IOS Centre for Historical & Civilisational Studies’ program on Tarikh Maskh Karne aur Saqafat ko Mitane ka ‘Amal: Daur-e-Hazir ka Almiya

IOS Centre for Historical & Civilisational Studies’ program on Tarikh Maskh Karne aur Saqafat ko Mitane ka ‘Amal: Daur-e-Hazir ka Almiya

In order to address the perpetual onslaught on the culture, civilization, and history of our country, an event was organised in both online and offline mode by the IOS Centre for Historical & Civilisational Studies on the premises of the IOS Aligarh Chapter on February 19, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. This event was attended by a large number of legal practitioners, social activists, retired teachers, and other academics. 

After the recitation of some verses from the Holy Qur’an by Hafiz Qari Mohammad Danish from Madrassah Faizan-e-Mustafa, Dr. Mohammad Serajuddin Khan, Asstt. Coordinator, IOS Aligarh Chapter welcomed the speaker and members of the audience and invited Professor Syed Jamaluddin, Director, IOSCHS, to present his paper titled “Tarikh Maskh Karne aur Saqafat ko Mitane ka ‘Amal: Daur-e-Hazir ka Almiya”. 

Before presenting his paper, the learned speaker appreciated the initiative taken by Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam, Chairman, Institute of Objective Studies, to establish a Centre to promote the study of history and culture and the contribution of Muslims to the making of Indian civilization based on primary historical sources. He also highlighted the aims and objectives of the Centre.

Professor Syed Jamaluddin presented an overview of a series of incidents related to the politics of changing the names of roads, cities, and railway stations. According to him, all these activities were aimed to erase everything that symbolized Muslim culture. He also discussed the distortion of historical facts and figures from public platforms by those wielding political clout. He further said that all efforts are being made to tarnish the image of Muslim rulers and defame ulama and Sufis. Character assassination of Muslim rulers in Bollywood movies and television serials, according to him, has become a regular feature. He further said that no stone has been left unturned to deface or wipe out anything symbolic of Muslims or Islam. Mosques, madrassahs and dargahs are being targeted and attacked, but the media, both print and electronic, and those occupying high positions in government and administration remain mute spectators to this phenomenon. Referring to the hijab controversy and the appearance of Islamophobic and misogynist Apps like Sulli Deals and Bulli Bai, Professor Syed Jamaluddin narrated the ordeal of reputed working Muslim women and young college-going girls in recent months. He exhorted the scholars to remain vigilant and expose historical distortions and attacks on the cultural ethos of the Indian Muslims as it is the need of the hour.

While giving his presidential remarks, Professor M. Muqim, Coordinator IOS Aligarh Chapter, appreciated the well-thought and written presentation of the speaker and said that generally, distortions of historical facts and cultural manifestations are made owing to an inferiority complex, but in his opinion, this malicious campaign will not succeed. He said that historical distortions could be countered with the deep study and analysis of the primary sources of the medieval period.

Towards the end, the vote of thanks to the speaker, the chairman of the session, the audience, and Mr. Raihan for technical assistance was proposed by Mr. Mohammad Serajuddin Khan.