3-day Deccan Libraries seminar from tomorrow

Nampally: As part of its diamond jubilee celebrations, a 3-day national seminar on 'Oriental Libraries in Deccan' (erstwhile Hyderabad State) will be organised at Abul Kalam Azad Oriental Research Institute at Public Gardens from August 24 to 26. Researchers from Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh will present their papers on the subject.

Speaking to The Hans India, chairperson of Institute, Prof Ashraf Rafi informed that 21 research papers from different districts of erstwhile state of Hyderabad were received. The inaugural address on August 24 will be presented by Prof Suleman Siddiqui, former VC of Osmania University, while A K Khan (retd IPS), advisor to State Government on Minorities Welfare will be the chief guest, and Prof Naseemuddin Farees will deliver keynote address.

The chairperson informed that the next two days will see the researchers presenting their papers on the issue and on August 26, a concluding session will be held where the participants will pass a resolution on the condition of libraries.

"This will be the first time that this kind of subject is being discussed, as the libraries despite having treasure-trove of knowledge are facing apathy. There are thousands of books in Urdu and Persian which are facing neglect. It is high time it becomes subject of debate and discussion, as inheritance will be lost forever," observed Ashraf Rafi. On Thursday, Ghulam Yazdani, Prof Ashraf Rafi and Ahmed Ali addressed the media about the diamond jubilee celebrations.