Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 4: Minister for Medical Education, Youth Services and Sports, Taj Mohi-ud-Din today asked scholars to probe the decline of pursuit of knowledge and intellect among Muslim community even as he said Islam does not bar seeking attainment of knowledge, more so in science and technology.
Addressing the valedictory function of a two day national seminar-“Muslim Response to Morden Education: Approaches and Prospects” at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora, the Minister said Islam has made it mandatory upon its followers to seek knowledge and wisdom, whatever may be the cost. He asked the students to adhere to this principle and contribute positively in the development of human society.
Mr. Taj said that the modern education does not stop Muslims to practice their religion as well. There is perfect harmony between Islam and modern education, he remarked. We need to change the approach towards the modern system of education, he added.
He said that J&K State has fully adopted the modern education system and people here have excelled in every field.
Vice Chancellor Central University Kashmir Prof Abdul Wahid Qureshi and Vice Chancellor, IUST, Prof A R Trag also spoke at the valedictory function.
The two day seminar was organized by the Islamic Studies Department of the Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora.
Scholars of national and international repute including Prof. Hamidullah Marazi from Kashmir University, Prof Ishtiyaq Danish and Prof. Baseer Ahmad Khan from Jamia Hamdard (former Pro VC, IGNOU), Prof. Iqtidar Ahmad Khan from Jamia Millia Islamia, attended the two day seminars in which 36 research papers were presented.
Later, the Minister went round several blocks of the university. He visited the Food Technology lab, community radio station of the university, library, Computer centre etc. He was told that the university which is in its infancy has a collection of 25, 000 books and has an access to eight thousand online journals.
The Minister also visited the 100 KVA solar energy park developed by the university. He was told that the university has so far established 16 departments including six Engineering Departments and a Department on Peace Studies and more than two thousand students are currently enrolled on the campus.