The Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, Professor Mazhar Asif, released two books authored by noted fiction writer and senior secondary school teacher at Syed Abid Husain Senior Secondary School, Dr. Rakhshanda Roohi Mehdi, at a ceremony held in Yasser Arafat Hall, Jamia Millia Islamia, in the third week of December. The event was organised by the Office of Alumni Affairs, Jamia Millia Islamia.
The two books released were Alakhdaas, which examines the contribution of Sheikh Abdul Quddus Gangohi (RA) to Hindi literature, and Ek Khwaab Jaagti Aankhon Ka…, a collection of Hindi short stories.
Professor Mazhar Asif presided over the programme, while Professor Mehtab Alam Rizvi, Registrar of Jamia Millia Islamia, attended as the Guest of Honour. Speaking on the occasion, Professor Wahajuddin Alvi, former Head of the Urdu Department and former Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Languages, remarked that writing such a comprehensive work on Sufism in the present times is nothing short of a miracle. He explained that a Sufi is one who loves God deeply and experiences this love in every particle of the universe, adding that a true Sufi can never hurt another person’s heart.
Professor Mehtab Alam Rizvi described Alakhdaas as an important book for the contemporary era, stating that Sufism promotes mutual harmony and brotherhood. He noted that followers of all religions and communities gather with reverence at Sufi shrines, and in this sense, Dr. Mehdi’s book holds special significance and deserves wide readership.
In his presidential address, the Vice-Chancellor delivered a thoughtful and detailed discourse on Sufism, citing several verses from the Holy Qur’an. He said that a Sufi’s path to closeness with the Beloved, that is, God, is not possible without faith, righteousness, and true love.
Dean, Alumni Affairs, Professor Asif Hussain, shared his views on both books and stated that Dr. Rakhshanda Roohi Mehdi is a prominent name in both Urdu and Hindi literature. He praised her writings and said that it was for this very reason that the university organised the book release ceremony.
At the conclusion of the programme, Dr. Rakhshanda Roohi Mehdi expressed her gratitude and remarked that reading or writing Sufi literature has little meaning unless one lives by the principles and values of Sufism. She thanked all the guests while reciting a couplet by Allama Iqbal.
