Srinagar, Nov 11: The Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, P. K. Pole today inaugurated a two-day‘Sufiyat Conference’ at the auditorium of the Department of Information and Public Relations here.

According to a press statement, the conference aims at expounding the Sufi traditions of Kashmir. The theme of the conference is ’Sufism- 700 year old roots in Kashmir’. The Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Dr Shahid Iqbal Chowdhary attended the conference as Guest of Honour.

Chairman, Kashmir Society International, Khwaja Farooq Renzushah, Cultural Officer Kashmir DIPRs,Riyaz Ahmad Fazli, HOD Markaz-i-Noor Kashmir University, G M Khaki and a galaxy of authors, writers, and scholars were present on the first day of the conference.

Addressing the conference, the Divisional Commissioner said that Sufi teachings infuse us with the spirit of peace, sympathy and tolerance while negating hatred, ignorance and racism. 

He hailed the spirit of humanism in Sufi traditions of Kashmir and said that the divisional administration will take all possible steps to promote Sufism for reformation of society. He also called for the preservation of Sufi literature in Kashmir libraries.

While appreciating Renzushah for his attempts to revitalize the Sufi traditions in Kashmir, the Div Com said that with such renewed efforts, an atmosphere of peace shall definitely prevail in Kashmir. He lauded Renzushah’s contribution in propagating and adhering to the legacy of Sufis in the prevailing chaotic global and regional scenarios, the statement further said.

The Divisional Commissioner also awarded certificates of appreciation among some authors on the occasion.

Kh. Farooq Renzushah in his address highlighted some of the aspects of Sufism and called for a renewed propagation of Sufism in Kashmir. He said that the people of Kashmir are a peace loving and loving people, and that they believe in universal brotherhood and equanimity among people of various religions.

He hoped that Kashmir would rise as abode of love, harmony and brotherhood, besides a civilized nation and added that Sufi teachings are a prerequisite for identity of Kashmiriyat.

On the occasion, a number of authors presented their papers and books on Tasawwuf. These books have been written in English, Urdu, and Kashmiri languages.

During the different sessions of the first day of the conference, scholars, authors, ulemas, andSajadahNisheens presented their papers.

The Cultural Unit of the DIPR also presentedspiritual musical programmes on the occasion.

Among others,Mirwaiz North MoulanaShariefud  Din Bukhari, Dr Tabish, Mohammad YaseenKirmani, Sheikh Aijaz,  Gulshan Publication, MutwaliAala Sheikh ulAalam Holy Shrine, Haji Younis, MoulanaNooraniNaqashbandi also attended the Sufi Conference.