Department of Modern Indian Languages

Aligarh Muslim University Aligarh

Two-Day National Seminar

on

Sheikh Nurdin Wali: Thought & Art

On 27-28 Oct 2014

Respected, Professor Arif Nazir, Chairman Department of Hindi, AMU, Aligarh.

We are happy to announce that Department of Modern Indian Languages, AMU
Aligarh is holding Two-Day National Seminar on the theme Sheikh NurdinWali: Thought
& Art, on 27-28 Oct 2014.
Kashmir has been historically speaking a land of spiritual catholicity, tolerance and
humanism. . The composite culture of Kashmir is rooted in diverse ideological, theological,
philosophical, and spiritual traditions. The prehistoric intimations and the earliest historical
clues suggest that ancient Kashmiris were deeply steeped into tribal rituals, customs and
practices. With the passage of time, the rishis of mainland India impacted the original
inhabitants of Kashmir. Consequently, ancient people of Kashmir were converted to Hindu
beliefs, values, rituals, and practices. With the advent of Buddhism, Kashmir became a centre
for Buddhist learning and scholarship. The majority of the people of the valley became
followers of Buddhism. However, around 12th century A.D. the people of Kashmir were
reconverted to Hindu beliefs and modes of worship. During early 14th century A.D, the
central Asian Sufis and saints started orienting the people of the valley to Islamic beliefs,
values and practices. At the end of the 14th century, the majority of the Kashmiris were
wedded to Islamic view and way of life. As Islam during 14th century was propagated by
Sufis from central Asia and Persia, the Kashmiri people naturally appropriated the Sufi
version and interpretation of Islamic beliefs and values.
The cumulative impact of all these traditions fructified into an eclectic Kashmiri
mind-set. The basic orientation of Kashmiri art &thought was dictated by Sufi beliefs &
values in continuation with the archetypes rooted in Hindu- Buddhist Collective Unconscious
.In view of the same, the Kashmiri poetry pioneered by LallDed(a TrikaVedantin) and Sheikh
NurdinWali(a Muslim rishi) in 14th century A.D too was oriented to an exploration of
spiritual questions & concerns of life.
Sheikh NurdinWali typically represents the composite ethos and culture of Kashmir.
Born in the 4th quarter of 14th century A.D, his birth synchronized with the mass conversion
of Kashmiri society to Islamic beliefs, values & practices. Sheikh NurdinWali symbolized the
native genius of Kashmir. He was nurtured in classical Rishi tradition of Kashmir and was
powerfully impacted by the Sufi beliefs, values and practices as well. Sheikh was a life -long
seeker and mystical practitioner of the highest order. In his poetry, he emphasized on

valuessuch as piety, godliness, self- control, tolerance, human brotherhood & compassion. He
also launched a frontal attack on the formalities espoused and practiced by the theologians of
15th century A.D Kashmir. Conversely, he emphasized on the appropriation of mystical
experience leading to the realization of Soul and God.
He made poetry as a medium to propagate his vision and mission. He was a great Sufi
saint and Islamic scholar. He used simple and colloquial language to convey his ideas. He has
bridged communication gap between Saadats and Kashmiri people which gave an impetus to
conversion of people to Islam.
NundReshiwas a conscious lover of Eco-System. His saying Ann posh
telihyelihwann posh (Food will last as long as forests last) is a clear indication of his innate
foresight and intuitive knowledge. He spoke these words six centuries ago even before the
present concept of ecological balance was born and the U. N. Plans turned into hectic efforts
for maintaining the environmental balance and upholding the eco-system.Since the
contributions made by SheikhNurdinWali in developing and improvising the moral, spiritual
and cultural order of the society of Kashmir has been immense, therefore, the aim of our
seminar is to address the new dimensions and other aspects of his thought & art.
Sub themes:

Sheikh NurdinWali as a poet

Style and Art of his expression
His vision and mission
Sufism and poetry of Sheikh NurdinWali
WahadatulWajood (Unity of Being) and Sheikh Nur din Wali
Sheikh Nurdin and Central Asian Saadaats
Sheikh Nur din Wali as a Reformer
Contribution of Sheikh Nur din to Kashmiri Language and Culture
Sheikh Nur din as a Kashmiri genius
Sufism and other contemporary movements in India.

The outstation delegates will be provided accommodation and hospitality.

No TA/DA or remuneration will be paid.

The Seminar welcomes abstracts on any topic relevant to the theme by 30th Sept 2014
and full paper must reach by 8th Oct 2014 on the email addresses provided below.

Dr.Mushtaq Ahmad Zargar

Director, National Seminar
Mob: 09258842170
Mail: mushtaqahmadmuntazir@gmail.com

Co-ordinator
Manzoor Ahmad Najar
mansurkhan13@gmail.com
Mob: 08171649295

Prof. T. N. Satheesan
Chairman D/O: MIL