studies and the researchers working in this field. He also presented copies of a few literary volumes from his country to the University and dignitaries participating in the Conference.
Prof. A.M. Shah, officiating Vice Chancellor, Kashmir University, spoke about the influence of Central Asian culture and traditions on the present cultural milieu of the Kashmir Valley.
Prof. G.N. Khaki, Director, Centre of Central Asian Studies, spoke at length about the influence of cultural and economic interactions between Indian sub-continent and Central Asian countries on their cultures and civilization.
Farooq Rezushah, Chairman, Kashmir Society, talked about contributions of great literary and Sufi personalities of Central Asian countries in evolving a composite culture based on mutual respect and brotherhood.
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