New Delhi, March 27, 2026: Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) hosted a one-day national conference titled “Echoes of Tradition and Voices of Change: Mapping the Future of Arab-Islamic Culture” on March 25, organized by the India-Arab Cultural Centre (IACC). Over 25 scholars, academicians, and researchers discussed the evolving dynamics of Arab-Islamic culture amid global shifts.
JMI Registrar Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi served as chief guest at the inaugural session, chaired by Prof. Hemanyun Akhtar Nazmi, Director of JMI’s Centre for West Asian Studies. Keynote speaker Prof. Mujeebur Rahman, former Chairperson of JNU’s Centre for Arabic and African Studies, delivered the address. Guests included Dr. Waiel Awwad, senior Arab journalist, and H.E. Mr. Oday Hatim Mohammad, Charge d’Affaires of Iraq to India.
The session opened with Quranic recitation and a welcome address by IACC Director Dr. Md. Aftab Ahmad, who thanked JMI Vice Chancellor Prof. Mazhar Asif and Registrar Rizvi for support. Prof. Rizvi highlighted India-Arab ties as a historic partnership blending geography, culture, economics, and diplomacy—from ancient Indian Ocean trade to modern cooperation.
Dr. Awwad emphasized academic dialogues on Arab-Islamic culture amid global changes, pinpointing key challenges. Prof. Rahman described Arab-Islamic culture as dynamic and knowledge-driven, urging reinterpretation of classical traditions to tackle globalization, modernity, and socio-political shifts. Prof. Nazmi stressed strengthening India-Arab bonds for mutual growth, stability, and peace. Dr. Zulfikar Ali Ansari, conference coordinator, gave the vote of thanks.
Technical sessions delved deeper:
- History, Society, and Culture: Eight papers on Islamic thought, Arabic literature, and tradition’s role in identity.
- Knowledge, Tradition, and Exchange: Seven talks on modernity, reforms, colonialism, globalization, and tech’s cultural impact.
- Politics and Society in the Arab World: Discussions on future trajectories, intercultural dialogue, digital humanities, and transnational exchanges.
In the valedictory, Prof. Rizwanur Rahman (former JNU Chairperson) called for interdisciplinary research and India-Arab academic ties to boost global understanding. Chaired by Prof. Nasim Akhtar, Head of JMI’s Arabic Department, the session featured scholars like Prof. Abuzar Khairi (JMI), Prof. Nasir Raza Khan (IACC), Prof. Anisur Rahman (CWAS), and others. Dr. Ahsan Raza presented the report and vote of thanks.
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