The Department of History and Culture, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) organized the Third Mushirul Hasan Memorial Seminar on February 24, 2025 in the remembrance of Professor Mushirul Hasan, former Vice Chancellor of JMI. The topic of the seminar was, “Muslims and Modernity in Colonial and Independent India”. The chief guest of the event was Prof. Mazhar Asif, Vice Chancellor, JMI and the keynote speaker was Prof. Shafey Kidwai, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University. Prof. Zoya Hasan, Professor Emeritus, CPS, JNU was the special invitee.
The programme began with the welcome address by the Head, Department of History, Prof. Preeti Sharma. After the formal welcome of the guests she threw light on the theme of the seminar. Her address was followed by a brief memorial speech, 'About Mushirul Hasan' delivered by Dr. Jawaid Alam from the Department of History and Culture, JMI, wherein he traced the life, work and contributions of Mushirul Hasan as a historian par excellence and as a former Vice Chancellor of JMI.
In his keynote address titled, 'The Narrative of Colonial Modernity and Sir Syed', Professor Shafey Kidwai spoke about Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s role in the propagation of modernity among Muslims in India towards giving them a new awakening. Prof Kidwai shed light on the pragmatism exhibited by Sir Syed by illustrating his broader perspective and approach as he examined the Abrahamic religions and provided insightful commentaries on them to substantiate his ideas.
The final address was delivered by the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Prof Mazhar Asif. He recounted the endeavours of Prof Mushirul Hasan as a Vice Chancellor, and expressed gratitude towards the keynote speaker for the thought-provoking lecture. In addition to this, Prof Asif went on to explain the theme of the seminar, especially, the concept of 'modernity' and enunciated the theoretical and practice-based tenets of - 'What is meant by being a Muslim', in a very engaging manner.
Prof. Asif articulated distinctions and convergence between Islam and Modernity using clear and accessible language, providing concrete and enduring examples. The introductory programme came to close with a vote of thanks delivered by a student, Anusha Khan.
The Seminar was divided into three working sessions: the 1st chaired by Prof. Ravindran Gopinath, Professor at Department of History and Culture, JMI, the 2nd by Prof. Farhat Nasreen, Professor at Department of History and Culture, JMI and the 3rd by Prof. R.P. Bahuguna, retired Professor from the Faculty of History and Culture, JMI, respectively. In the first session two papers were presented. The first paper was presented by Dr. Mujeebur Rahman, Assistant Professor, CSSEIP, JMI titled, “Quest for Modernity among Indian Muslims today: An Utopia or a work in Progress?”. The second paper was presented by Prof. Mohammad Sajjad, Professor at CAS History, AMU titled, “Muslim Identity Politics in Contemporary Times”.
The 2nd working session began with the presentation of a paper titled, “Muslim Women and Modernity during the First Half of the Twentieth Century: An Analysis” by Prof. Hassan Imam, Professor at CAS, History, AMU. The second paper of the session was presented by Dr. Harish Wankhede, Assistant Professor, CPS, JNU titled, “Making of Modern Muslim Identity in Early Hindi Cinema”.
The 3rd and final working session began with Dr. Maryam Sikandar, Former Fellow, NMML, Delhi, who presented a paper titled, “New Genres and the Genres of Newness: Avadh Punch (1844) and its Critique of Colonial Modernity”. The second and final paper for the seminar was presented by Dr. Jawaid Alam, Assistant Professor, Department of History & Culture, JMI, titled, “Muslim Intelligentsia and Their Nationalist and Communitarian Concerns: Reflections on Mohammed Ali, Dr. M.A. Ansari and Abul Kalam Azad from the Writings Mushirul Hasan”.
With this the seminar came to an end with Prof. R.P. Bahuguna giving the concluding remarks and thanking all the speakers, conveners and students present there.
