Department of Persian, Jamia Millia Islamia, organises Hafez Shirazi Commemoration Ceremony
The Department of Persian, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), organised a commemorative ceremony in the honour of the celebrated Persian poet Hafez Shirazi on Monday, 12 October 2026 at the Iranology Hall of the Department of Persian, Jamia Millia Islamia. The program was held in collaboration with the Culture House of the Islamic Republic of Iran, New Delhi. The programme brought together distinguished academicians, university dignitaries, scholars, faculty members and students to pay tribute to one of the most influential figures in Persian literary history. The ceremony highlighted the enduring significance of Hafez’s poetry and its contribution to the rich literary, cultural and intellectual traditions of the Persian-speaking world.
The programme began with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Dr. Yasir Abbas, followed by a Naat Shareef presented by Mr. Shams Tabish, a student of M.A. Sem-III of the Department of Persian. These opening proceedings established a dignified and solemn atmosphere for the commemorative gathering.
The welcome address was delivered by Prof. Mohsin Ali, Head of the Department of Persian, Jamia Millia Islamia, who welcomed the distinguished guests, faculty members, scholars and students. In his address he reflected upon the continuing relevance of Hafez Shirazi’s literary legacy and the importance of Persian literature in fostering cultural understanding, intellectual inquiry and humanistic values.
Prof. Abdul Halim, Former Head of the Department of Persian, Jamia Millia Islamia, shared his scholarly perspective on the occasion. He discussed at length on the various aspects of the ghazals of Hafiz viz. Intoxication, love and humanity through the metaphors of cup bearer, wine etc. present in the poetry of Hafiz.
Prof. Iqtidar Mohd Khan, Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Languages, Jamia Millia Islamia, graced the occasion as a guest of honour. He highlighted the rich contribution of the Persian people in the field of Islamic Studies and said the Iranians had rendered valuable services in the realm of religion and literature.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the address by the Chief Guest, Dr. Fariduddin Farid Asr, Cultural Counsellor, Culture House of the Islamic Republic of Iran, New Delhi. His presence emphasized the cultural and literary connections between India and Iran, particularly the historical significance of Persian as a language of literature, scholarship and cultural exchange across the Indian subcontinent. He also advised the scholars as well as students of Persian to develop an interest in Hafiz studies if they wanted to scale greater heights in life.
The presidential remarks were delivered by Prof. Mazhar Asif, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Jamia Millia Islamia. His address marked an important part of the ceremony, reaffirming the value of literary heritage, academic engagement and the humanistic values contained in Persian literature. He enthralled the audience with his erudite speech and explained the evolution of Persian ghazals in a simple yet understandable manner. The participation of the Honorable Vice-Chancellor lent distinction to the occasion.
The concluding segment of the programme featured Ghazal singing and speeches on Hafez Shirazi by the students of the Department of Persian. Ms. Nargis Zehra, Ms. Hera Zeba and Mr. Faizan Ashraf enthralled the audience with their soulful rendition of the ghazals of Hafiz.
The program concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Prof. Syed Kaleem Asghar, Faculty Member, Department of Persian, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi.
The program was moderated by Dr. Md. Arshadul Quadri, Faculty member, Dept. of Persian, and Advisor, Subject Association of the same Department.
