Srinagar, May 22: Governor N N Vohra Tuesday said that peace and normalcy cannot be achieved through the efforts of governments and ministers alone but rather through the true understanding of philosophical writings of saints like Sheikh-ul-Alam (RA). 
 “We must not always expect governments and ministers to build peace. It rather lies in the treatises and verses of great saints like Sheikh-ul-Alam. Peace can easily be achieved by reviewing, interpreting and understanding the true messages which are embedded in the literature of this great saint who is called as Alamdar of Kashmir,” Vohra said at a book releasing function organized by the Adbee Markaz Kamraz in collaboration with the Allama Iqbal Library  University of Kashmir. The Governor released the book titled ‘Sheikh-ul-Alam – Kashmir revisited’ authored by Dr Farooq Fayaz, Director Academic Staff College of KU.
 Urging the KU authorities to offer scholarships and invite research papers on Sheikh-ul-Alam (RA) and his works, Vohra said literature could play an important role in restoring normalcy. “In ‘Kashmir Folklore’ I have seen the works of Sheik-ul-Alam. Soon after I discovered the beauty of the writings and the message. I told Prof Riyaz Punjabi – and now I am requesting Prof Talat Ahmad – to invite research papers on the subject. And they (works) should be translated in more than one language so that they reach the global readership,” he said.
 The Governor said Sheikh-ul-Alam was a social and religious scholar and his writing has been very simple to understand. “Every sentence he has spoken reflects his true being with messages of change embedded in them. And any of his writing will contribute in a significant manner to restore normalcy,” Vohra said.
 He praised the author for writing the book.
 The Governor announced a cash prize of Rs 10,000 to a 7th standard student, Masrat, from Chrarar-i-Sharief who recited verses of Sheikh-ul-Alam during the function. He asked the Vice Chancellor to have a scholarship for the girl.
 The KU Vice-Chancellor Prof Talat Ahmad said Sheikh-ul-Alam Chair of the varsity has been established as a centre of research. “We should try to make some arrangement to make students join the centre of research at Sheikh-ul-Alam Chair. Not only that, books should be translated for global audience,” he said.
 “As a Vice Chancellor I will provide support of every possible manner for such development,” he said, adding that he would definitely offer the scholarship to the girl (who recited the verses of Sheikh-ul-Alam).
 The author, Dr Farooq Fayaz, said his book has tried to place Sheikh-ul-Alam at a plane of history and mystery. “The book is a lens of wider perspective regarding the works and life of Sheikh-ul-Alam and roller of many misconceptions,” he said.
 Dr Mufti Muddasir from the Department of English presented review of the book.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 22 May 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 22 May 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 23 May 2012 00:00:00 IST