Three-day event: Finding peace in the verses of Ferdowsi

International moot celebrating works of Iran’s national poet kicks off.

LAHORE: Believers of different religions can work together to bring about peace in the world taking inspiration from the works of Ferdowsi Tusi, said speakers during a three-day international conference to celebrate the works of Iran’s national poet.

The three-day International Conference in Commemoration of Ferdowsi was organised by the Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) Lahore’s Persian Department (Ferdowsi Chair) in collaboration with the Cultural Centre of Islamic Republic of Iran.

The speakers said Pakistan and Iran could collaborate in numerous academic areas like technology, literature, art and research as both countries have common literary and cultural heritages. Sheikh Saadi and Muhammad Iqbal are equally popular in both the countries for their works.

Punjab Governor Rafique Rajwana, who was the chief guest on the first day, and Punjab Higher Education Minister Raza Ali Gillani pointed out the similarities between the cultures of both countries, claiming that cooperation was essential for their development.

In their addresses, Iranian Council General Bani Asadi, Ali Akbar Barkhurdari, Malkuti Tabar, Jononov Sher Ali highlighted the strength and depth of Iran, Pakistan and Tajikistan’s cultural, historical, religious relations and declared Ferdowsi as an asset and his book Shahnama a symbol of common historical heritage.

In her welcome address, LCWU Vice-Chancellor Dr Rukhsana Kausar highlighted the importance of Iran-Pakistan relations and the Persian language.  She said the LCWU played a great role in women development in Pakistan. “The LCWU is also focusing on promoting literature and culture. We have established institute of language and culture which is working effectively,” she added.

The speakers said Ferdowsi was one of the world’s most revered mystical poets. During his lifetime he produced a prolific range of inspiring and devotional poetry. He also produced a range of inspiring and devotional poetry which encapsulates the Sufi’s experience of union with the divine.

Although Ferdowsi was a Sufi and a scholar of the Holy Quran, his poetry appeals to people of all religions and social divisions. Even during his lifetime he was noted for his cosmopolitan outlook, the speakers noted.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 14^th, 2017.