Knowledge of Persian a must

Knowledge of Persian a must
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE
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CHANDIGARH, Oct 31: No Indian can trace his/her roots till he/she has studied Persian, said Prof Azarmi Dukth Safavi, president of AIPTA, while addressing mediapersons here today.She is here to participate in the three-day XXI All-India Persian Teachers' Conference, which begins tomorrow at Panjab University campus.
While addressing mediapersons here, she said Persian language had contributed to the language, culture, literature and thought process of Punjab in a significant manner. "The Sikh studies, Sufism, Unani medicine system have their roots in the language, so it was virtually impossible to study this without the knowledge of Persian.

"The language has been the official language of Punjab for nearly 700-750 years in the Mughal reign, said Asif Sadiqui, from Aligarh Muslim University, who is here as a participant in the conference. "To conduct any research, study architecture, painting, art and culture of the medieval era, the language is very important," he added.

Safavi said the participants would discuss the ideas and methods required to promote the language in the conference. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Day n A cultural programme to greet the new millennium was held by the students of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's Dayanand College of Communication and Management at the college campus here today.

Principal Colonel D.S. Cheema (retd) said it was for the first time that the institute was organising such an event. "The programme was conceived, keeping in mind the need for the students and the teachers to interact on an informal platform and to have some fun," said the principal.

Students presented small skits, songs and some dance sequences which were presented on Hindi film songs.

Later, the programme was opened for all.... the memento presentation ceremony was followed by a dance-party, where all the students let their hair down.