IOS Kolkata Chapter organises Seminar on “Academic Contributions and Legacy of Dr. M.K.A Siddiqui”

IOS Kolkata Chapter organises Seminar on “Academic Contributions and Legacy of Dr. M.K.A Siddiqui”

Kolkata: Institute of Objective Studies, Kolkata Chapter organised a national seminar on “Academic Contributions and Legacy of Dr. M.K.A Siddiqui” here on December 3, 2022.

The seminar commenced with the recitation from the Holy Quran by Mr. Ahmad Ali Qasmi, a scholar from the Islamic Studies and Research Department of Jibreel International School. Abdul Basit Ismail, co-ordinator, IOS Kolkata Chapter delivered a welcome address, and set the tone for the proceedings of the seminar.

The seminar comprised of the two distinct technical sessions: the inaugural session and the business session. The inaugural session was presided over by Prof. Amzed Hossein of Aliah University. Following a brief acknowledgment of the guests and speakers, Md Shahjahan, the vice principal of Jibreel International School, conducted the proceedings. He also delivered the inaugural address in which the services of Dr. Siddiqui were recalled. 

Nisar Ahmed, retired assistant commissioner of Kolkata Police, while expressing his thoughts, shared his association with the reform programme for the minorities and backward classes, in collaboration with prominent bureaucrats. He highlighted the valuable contributions made by Dr. M.K.A Siddiqui during their work together in 1982. Mr. Ahmed expressed gratitude for Dr. Siddiqui's assistance in compiling a comprehensive report on issues affecting minorities and backward classes at the time.

The session gained momentum when Abdul Basit Ismail read out the message of Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam, Chairman of the IOS, New Delhi. Dr. Alam lauded Dr. Siddiqui's contributions and mourned the loss of the prolific writer who authored over 40 books and produced 150 scientific papers.

Dr. Ishtiaque, assistant professor of History, Aliah University, Kolkata, presented a paper focused on “Dr. Siddiqui's perspectives on Muslim identity and the diversity of Muslims in the subcontinent.” Dr. Sarfaraz Ahmed Khan, associate professor at West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, spoke on “Dr. Siddiqui's thoughts on the factors responsible for the backwardness of the Muslim community.” According to Dr. Siddiqui, the imperial interests of colonial powers exploited and influenced their Muslim counterparts in the subcontinent, he said. He also highlighted Dr. Siddiqui's personality traits, and described him as a blend of modernist, internationalist, and a person with a simple approach to life. He concluded by expressing both hope and the need for carrying forward the legacy of Dr. Siddiqui.

The seminar was also attended by the family members of Dr. M.K.A. Dr. Siddiqui's grandchildren also shared their memories. Rakshan Shakil, his granddaughter, emotionally recounted her cherished memories of growing up with her beloved "dada jaan." She acquainted the audience with various unexplored facets of Dr. Siddiqui's personality—his insatiable thirst for knowledge, his role as a caring father, and his unwavering support for the individuality and dreams of his family members. Adeel Abbas Siddiqui, Dr. Siddiqui's grandson and an IIT graduate, provided a glimpse into Dr. Siddiqui's ambitions, dreams, visions, and his desire to uplift his native place. He also touched upon the profound bond he shared with his family members, as well as the challenges and emotions Dr. Siddiqui faced in his later years.

The first session concluded with Prof. Amzed Hussein's paper on the "Demographic Diversity of Muslims in Bengal in the Vision of Dr. M.K.A. Siddiqui." Dr. Jawed Abbas Siddiqui, Dr. Siddiqui’s eldest son and research scholar, IOS Kolkata Chapter, proposed vote of thanks, marking the conclusion of the first session.

After the brief tea break, the Business Session commenced, with Dr. Sajjad Alam Rizvi, assistant professor and head, Department of History at Presidency University, Kolkata, chairing the proceedings. Hasnain Imam, an ex-research scholar from IOS Kolkata Chapter, spoke about Dr. Siddiqui's efforts to address casteism within the Muslim society. Dr. Siddiqui consistently advocated for an intellectual climate and an egalitarian society, Mr. Imam said.

Dr. Alefiya Tundawala, assistant professor of Political Science at Savitri Girls College, captivated the audience with her eloquence by focussing on Dr. M.K.A. Siddiqui's vision and contributions towards Hindu-Muslim relations in Bengal and the broader subcontinent. She highlighted that Dr. Siddiqui placed greater emphasis on the universality, unity, and solidarity of the Muslim community rather than focusing on internal identities and differences.

Mr. Yubayer Hossain, an anthropologist and research scholar, shared his findings on the “Institutions and Associations of Muslims in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta)”, researched by Dr. Siddiqui. He also shed light on the challenges faced by tribal communities and marginalised sections in India. Mr. Ahmad Hasan Imran, an ex-Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and managing editor of the Bengali daily 'Kalam,' shared his experiences of working with Dr. Siddiqui. He underlined the importance of collective efforts towards fostering unity among India's diverse communities for their upliftment.

The session concluded with an engaging valedictory address by Dr. Sajjad Alam Rizvi, who had been a patient listener to the speakers throughout the session. Dr. Rizvi graciously chaired the session in the absence of Professor Sekh Rahim Mondal, who was unable to fulfill the role due to a bereavement in his family. Dr. Rizvi shared his thoughts on the content presented by the speakers and provided additional insights to enhance the audience's understanding of Dr. Siddiqui and his life. He emphasised that while received knowledge should not be celebrated, research-based knowledge should be given greater importance.

The session ended with a vote of thanks extended by Abdul Basit Ismail.