Maulana Azad a ‘Beacon of Light’: Prof. Deepak Kumar

Hyderabad, Nov 11: “Maulana Azad was a beacon of light and we are in need of that light today,” said Prof. Deepak Kumar, Former Professor, History of Science & Education, Jawaharlal Nehru University, while delivering the “Maulana Azad Memorial Lecture” today on National Education Day at Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU). Prof. Syed Ainul Hasan, Vice-Chancellor, MANUU presided over the lecture.

MANUU organized five-day long celebrations and paid tributes to the first education minister of independent India.

Prof. Deepak Kumar while speaking on the topic “Education and Critical Thinking: A Historical Perspective” highlighted on how human society progressed from Rigveda till date and said there can be no progress without knowledge. Intellect and justice are two things that came into humans because of knowledge and that’s why they are the best creation of God. Our society, our culture has contributed equally in acquiring knowledge and tried to figure out how to improve it. Prof. Kumar remarked that our ancestors were great, their hearts and minds were bright despite living in slavery and we need to follow the paths they showed us.

Talking about civilization, Prof. Deepak said ours was a marble civilization; more importance was given to marble which blocks the light whereas western countries prefer usage of glass. Though we also know the usage of glass but we only made bangles out of it, not telescope. Ask questions and do not make a habit of only listening. Use your fingers to write and eyes to read books. Always read and write, he advised.

Prof. Syed Ainul Hasan in his presidential remarks appreciated Prof. Deepak Kumar for revealing many things about knowledge, culture, and civilization through his lecture. Each and every word of the lecture is worth understanding and to think about. Without seeking knowledge there is nothing. Scholars and persons with knowledge are the greatest rather than persons having power and wealth. Scholars will remain in society throughout their lives. Whenever you want to understand life and its facts, you will remember today’s lecture, he remarked.

Prof. Siddiqui Mohd. Mahmood, while quoting Mahatma Gandhi, Sarojni Naidu and Pandit Nehru’s sayings about Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, said being associated with the University which is named after Maulana increased our responsibilities to be dedicated towards knowledge and education.

Earlier, Prof. Ishtiaque Ahmed, Registrar, introduced the guest. Prof. Alim Ashraf Jaisi, Chairman, Azad Day Celebration Committee, delivered the welcome address. Dr. Ameena Tahseen, Head, Department of Women Education briefed about Azad Day Celebrations 2022 and announced the names of winners of various competitions held during the Celebrations.

Dr. Firoz Alam, Associate Professor, Department of Urdu convened the programme whereas Dr. Ahamad Khan, Director I/c, Centre for Urdu Culture Studies & convener Azad Day Committee proposed the vote of thanks.

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