Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 1: Mumbai University had the privilege of inviting renowned poet and author Dr. Pragya Sharma as a speaker and guest of honour at the One-Day National Seminar held on February 28, 2023. The Department of Persian, University of Mumbai, Mumbai, organized the seminar with the aim of exploring the theme “Persian as a Classical Language of India & Its Impact on Indian Culture.”
Dr. Sharma’s extensive knowledge and experience in the literary field provided valuable insights and perspectives to the discussion. Mumbai poet Dr. Sharma established herself as a prominent figure in Kavi Sammelan and mushairas, reciting her poetry at various national and international events. Her book “Maut Ka Zindaginama,” published by Rekhta Books, received critical acclaim and became a best-seller.
The seminar featured other notable speakers, including Mr. Amanollah Sayadl, Director of Iran Culture House Mumbai, and Prof. Dr. Iraq Raza Zaidi from JMI, New Delhi, as the President and Keynote Speaker, respectively. Distinguished personalities, including Prof. Dr. Khwaja Likramuddin from JNU, New Delhi, Prof. Dr. Shahid Naukhez Azmi from MANUU, Hyderabad, Prof. Dr. Qamar Ghatfar from JMI, New Delhi, Prol.A. S. Dalvi from MU, Mumbai, Prof.G. S. Khwaja from ASI, Nagpur, Dr. Syed Ghulam Nabi from LU, Lucknow, Dr. S. Arshad Ali Jatari from LU, Lucknow, and Principal Pushpinder Bhatia from Mumbai, also graced the event.
Dr. Pragya Sharma said that when we move from Vidya to Gyaan, Upanishads have a prominent place among some of the major books which quench our thirst for knowledge. Dara Shikoh also studied them and also got about 50 Upanishads translated into Persian. Apart from this, texts like Gita and Ramayana have also been translated into Farsi.
Other scholars present at the event remarked that despite Persian being the official language of Iran, its influence on other languages in India has blended so seamlessly that it cannot be easily distinguished. It was also noted that even though the script in court has shifted from Urdu to Hindi or English, certain words such as Vakalat Nama, Vakil, and Kachehri continue to bear Persian origins.
The seminar provided an engaging and informative platform to explore the rich history of Persian as a classical language and its influence on Indian culture. The Head of the Department of Persian, Dr. Sakina I. H. Khan, also shared that since 2020, no seminar could be organized due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but after three years, the successful organization of this one-day seminar has given them the courage to continue the series. The Department of Persian, University of Mumbai, Mumbai, extended its heartfelt gratitude to all the speakers and guests who made the event a grand success.
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