Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) in collaboration with Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Regional Centre (SMVDU Campus) organized a webinar on ‘Kashmir Sufism & Rishism: Spiritual and Cultural traditions and its role in contemporary times’. The webinar was scheduled online on September 12, 2021.
Learned speakers of this webinar were Dr.Virendra Bangroo, Director, IGNCA, Regional Centre (J&K); Miss. Siama Ashraf, student; .Mr.Inayat Gul, poet and author; Mr.Ali Ahsan, author; Mr.Farooq Wani, Editor- in -Chief Daily Brighter Kashmir; Mr.Yunis Waheed., author; Mr.Rajesh Amrohi, filmmaker and Ms.Dolly Tikoo (Arrval), poet.
Mr. Sumanta S. Sharma, Faculty Coordinator, EBSB, SMVD University Katra, welcomed the speakers and thanked SMVDU and IGNCA, for the collaborative venture to bring forth the exquisite jewels of our country. In his welcome speech, Mr. Sharma said that our country’s diversity and cultural unity make it outstanding, and the Government of India initiative of Ek Bharat Shreshta Bharat is a proactive step towards it.
Dr Virendra Bangroo, Director, IGNCA, Regional centre shared information regarding IGNCA its activities and archives. He informed that IGNCA has a repository of manuscripts in digital and microfilm form, documented from Oriental libraries and museums in India and abroad. He said that IGNCA organized the Kashmir festival and other Programs to highlight Jammu and Kashmir’s rich cultural, artistic, and literary heritage in the past.
Ms. Siama Ashraf invigorated the online ambience with the recitation of Vaak of Lal Ded and Shrukh of Nund Reshi. Her beautiful voice and lyrics of Sufi saints kept the audience spellbound.
Mr. Inayat Gultalked about the message of Sufis that is oneness with God and to be kind to all human beings. Rishis and Sufis were exemplary in their actions. Smt.Dolly Tikoo (Arrwal) said that Kashmir has been the land of different philosophies, which came into existence from time to time.
Mr. Ali Ahsan said that he is delighted to be part of the webinar organized by the University at the sacred and holy shrine and at the same forum discussing the role of Nund Reshi and his sacred Ziariat at Tsrar, Kashmir life.
Mr.Rajesh Amrohi, Delhi based filmmaker stressed upon the fact that the entire global ecological imbalances, environmental problems and devastations happening around us are nothing but a result of spiritual crisis. Mr. Farooq Wani said that Kashmir is the land of Sufis and has a very rich Sufi culture tradition. For centuries Kashmir had been exemplary in practicing and promoting syncretic culture.
Mr. Younis Waheed in his speech emphasized on peace, brotherhood, and unity. The Rishi tradition of Kashmir is very old; it resembles the Sufi tradition in many ways. In this tradition Vedic religion and Buddhism is seen. The webinar concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Sumanta S. Sharma, who is also the Head of the School of Philosophy & Culture at SMVD University.