Srinagar: A two -day International Conference on ‘Silk Route-Historical and Contemporary Relevance’ organised by Centre of Central Asian Studies (CCAS), University of Kashmir started here at KU on Monday.
Scholars, faculty members, students and delegates drawn from various Institutes of India and Central Asia such as Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, JNU, Jamia Milia Islamia, Delhi University are participating in the two-day conference
While presiding over the inaugural session of the conference Vice Chancellor University of Kashmir Prof Talat Ahmad in his address highlighted the significance of the Silk Route and possibility of exploring it further for the benefit of people in Kashmir and Central Asia.
He said “I hope that the scholars, delegates and faculty members who have come from across the country and outside will bring many new ideas to fore that would provide an opportunity for a free movement of thought again for the benefit of people of Kashmir and Central Asia.”
Vice Chancellor Islamic University of Science and Technology Prof. Mushtaq A. Siddiqi who was guest of honour on the occasion said “Kashmir falls in the ambit of the silk-route and hence it has a bearing of many cultures and also transported many elements of its culture to outside through the route in the past.”
He added “The route not only helped in the commercial purposes but was also responsible for the cross-cultural integration.”
Dean School of Social Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi Prof Ajay Patnaik delivered his keynote address on the subject.
He gave the historical perspective of the silk-route and talked about the revival strategies. “Sustainable co-operation will be possible through widespread connectivity, ”Prof Patnaik said.
“If one country connects its routes with any other that route will serve other surrounding regions as well and same is true for Central Asia,” he added.
Former Director CCAS KU Prof Abdul Majeed Matoo in his special remarks said “CCAS is one of the best of its kind in Central Asia and much research has been conducted on silk-route by this centre and I hope same is carried forward.”
Former Dean Academic Affairs KU Prof M Ashraf Wani who was the special guest on the occasion said that by conducting this conference CCAS is celebrating it’s birthday because the idea of the silk-route went behind the making of this centre.
Director CCAS KU Prof GN Khaki welcomed all the dignitaries, faculty members, special guests, scholars and students.
A book titled ‘Status of Women in Post Revolutionary Iran’ was also released on the occasion.
Dr Afzal Mir presented the vote of thanks on the occasion whileas Dr M Ajmal Shah conducted the proceedings of the session.
