Centre for Interfaith Understanding organizes seminar on ‘Family System in World Religions’
Aligarh, February 14: The Centre for Interfaith Understanding, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in collaboration with the Indian branch of Al Mustafa International University, Iran organised a two-day International Seminar on ‘Family System in World Religions’ in which different faith leaders deliberated upon the effects of new age and modernity on the institution of family. They emphasized the need to safeguard traditional values.
Speaking as the Chief Guest, Dr Ali Chegeni (Ambassador of Islamic Republic of Iran in India) said that the family is cornerstone of humanity and plays fundamental role in the growth of all members of society. “We live in an era in which the nature, function and structure of the family are exposed to abundant challenges,” he said. Quoting from Holy Quran, he said the objective behind family is reaching peace and tranquility in being together. “Studying and exploring the role of religions in order to saving and consolidating the family structure is a very vital measure for today’s world,” he said.
Welcoming the chief guest and other delegates, Prof Ali Mohammad Naqvi (Director, Centre for Interfaith Understanding) said that due to various factors the institution of family is in danger, which is a challenge to all religions. “The coming together of faith leaders will help in searching the common grounds and work for restoring social values,” he said.
Delivering the inaugural address Dr Mohammad Reza Saleh (Chief, Al Mustafa International University, India Branch) said that the basic foundation of thought, personality and human education and upbringings are formed in the family and it is the first base in which a person learns the lifestyles and social skills. He delineated the teachings of Islam on how to strengthen the institution of family.
In his keynote address Prof Akhtarul Wasey (President, Maulana Azad University, Jodhpur) said that Islam considers family the fundamental unit of society where children are brought up in the light of the teachings of Islam. “Respect for relationships is the sign of civility of the society and there is a need to restore the values of family and kinship in our society,” he said.
In his presidential remarks Syed Mahmood Madani (Vice Chancellor, Jameat-ul-Zahra, Qum, Iran) said that today social evils are common, divorce rate is on the rise and economic and industrial development has failed to present a solution to human sufferings. “All this is due to the disintegration of family system in our society,” he said. Mr Madani stressed the need for the parents to properly rear the children and inculcate values in them.
Dr Packiam Samuel (Director, Henry Martyn Institute, Hyderabad), Dr Alamul Huda (Head, Institute for Science and Technology Studies, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran), Swami Shantatmananda Ji Maharaj (Head, Ramakrishna Mission Ashram, New Delhi), Mr Vrajendra Nandan Das (National Director, ISKCON Communications), and Baudh religious leader Dr Karunasheel Rahul also spoke on the occasion.
The programme was conducted by Dr Shariq Aqeel. Dr Syed Fayaz Hussain Rizvi (President, Al-Mustafa Islamic Research Society, New Delhi) proposed the vote of thanks.
Dr Mohd Shahid (Deputy Director, Sir Syed Academy) and Prof Saud Alam Qasmi were present on the occasion.
